Coachella Valley Weekly - May 21 to May 27, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 9

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 21 to May 27, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 9

CVMA Photos

pg 4

Miramonte Staycation

pg 7

Comedy Night for CVRM

pg 8

Banjer Dan

pg 10

Pennywise

pg 11

May 21 to May 27, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

Swim to win

By Kira Golden

Olympic champions help give coachella valley children swimming lessons & water safety training

760.501.6228

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

Contents

Swim To Win.............................................3 CV Music Awards Photos.........................4 Don’t Be Clueless In The CV....................6 Miramonte Staycation.............................7 Breaking the 4th Wall...............................7 Plan B Comedy Night for CVRM..............8 DSUSD Teacher’s Strike...........................8 Backstage Jazz- Grooves at the Westin...9 Tilted Kilt Open Mic...............................10 LMS - Banjer Dan...................................10 LMS - Pennywise....................................11 Consider This - Michael Des Barres.......12 Art - Salle Kirby......................................13 Pet Place.................................................14 The Vino Voice........................................15 Club Crawler Nightlife...........................16 Screeners................................................20 Book Review...........................................21 Social Security......................................... 23 Safety Tips..............................................24 ShareKitchen..........................................24 Haddon Libby........................................25 Dale Gribow...........................................25 Sports Scene..........................................26 Free Will Astrology................................27 Mind, Body & Spirit...............................27 Life & Career Coach................................28 Ask The Doctor.......................................28 Weiss Cracks...........................................30

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teve Little, founder of Swim to Win, says he likes to start with the end in mind. “I figure out what my goal is and work backward from there.” With regards to his non-profit organization, his end goal has always been to stop kids from dying in swimming pools. “I want to change the face of correctable drowning deaths and injuries in the Coachella Valley, and beyond that, the world. The simple fact is that in 2014, the drowning rate, compared to the national average, was 5.3 times higher here in the Valley. We lost thirteen babies and five adults between Beaumont and Mecca in 2014. That statistic is just completely reprehensible.

And there was a day when I realized, wait a minute—I have the skills, the resources, and the passion to do something about this.”

Little was born and raised here in the Coachella Valley. He spent four and a half years as a commissioned linguistics officer in the Army, and then pursued his education at USC, gaining his Master’s in Organic Chemistry and swimming competitively throughout his time there. After graduating, he moved back to the Coachella Valley and started a swimming pool business called CLARO Pools. “Ten years of complacency existed, where I just accepted that people drowned and died, and I never knew why I was here. I mean, I donated to National Drowning Prevention, I donated to the Red Cross—it was always important to me, but I never understood my ‘why.’”

That all changed in May of 2012 at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. Little was teaching his then 6 year-old daughter how to swim butterfly stroke when he witnessed

May 21 to May 27, 2015

something that lit a spark inside of him. “I watched a father, in jest, push his daughter into the pool. And I saw this little girl, maybe four or five years old, as she fell, her face just awash with fear. And I knew at that moment, that I could change that.” Little knew he had the ability to take away the fear of the water and reduce the drowning rate—all he needed to do was teach kids how to swim.

Little attended USC with Janet Evans, who is an Olympic Gold Medalist many times over and held world records in three different events. They’d stayed in contact over the years, and worked together on various USA Swimming functions, so he called her that very day, sitting on the deck of the pool, and told her all about his idea. “She basically told me I was insane,” Little remembers, laughing.

“But that just made my resistance to failure build up, and I told her, ‘No, we can do this.’” Through Evans’ connection with other Olympians, they were able to get Rowdy Gaines on board, and Swim to Win was born.

The first swim clinic occurred May of 2013. It was attended by six Olympians. “We had no money, no sponsors, no budget, no marketing money, the City of Palm Desert thought I was nuts,” Little chuckles. “But we put together this clinic and 2,000 kids showed up. And with those 2,000 kids came their parents. It was the most well attended clinic USA Swimming had ever heard of. That sealed it in my mind—that there are lots of children out there who want to learn to swim, but there are financial and physical obstacles and barriers that prevent them from learning, and I can do something about

it. So we doubled down.” The second clinic was held was May of 2014 and was attended by ten Olympic swimmers, and 3,000 kids showed up. This year, the clinic will be held this coming Saturday, May 23rd, and there are fifteen Olympians set to attend, who will be assisting Steve Little in teaching basic water safety and swim techniques for free. Next year, he is shooting for 20-25 Olympians.

With the growth of the clinic, it became clear to Little that they were going to need a fundraiser. Previously, Little had funded the vast majority out of his own pocket, but with the clinic getting bigger and bigger every year, and Little wanting to obtain his larger goal— ensuring that every child in the Coachella Valley has access to clean, healthy water, and knows how to swim—he felt it was time to get serious about raising money for the cause. He happens to be friends with Dave Bray, the lead singer of Madison Rising, and after paying him a visit in New York, the band agreed to come down for a benefit concert.

The concert will be held at Aqua Caliente Casino, but getting such a prestigious venue required some creative thinking on Little’s part. He impressed the management first by doing the Desert Woman’s Show with them.

“I got Aaron Piersol, the king of backstroke, to show up in this hall for the Desert Woman’s Show, in just a speedo with his gold medals on. We had quite the buzz at my table. And the management thought, ‘Who the heck is this guy, who gets an Olympian to do this?’”

And so he pled his case with them, but they told him it was up to the Indian Tribal Council.

But Little’s passion for his cause is not to be underestimated. After speaking to the Indian Tribal Council, they agreed to sponsor it and donate the show to his cause. They also agreed to provide all technical support for free, as well as pay for all the Olympian’s hotel rooms and food. Little said the concert has the potential to raise $200,000 for his cause, and also hinted at big plans for a benefit event next year.

The Swim to Win Benefit Concert, featuring Madison Rising, is Friday May 22nd at 9PM and will be celebrating America, in honor of Memorial Day Weekend, and will be attended by local police, firefighters, first responders, Marines, and of course, the invited Olympians. Tickets are still for sale via startickets.com and if you visit swimtowin. org, there’s still time to sign up for the swim clinic on May 23rd.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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Cv Music Awards

Captured memories of the 2015 CVMa’s

May 21 to May 27, 2015

CV Weekly would like to eminently thank our photographers for the night: Chris Miller (CM) & Scott Pam (SP) who both captured the Awardees and Performing Artists, and Laura Hunt Little (LHL) who shot the Step & Repeat Red Carpet photos. You all did a wonderful job! Here is a collection of their snapshots from the event.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

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Sun, May 31 at 12 PM Noon: Here’s how these music fans roll! Join The Key Players as they travel on their 2nd annual trip to the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles: Meeting in Palm Desert, the amiable group takes the journey by luxury coach (with facilities and without traffic concerns) to hear the finest classical and modern instrumental and vocal music performances at the Colburn Music School in Los Angeles at 3 PM. An intriguing and well-planned program will be announced about one week before the concert. Afterwards The Key Players will stop for a no-host delicious and undoubtedly well-orchestrated dinner that will satisfy appetites on the way back home. $75 per person ; ($65 for Key Players.) To join them on this trip produced by the Virginia Waring Intl Piano Competition, or for more information, email ann@vwipc.org, or call 760-773-2575. The VWIPC’s physical

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address is 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, # 201, Palm Desert, CA 92260, call 760-773-2575, or you can make a donation online through the VWIPC website, a writing “Colburn Trip” in the comment section. Dress code? You know the drill: Desert Chic Casual Comfort!

My How Time Fleas! Oops, “Flies!”

Your Pet Can Be a Star! Enter your Cat, Dog, Horse, two or four legged, or even two-winged Beauty, or any animal that you love in the PETS On Parade Photo Journal contest! And even better, your entrée is supporting every animal under the care of Pegasus and Loving All animals. The sum paid is fully tax deductible and enters you in the POP book with us forwarding your pet’s picture to CBS, Desert Sun and Palm Springs Life to also enter their contest. Category winners will also enjoy a full page spot in the Loving All Animals annual calendar.

They will wait for your response as long as possible, but please print the attached form and either scan and return with your picture and or mail as directed ASAP. If you wish to, you can fax your entry and/ or sign up www.pegasusridingacademy.org or www.lovingallanimals.org. Please do it today! Call for an invitation and join us at the Pets on Parade Luncheon on Saturday, July 18, 2015, 11 am- 2:30 pm, Renaissance Esmeralda, Indian Wells benefitting Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy 760-772-305 7, and Loving All Animals 760-776-9397.

Remember” Every Pet is a Star!”

Saturday, June 20, 6 PM VIP Reception; 7 PM Dinner & Pioneer Awards. Here’s your Alert to a special event and a good cause in June: A memorable evening of entertainment, and empowering presentations are on the menu as The Family Health & Support Network celebrates “Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley,” acknowledging the resilience of our youth and young adults, who with your help, hold our future in their capable hands! The event promises good food, exciting entertainment, and an atmosphere that inspires community unity and support. All proceeds directly benefit the Family Health & Support Network foster care program. Sponsorships

are available and individual and group tickets may be purchased at 7603402442, or visit juneteenthcv.com. Cost: $55– General Admission; $75– V.I.P. Reception & Seating. The event will be at La Quinta Resort & Spa, 49-499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta.

Family Health & Support Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves highrisk children who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect and who have been placed in protective custody. Family Health & Support Network, Inc. is a caring and compassionate network of individuals who believe that every child deserves to be loved. Consequently all of our programs and services to children and families are administered with compassion and strength. We are looking for other caring and compassionate individuals and couples to join our network of certified foster parents.

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

Thanks!

May 21 to May 27, 2015

Miramonte Resort & Spa Offers Residents Incredible Staycation Deal

King Estate Rooms for $109 Include $25 Resort Credit

I’ve got sunshine in the month of may

his month of May is almost one for the history books, but what a wonder it has been for the denizens of our fair Coachella Valley. You know who we’re talking about. Those caring, curious, cause-aware residents who moved here thinking they were going to retire, play a little, or a lot of golf, or deal and shuffle at Bridge Tournaments. Whatever. Miss Happy Hour? I don’t think so, their mantra being, “It’s 5 p.m. somewhere!” Right?

Who? You. We understand. Sometimes you feel you’re busier than ever than you were when you lived in Dubuque, or another American town that you love and still miss, sometimes. And as temperate as the climate is right now with deliciously cool mornings, soon it will rev up to day after day of tripledigit torture. For those on the go? Check-list cache: Smoothie Recipe Perfected? Check.

Fridge filled with bottled water (perhaps with underwear tucked in zip-lock bags)?

Check. Double-digit Sunscreen? Check.

Personal Mister/Fan? Check. Dog-eared, tear-sloshed romance paperback in a brown paper cover? Check. Could go on but the AC is breathing hard. Flip the switch? Check.

Read on for a calendar check-list you’ll want to pencil in. A cool place to hang out in every Item!

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iramonte Resort & Spa introduces the “Stay Free” package for summer, which awards a third night free and resort credit. The package affords Coachella Valley residents desiring a getaway close to home a luxury resort experience. The Mediterranean villageinspired resort features a recently renovated pool, an award-winning spa and delectable dining, as well as special events scheduled throughout the summer. The “Stay Free” package is available Monday through Friday from May 15 through September 30th with rates starting at $109 for a King Estate room – when booking two-nights the third night is free.* Situated at the base of the aweinspiring San Jacinto Mountains, the resort is recognized by Orbitz with a “Best In Stay Award.” Two-story bougainvilleacovered villas are designed with romantic architecture, fine-crafted stonework, tranquil piazzas, and complemented with Italian fountains and outdoor fire pits. In addition, the 11 expansive acres feature olive trees, fragrant citrus groves, rose, and herb and flower gardens. *Disclaimer - Subject to availability and based on double occupancy. Not applicable to existing confirmed reservations or group bookings. Tax and resort fees are additional. This special offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Blackout dates and other restrictions apply.

The signature pool was recently renovated and is graced with luxury lounge chairs and private poolside cabanas. The richly appointed cabanas are reminiscent of a small living area featuring couches, chairs, and a coffee table, along with television and radio with an enhanced sound system. A stocked refrigerator of water, soda and fruit is included in the $200 per day cabana rental. At the signature pool bar service is offered and a full menu is available with poolside service.

In addition, the more intimate Piedmont pool area was created with serenity in mind for adult guests only.

With the “Stay Free” package guests receive a $25 resort credit that can be used at THE WELL Spa. THE WELL® Spa, consistently named in the Top 100 Resort Spas in North America by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine and selected as a Top Urban Spa Retreat by Yahoo! Beauty, features 12,000 square feet of decadent relaxation.

The spa was designed as a Tuscan Villa with 13 treatment rooms, an impressive co-ed courtyard, four outdoor cabanas complete with open air showers, an Aqua Well pool and a signature river bench pool. Through May, THE WELL Spa offers the special Pamper Me package that includes a full 50-minute Maestro Massage and 30 minute Custom Hydrating Facial for only $149, Monday through Friday; and a special Organic Shea

Butter Quench Massage that is 60 minutes for $120 or an Organic Shea Butter Mani/ Pedi that is a 75 minute treatment for $110.

Both Organic Shea Butter treatments include a glass of champagne. Other spa specials will debut in June. For updated spa specials visit www.miramonteresort.com/thewellspa.

The Grove Artisan Kitchen is known for its “farm to table” fresh seasonal California cuisine featuring ingredients from local artisan growers simply prepared with time honored techniques. The menu features organic produce, fresh herbs grown on the property, farm raised meats and poultry, fresh Pacific seafood, house-made pastas, prime dry-aged meats and innovative vegetarian dishes.

The Vineyard Lounge offers cocktails and appetizers, and for summer offers a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. that includes $5 well drinks and wine along with a variety of discounted appetizers. On Taco Tuesdays

A Stage Review of “La Cage Aux Folles”

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a cage aux folles literally means “the cage of mad women”, though folles is also a slang term for effeminate homosexuals.

Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of the Tony Award winning, “LA Cage Aux Folles, book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, is the story of two gay men who run a drag club and who raise a son who grows up to become engaged to a woman who has extremely conservative parents and so the son asks his two fathers to deny all that they are in order to appease his bigoted, future inlaws.

Kam Sisco as Albin, gives a moving performance as the ‘mother’ who is denied her parental rights and asked to disappear in order to appease the image that his son wants to portray of a ‘straight’ family.

Sisco’s rendition of “I Am What I Am” had me close to tears. A talented actor who brought a depth of emotion to the role that kept me engaged.

Jacob (Ron Coronado) is adorable, funny and with perfect comedic timing, steals every scene he’s in. I loved the “Les Cagelles”, the chorus of queens was the through-line for the show; they were talented, graceful and gave a real Broadway touch of class.

If there is one thing that any theatre

By Dee Jae Cox

goer can count on when seeing a show at The Palm Canyon Theatre, is that you are going to get a Broadway quality set and production experience. Whether you like the play or you don’t, Palm Canyon Theatre knows how to put on a top quality show.

And with La Cage Aux Folles, they did not

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margaritas are just $6 and tacos are $2.

Live entertainment is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday nights through May with the phenomenal Gennine Jackson, known for her Whitney Houston tribute tour and recognized by Orange County as Performer of the Year. On Wednesday May 13 and again on May 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., acoustic guitar player Michael Keeth performs. Other entertainment will follow into summer, to be determined.

For additional information on the “Stay Free” package visit www.miramonteresort. com/stayfree.

Use promo code STAYFREE when making reservations by using this link or by calling (800) 237-2926. Miramonte Resort & Spa is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, California. For more information about the resort visit www.miramonteresort. com, and for information on specials click on “Deals/Packages”.

Breaking the 4th Wall

disappoint. Bruce Weber’s Scenic design is absolutely stunning. I was mesmerized by how seamless the set shifted from one scene to the next. With zero effort and one hundred percent quality, I was in love with the set. Weber’s costumes were the icing on the cake.

Steve Fisher’s direction and Daryl J. Roth’s Choreography worked in unison to create a flawless and fluid staging of this classic musical.

While the music for La Cage Aux Folles is not as big and brilliant as many other well known musicals, there are a couple of songs that will leave you smiling or tearyeyed. My favorite was “Song on the Sand.”

Performed beautifully by George (Timm McBride) in a loving and reminiscent ode to the day he and Albin fell in love.

The Palm Canyon Theatre Produces quality theatre. What they don’t do is produce works written by women playwrights. When announcing their upcoming 19th Season, out of five offerings, not even the usual low American Theatre standard of 20%, was written by a woman.

La Cage Aux Folle is a show that is directed more towards an adult audience.

It is quality show that will definitely remind you what good theatre is all about.

“La Cage Aux Folle”, is being performed through May 24th, at the Palm Canyon

Theatre, located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For Reservations: Box Office: 760.323.5123 www.palmcanyontheatre.org Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of KPTR 1450’s hit radio show, “California Woman 411” in Palm Springs.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

Community

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By Denise Ortuno Neil

Saturday Night Laughs Comedy Show Raises Funds for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

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aturday Night Laughs Comedy Show at Plan B Live Entertainment & Cocktails in Thousand Palms, benefiting the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission on Saturday, May 16th 2015, was a wonderful success!! With talented comics and one amazing magician, funds were raised to help one of the most important charities in the desert.

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission started back in 1971 by concerned business persons and churches. It grew from its humble beginnings in a former WWII building into a newly constructed building which opened in fall of 2011. The facility helps the needy, sharing their spirituality with 225 clients a day, providing 190,000 meals a year and gives shelter to 70,000 every year. The CVRM helps the homeless, the abused, and addicted get back on their feet and back into society in a productive and positive manner.

The Saturday Night Laughs Comedy Show was produced by The Palm Springs Local, a local website providing reviews of local stories, events and restaurant reviews with a local flare. And powered by Renova Solar, a leading solar power company. Talent for the event was generously given by comics Ernie Avila, Hector Castro and Mike Whelan. An added benefit for the show was magician Dean Apple, who not only entertained the audience with his sleight of hand, but also incorporated his own brand of humor as well.

Ernie Avila, is a well-known comic from the Ontario area, performing at local venues. Hector Castro has performed for several comedy shows benefiting the CVRM, and was the winner of the “Get Up and Stand Up” comedy contest back in 2011. Mike Whelan, an up and coming comic from L.A., was hilarious with his astounding impression of Christopher Walken.

Magician Dean Apple’s talents are ranked high and continue to be recognized locally and nationally. His show incorporates traditional magic with a twist of humor, making for a night of pure entertainment. He will be performing at the Indio Performing Arts Center on May 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Make sure to catch his fantastic performance (www.indioperformingartscenter. org).

Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails provided a fun and ample space for the comedy show, with great drinks and a friendly staff. The admission for the night was $15 per person with an optional canned food donation. Admission included a chance to win a ride with Ackland Biplane Adventures, which was happily won by one of the evenings patrons (he was very happy, ready to fly high with a trip on the Biplane).

Raffle prizes were also given out and were provide by sponsors including, Castellis Ristorante, The Grill on Main, Beauty by Elayna, Ricasha Salon, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, the

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Palm Springs Aerial Tram, Nordstroms, and Bradford Portraits. Media sponsors included CV Weekly, KRET TV, Solono Creative and Classic Party Rentals.

The night was hosted by The Palm Springs Local, Denise Ortuno Neil and assisted by CVRM’s Community Relations Manager, Scott Wolf. The Palm Springs Local representative Todd Oleson was also on hand to assist in the evening’s festivities.

All of the door and raffle proceeds from the event went directly to the CVRM. The organization has recently expanded their facility to incorporate a new shelter annex providing nightly shelter to 75 souls a night. Clients get to shower, have access to clean clothing, meals, have a place to sleep and have access to case management services daily. The CVRM is there to help in every way.

From Now until August, you can visit any Subway restaurant in the valley and support the CVRM with the “You share and we Share” campaign. The restaurant chain will donate a portion of weekend sales to the CVRM. The CVRM will also be kicking off their “90 days of Summer” the first week of June. The program runs the whole summer and is serviced

by CVRM staff and local volunteers from public and medical organizations who go out into the community on a weekly basis to help those who are on the streets. They offer the needy medical aid, food, and clothing, and make sure that they are informed of the services available to them through the CVRM. Towards the new school year, the CVRM will once again be launching their “Backpack Bonanza” outreach program on Saturday, August 22nd. They will be seeking donations before the event of backpacks and school supplies to assist needy children prepare for the new school year.

The Saturday Night Laughs Comedy Show helped the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission with their ability to help those who are in need in the Coachella Valley. We pass by the homeless every day…sometimes we notice them and sometimes we don’t. But the truth is, is that they are there…they always have been and the numbers are growing. We as a community should recognize these people in need and support local organizations like the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission who do so much to help them get their lives back together and become vibrant parts of society once again. It is what being part of a community is all about. Thank you to the talent and to everyone who came out to support the Saturday Night Laughs Comedy Show at Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails in Thousand Palms this past Saturday night. And thank you Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for all that you do for those in need. You are amazing!!

Curtis Hendricks Education by Teachers Gather to Rally for Much Needed Contract Reform

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uesday, May 19, teachers gathered in front of the Desert Sands Unified School District, located in La Quinta, CA, near the intersection of 48th Ave. and Dune Palms Road, to rally their concerns for the attempted negotiations with the school district. They gathered in a strong crowd, all wearing blue shirts that read DSTA (Desert Sands Teachers Association) while chanting for a much needed reform. They’re calling out the district for not taking care of their teachers as other districts have.

Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and the DSTA have been at an impasse, on reaching any type of acceptable deal this school year. In fact, all of the teachers working for the DSUSD have been working without contracts since the beginning of the school year. Teachers are feeling underappreciated and, in a much larger sense, devalued by DSUSD, while the district maintains a 30 out of 33 districts standing at the top of the salary schedule. John Lienhard, Indio High School Teacher, asks, “Why does the [DSUSD] Board of Education feel that their teachers do not need to be compensated, as well as the teachers in the other districts?”

The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) and Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) both reached deals with their teacher associations. The terms at which those deals were met include a five percent salary increase this year. PSUSD already settled for an additional five percent salary increase for next school year. Teachers in the Palo Verde Unified School District have negotiated for a fifteen percent salary increase over the course of two years. These three districts have also included in their terms to put additional resources towards health insurance benefits.

Health benefits are part of the much needed reform in teacher employment. CVUSD teachers just bargained for $20,694 towards health insurance each year. PSUSD teachers receive $14,008, while DSUSD teachers receive only $11,500, yet DSUSD employees (non teachers) receive $14,136.

PSUSD and CVUSD have also shown more support for their special education teachers by giving those teachers a $1,000 stipend. While the struggles of large class sizes, teachers need additional time to prepare for their classes, grade work, plan future lessons, and much more. Both PSUSD and CVUSD give their elementary teachers 150 minutes per week of

planning time. DSUSD gives their elementary teachers 90 minutes per week. Class sizes are also at risk of increasing in the K-3 classrooms, while Coachella reduced their K-3 class sizes 1 to 24.

Many teachers are at a concern for their district. I have talked to teachers from various schools that are considering leaving the district to teach somewhere else. The issues pose concern for the excellent teachers we have in this district, and are thinking of leaving due to the districts unwavering stance against the DSTA. The DSTA is asking for no more than what other districts have already granted their teachers.

I understand that many may be concerned about these deals raising taxes to fund public education, or some type of additional educational fees, but that will not happen.

DSUSD is already receiving $22.3 million more in revenue this year as compared to last year.

Funds are already available to DSUSD. Mona Davidson, DSTA President, stated to me, “When the governor issued his May Revised budget numbers, he said that teachers have been underpaid, and this [the added money] will help to fix that. Why won’t the district listen? They [DSUSD] say they want to come back to the table, but they were the ones who walked away in the first place, and they want us to go back to the table to do the work we were willing to do in February when they declared impasse. They hint at wanting to offer a good deal, but won’t officially ask us to come back and won’t give us anything to work with.

We’ve told them what we want and it’s their budget. They need to come to us with a new proposal, and we’ll be back at the table in the blink of an eye.” Another concern of Davidson’s that she expressed as a land owner within the school district. Davidson feels that the current teachers and possible incoming teachers will flock to other districts. If the district is losing the good teachers they already have, the district will worsen, and people will send their kids to better districts. If people are going to other districts, land value will lessen.

The teachers in DSUSD are clearly fed up, and overtones of a possible strike were in the air at the rally. We need a conclusion to these negotiations now. I urge everyone within the school district to contact DSUSD and support your teachers. They deserve more then what they are asking.

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Backstage Jazz

May 21 to May 27, 2015

By patte purcell

Grooves at the Westin comes to a close will return in the fall!

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he crowds came out to see Hiroshima at Grooves at the Westin for the last concert of the spring series. A star studded night and event by Michael and Terri Paulo of Apaulo Productions was hosted by mover and shaker, smooth jazz promoter Jim Pedone at the beautiful Mission Hills Westin Resort and spa.

The night was beautiful and balmy for the outdoor event under the palms overlooking the golf course. Hiroshima’s lilting Asian influenced mix of favorites and new songs entranced the audience. “A Thousand Cranes” the fan’s favorite was introduced and performed by June Kuramoto (“The world’s greatest koto player” -Stanley Clark). Lighting and sound were perfection and the on-going smooth jazz series of 5 years continues to grow stronger.

Oasis radio’s Gary D, Mitch Lewis, and station owner Todd Marker were on hand to make announcements including the big one made by Jim Pedone. ‘Grooves at the Westin’ will continue with another series of 4 concerts this fall with guests to be announced.

I’m privy to the list but will wait for the upcoming official announcement. Let me just say that the ‘A List’ will be performing with some special surprises in store that will enhance the concert series.

This is the third locale for this popular series and is by far the most beautiful venue.

Guests were able to take pictures with the artists and pick up copies of their CD’s.

The hotel had a 100% sellout for the evening and my friend Ruth Ruiz had a party

for attendees in her room where we sipped on Crater Lake Vodka martinis and shots of Alien Tequila. Needless to say we had fun!!

Again, kudos to Jim Pedone and Apaulo Productions for the spectacular event.

Proving AGAIN, that smooth jazz is alive and well in the desert!

Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com

Ruth Ruiz & Patte

candice james & carl davis

Patte & Promoter Jim Pedone

Patte & terri Paulo

Jim pedone & Hiroshima

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

Tilted Kilt Open Mic

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eek #2 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition Summer edition 2015 brought a musicians and supportive fans alike! The $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, plus a local celebrity to judge each week continue to keep the performers bringing their best! DJ Alex Updike kept the crowd grooving in between performances. Once everyone performed and the judge vote (50%) was tallied and added to the audience applause score (50%), it was Marco Thoma, rocking a harmonica and a bucket, who won 1st place and the $100 cash. Marco will now be moving on to one Semi Finals on 7/29 & 8/5. If they win there, they’ll compete in the finals 8/12 for a shot at a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, an Artist Development Workshop from Producer Ronnie King, and 8 hours of studio time plus a mix and master from JEM Productions.

2nd place went to newcomer Alyssa Beth who took home a 1 hour professional vocal lesson from KAM Studio. 3rd place was awarded to another newcomer, Lance Riebsomer who decided to take home a $20 Stuft Pizza Gift Card.

THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of the other artists: Mike Sick-boy, Daniel Scopelitis, Rick Dame, Will Kelly, Gustavo Gonzalez, Jim Holiday, Bino Sotelo, J. Singleterry, Marco Thoma, Porsia Camille, Jeremy Goodlander, Alyssab Beth Benedetto, James Velasquez, Jacob, and Lance Riebsomer. I hope to see you all next week!

Look for coverage of this week’s event and the

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announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: JEM Productions, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, KAM Studios, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, DJ Alex Updike, and the Mary Pickford Theater.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition usually ends by 10:30pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!!

For questions or info about sign-up, see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

Local Music Spotlight

Article & Photo By esther sanchez

Congratulations Banjer Dan!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

PENNYWISE, Today and “Yesterdays”

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition Session 3 Winner

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ruth be told, when I was asked to get in touch with Dan Mazer, AKA “Banjer Dan” for this article I had no idea what was in store for me. I figured we would spend 15 or 20 minutes on the phone talking about his music, the competition, his prizes and maybe some generic topics like musical influences. Little did I know that I would end up spending nearly 2 hours in fascinating conversation with one of the most interesting dudes I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This guy doesn’t just have talent; this guy has stories. The difficult part about writing this article is the nagging feeling I get from knowing that there is no way I could give any sort of justice to his story and his lists of accomplishments and adventures are entirely to vast to communicate in less than a thousand words. That said, I will do my best and I am honored to introduce you to the one and only, Banjer Dan. It is actually a bit of a fluke that Banjer Dan was in the competition to begin with.

Mazer currently resides several hours away in Paso Robles, Ca. and happened to be visiting friends in the desert when he opened up a copy of CV Weekly and saw an advertisement for the open mic competition and decided to go for it. After winning the preliminary round he decided to make the trip back for the finals at the urging of various attendees who thought, rightfully so, that he had a good chance of taking home the grand prize which consisted of, amongst other goodies a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center, 3 days/2 nights in Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka and an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly.

After doing a bit of googling I quickly discovered that the soft-spoken, multiinstrumental performer is well-respected amongst serious bluegrass and country musicians who refer to him in terms like, “superpicker” and anyone who watches him perform can certainly understand why. His mastery of the banjo is a clear reflection of years of study, dedication and experience.

Mazer: “For me, the banjo was a happy accident that kind of led me down a path that freed me from the expectations that most people have in life” The story of how and why this New Jersey born, Washington DC raised performer decided to learn to play banjo begins as a story about brothers. In 1972, 14 year old Mazer and his 13 year old brother, Josh watched the now classic thriller, Deliverance. Like much of America, the boys became enthralled by the legendary “Dueling Banjos” scene, the soundtrack for which had become a radio hit.

It was shortly thereafter that Mazer’s brother, not Mazer, asked their parents for a banjo and began to learn how to play.

Mazer: “One day my brother Josh was practicing the banjo, and a group of neighborhood kids had gathered to check

it out. Among that group were girls, and a switch was tripped in my 14 year-old brain!

Soon I was “borrowing” the banjo, splitting lessons, and out-practicing Josh, who eventually moved on to the guitar. Armed mainly with Earl Scruggs’ book, and a couple of records, I became a bluegrass fanatic, with a special emphasis on Scruggs-style banjo playing.”

Just thinking about the amount of dedication, determination and self-discipline it takes for a musician to reach Mazer’s skill level is impressive in my book. The hundreds of hours of boring, monotonous drilling that is required to train your brain and fingers to pick like Banjer Dan would be overwhelming to most of us. Mazer: “As a kid I hated being told what to do by anybody for any reason, but for some reason I was able to sit myself down and do this thing. I guess it was partially because I didn’t have a social life. I used to spend most of my time out in the forest exploring nature. After I became interested in the banjo I discovered there was this whole bluegrass scene out there.”

Mazer started attending bluegrass events and festivals where he met other musicians who shared his passion for the instruments and music which eventually lead to Mazer being a part of the scene he had grown to love. Mazer’s banjo has taken him all over the country and beyond. He has toured and/ or recorded with respected acts such as, J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters and The Jackstraws in addition to solo performances.

He is currently a resident performer and artist booker at Last Stage West in Atascadero, Ca and host of “The Banjer Dan Show,” every Tuesday where he features guest musicians.

His next guest scheduled to appear on his show is singer/songwriter “Pismo Spanky” on March 26th.

Follow Banjer Dan: facebook.com/BanjerDan reverbnation.com/banjerdan youtube.com/user/banjerdan laststagewest.net/calendar

F

ew bands have left as indelible of a mark on the history of 90s punk as Pennywise. It all started around 1989 with a few friends throwing down a backyard punk rock concert in Hermosa Beach. Only their girlfriends showed up.

Pushing onward, doing more shows to more people and writing more songs, their EP landed on college radio and ultimately on Epitaph, a label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. Their 1995 release of their third studio album, About Time, brought them worldwide success. To date, the band has released 11 full-length studio albums, one live album, two EPs and one DVD. By 2007, the band independently sold over 3 million records.

Enjoying the success they’d hoped for in those early backyard days did not come easy. In fact, it came with devastating loss.

Between the release of their third studio album About Time, and the recording their fourth album, Full Circle, bass player and songwriter, Jason Thirsk, left the band to address his addictions. He died from a selfinflicted gunshot wound to the chest on July 29, 1996. Full Circle came out several months after Thirsk’s death and was dedicated in his honor. In tribute of Thirsk, the band rerecorded a song from their first album BroHymn and renamed it “Bro-Hymn (tribute)”.

Pennywise’s current line-up consists of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitars), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums). In 2009, Lindberg decided to leave the band, but rejoined in 2012. Their newest release Yesterdays, is a journey back in time, when they started 25 years ago. Nearly half the songs on the album were written by Jason Thirsk, and there is even a track where you can hear them as kids at their second rehearsal together. Jim Lindberg gave CV Weekly an open and honest look back through the years.

CVW: How did you go from backyards to Epitaph and touring the world?

Lindberg: Each time we played a party, more people wanted to come. Once we

had written a bunch of songs, a local guy, Marc Theodore for Theologian Records, put out an EP, and it got on college radio. From there, a DJ gave it to someone at Epitaph.

The second thing that really launched us was the inclusion of our music in surfing and skateboarding videos. That spread it all over the world as opposed to just LA and Southern California. I’ve always appreciated that community, and having their support was probably the most important thing that helped get our music known. When we first put out our record on Epitaph, it was during pretty violent times in Southern California; we’d just had the LA Riots. Our shows would have a lot of fights. When the surfing community started showing up, it became more about having a good time, and a lot more girls came out to the show. It just made it a lot better.

CVW: One of our readers, Johnny M. Sugarbritches, wanted me to ask if you miss those backyard concert days?

Lindberg: Everyone misses those younger days. They were really fun, and there was zero pressure to perform. Everyone was just happy to play in a backyard somewhere.

Now we are doing things like going over to Belgium to do one show for thousands of people. We have to worry about your equipment breaking down, and having to let people down because of sound issues.

People are also judging your performance all the time. Still, it would it would be hard to find any band not hoping that their shows get more and more popular when they’re first starting out.

CVW: In 2008, you wrote a book, Punk Rock Dad, No Rules, Just Real Life. How has been being a Punk Rock Dad been working out for you so far?

Lindberg: (Chuckles) It’s always been a unique experience. I have three daughters ages 11, 16 and 18. Our band, our guitar player in particular, is a notorious wild man, and he gets into trouble sometimes. That part I don’t really like as a dad so much. I want to provide a totally sensible, stable, parental guidance system, and it is so

May 21 to May 27, 2015

by lisa morgan hard to do when you’re in a band. It’s so unpredictable what we’re going to do next.

At the same time, the kids got to travel and see us play big shows and big events. My two older girls love music a lot. They go to a lot of concerts and go to Coachella every year. They are really stoked on that side of it.

CVW: I’m sure having a family is a struggle when you’re juggling a music career and everything that comes with it. Is that the reason for your departure in 2009?

And what prompted your return?

Lindberg: (Heavy sigh) It’s almost too much to go into. For me, things weren’t working on a variety of levels - on levels that a band survives on. We’d just put out a record on a different label, we’d been touring consistently for a couple of years, and I needed a break after 20 years of continuing albums and touring. I needed to break up the monotony, and things were getting a little out of control. The other guys weren’t ready to take one, so they told me to go ahead, and they’d go on without me. It was difficult in that respect. They went on and did their thing and had varied level of success with someone new. But, I really enjoyed doing what I was doing with The Black Pacific.

We’d just finished touring, and I was looking to do something different when Pennywise approached me and asked if I wanted to do some shows? Sometimes, you just have to put stuff behind you. Everybody’s just trying do what’s right for their career and family, but it’s not always easy. The breaking point can come when you’ve been doing it for 20 years. Band relationships are like marriages.

There comes a time when the honeymoon is over and you have big fights. We needed that break, and I think it was healthy to have it prolonged.

CVW: The newest album, Yesterdays, songs written by Jason Thirsk: “Restless Time,” “Thanksgiving,” “What you Deserve,” and “Slow Down”. This album truly is about your “yesterdays”.

Lindberg: Almost half of the record is made up of the first songs we ever played together. The very last track is us practicing those songs - the second time we’d ever practiced together. It was cool to record those songs. Jason was such a huge creative factor for the band it’s impossible for me to represent the band and not to pay a huge debt for what Jason did. He’s the one who got the band going in the direction that we were going. He wrote a lot of really cool, positive punk songs. He struggled with his own demons, but he was such a loving, warm, affectionate guy, who was all about the brotherhood and his music reflected that. He was such a well loved member of our scene down at the beach. It’s great to put it out there again.

CVW: I imagine it was a pretty emotional thing to do, and maybe, at the same time, cathartic?

Lindberg: Yeah, it was. You know it would be one thing if it was someone you knew who was always depressed... maybe you could almost see something like that coming

- people can understand that a bit more I guess. But someone like Jason, you’re just like, “What? Why would he do that?” To me, the only thing that makes sense is that he just wasn’t in his right mind. The Jason that I know would never want to hurt his family like that. I just blame the addictions he struggled with. It is difficult. It’s like a tragic accident. But I can see how the people who are always the most optimistic, get tired of letting people down when they just want everybody to be happy. It’s really sad.

I’ll never forget when Jason came out of a treatment program. He went in not sure he was going to live through it. When he came out, he was so happy. He was saying “Oh man, I’m so glad I found this out! I need to change... I’ve got this problem... and this is what I’ve got to do...” I was like, “Dude, I am so proud of you!” But then backsliding into all the same things that he was doing before...it just took it out of him.

Our old music is something that was important to get back to. We had a couple discussions when I came back, talking about that time in our lives. The whole band experience is about writing songs, but that had become such a chore over the years. I told them that if we were going to do this, I’d really like to get back to that. It is great playing songs and having the crowd react, but it all springs from writing that music and having that be part of the experience as well. Getting in there and rehashing those old songs was good. Andy, our bass player, had never heard several of the songs. He kept saying how cool the songs were. That was fun and inspiring.

CVW: How is the state of the band today?

Lindberg: We just got done with a 6 week US tour, and the fans came out in force, and we got along great. We’re kind of on a high note right now. That’s why it’ll be cool to come out to the desert. My parents have a place there in Indian Wells. I’ve been made aware of The Hood and the cool shows they’ve been having. And with Coachella, being such a huge focus down there, we’re all really excited about finally having a show there.

NOTE TO THE READER: Within an hour of our conversation, I received a phone call directly from Lindberg. He was deeply disappointed to have to inform me that the show scheduled for this weekend at The Hood had to be rescheduled due to a scheduling conflict with another festival, “...but we definitely plan to make up the show at a later date.” CV Weekly will be happy to announce that date as soon as it is finalized. In the meantime, The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert will be hosting the CV Music Award winning band Bridger, the long overdue return of The Butchery Boys, FACELIFT and Grand Scovell. This FREE show will start at 9pm, Saturday, May 23rd.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

I

Key To The Universe” MICHAEL Des BARRES “The (FOD Records)

’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.” Of course that’s Frank Sinatra, but it could just as easily be Michael Des Barres, who seems to have had more lives than the proverbial cat.

Descended from French nobility, Marquis Michael Phillip Des Barres was born in Sussex, England in 1948. His family’s title dates back to the 12th century. His parents split up early on and he spent a rough and tumble childhood raised by family friends and boarding schools.

Des Barres began acting at an early age. He appeared in commercials and BBC programs throughout his teens. He was featured in the Tony Curtis movie, “Drop Dead Darling” but his most high profile role was as one of Sidney Poitier’s students in “To Sir, With Love.”

As the Swinging ‘60s ground to a halt, Des Barres began his career in music. He placed an ad in Melody Maker and it was answered by bassist Nigel Harrison, drummer Pete Thompson, along with guitarists Rod Davies and Steve Forrest.

Settling on the name Silverhead, the band leapt headlong into Great Britain’s burgeoning Glam/Glitter scene. Des Barres was a perfect front man, equal parts androgyne and satyr. They recorded two records, their self-titled debut and 16 And Savaged.

Although Glam progenitors like David Bowie and T.Rex achieved instant popularity and critical acclaim on both sides of the pond, Silverhead, like Jobraith, Mud and The Sweet, were woefully under-appreciated in America. Des Barres continued to take acting gigs to cover the bills. While he was in New York making (the still-unreleased) Arizonalism, he met Pamela Miller, a.k.a.

“Miss Pamela.”

The doyenne of the Los Angeles Rock scene, Miss Pamela had been a muse, in the truest sense of the word, for infamous artists like Frank Zappa, Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Chris Hillman and Noel Redding.

Before the term groupie took on a more “

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

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Consider This

salacious context of knee-pads and blowjobs, groupies were kind of like Rock n’ Roll sister-wives for road weary musicians. They darned socks, cooked meals and provided sexual succor and unconditional love.

After Des Barres extricated himself from an early marriage, he left England for good, relocating to Los Angeles and setting up house with Miss Pamela. The couple eventually married and had a son, Nicholas Dean Des Barres.

Silverhead had disbanded and he began looking for like-minded musicians. By connecting with ex-Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch and ex-Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye, along with bassist Bobby Pickett and drummer John Hyde, Detective was born. Suddenly, Des Barres was fronting his first “Supergroup.”

The band was signed to Led Zeppelin’s boutique label, Swan Song. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1977, and they quickly followed up less than a year later with the equally assured It Takes One To Know One. Although they secured recurring roles on the hit television series, “WKRP In Cincinnati,” as a Punk band called Scum Of the Earth, the band never achieved the commercial success they deserved.

By the early ‘80s, Des Barres had recorded an ill-fated solo album, I’m Only Human, and kicked a pretty serious substance abuse problem. He reconnected with his Silverhead pal, Nigel Harrison, who had spent several years as bassist for New Wave sensations, Blondie. That band had recently broken up, so Des Barres and Harrison, along with ex-Blondie drummer Clem Burke and ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones formed Chequered Past.

The band recorded one album and hit the road, opening for bands like Ratt, INXS and ex-Bruce Springsteen guitarist, Little Steven. They received tremendous exposure touring with Duran Duran who was at the height of their popularity.

A couple years later, a Duran side project, Power Station (featuring Andy and John Taylor from Duran, Chic drummer Tony Thompson and British Blue-eyed soul singer Robert Palmer), recorded a wildly successful album. Palmer refused to tour, preferring to concentrate on his solo career. So Michael Des Barres stepped in as lead vocalist and ended up performing in front of millions at the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Throughout the ‘80s Des Barres had built a reputation fronting a variety of super groups. He had also co-written the ubiquitous hit “Obsession,” which the band Animotion took to #6 on the Billboard Charts. He released a second solo album, Somebody Up There Likes Me. He also returned to acting, with a recurring part as a villain on the hit television series, “MacGuyver.”

Pamela Des Barres had become a literary sensation following the publication of her trenchant memoir, “I’m With The Band.”

Sadly the couple divorced in 1991, but remain affectionate friends and co-parents to their son Nick.

Michael Des Barres spent the last 20 years acting in television shows like “Seinfeld,” “Roseanne,” “C.S.I.,” along with feature films like Allison Anders’ “Sugar Town” and David Lynch’s “Mullholland Drive,” But music continued to be his true muse.

In 2012 he returned to music full-time, fronting the Michael Des Barres Band.

His album Carnaby Street, was a brilliant distillation of his myriad influences. A live effort, Hot And Sticky, arrived in 2013. Now Des Barres returns with his fourth solo album, The Key To The Universe.

The album gets off to a rollicking start with “Can’t Get You Off Of My Mind.” Over a pile-driving rhythm and searing guitar licks, Des Barres unspools a sharp treatise on obsessive love.

Three tracks, “Roomful Of Angels,” “I Want To Punch Love In The Face” and “Burning In Water, Drowning In Flames” display Des Barres versatility. On “Roomful...” he is rueful and contemplative, surrendering to a higher power. “I’ve been lighting all the candles, and I’ve been saying all my prayers.”

Des Barres’ quest for all-consuming love is framed by a boxing metaphor on the urgent “I Want To Punch Love In The Face.”

Over a hopscotch beat and roiling guitar, it’s all or nothing. “I don’t want a slap on the wrist, I just want you to make a fist/So give me some drums, give me some bass, I want love to punch me in the face.”

On the bluesy “Burning In Water...” the tables have turned. The all-consuming love has turned toxic and its grip is more powerful than drug addiction. As guitars phase and flange, cresting over a tick-tock rhythm and Hammond B3 wash, Des Barres’ despair is palpable. “You gave me a taste,

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 21 to May 27, 2015

By monica morones

Sallé Kirby

M

knew I would fall/ Now you’ve got me climbing babe, climbing the walls, Can’t you see I’m going insane?”

The best tracks here split the difference between youthful swagger and hard-won wisdom. “It’s Just A Dream” is powered by the kind of flick-of-the-wrist guitar riffage Keith Richards pioneered with the Stones. A swashbuckling back-beat anchors the melody, along with supple bass lines, stabbing New Wave keys and sighing backup vocals. Des Barres offers up a mantra that has served him well, “Don’t lose your passion, oh no, don’t let it go.”

On “Yesterday’s Casanova,” the Punky, calibrated chaos of the verses give way to the sleek and shimmery samba of the chorus. Des Barres seems to be looking inward as he addresses past indiscretions.

“Fun I guess for a while, playing Dionysus as a child/Broke every rule and you broke every vow, the show is over, time to take a bow.”

Other interesting tracks include “Maybe Means Nothing.” Here, Des Barres rails against complacency and equivocation over soulful, Stax-Volt styled bad-assery. “Black Sheep Are Beautiful” offers a nuanced homage to the rebels of the world.

The album closes with the Funk-tastic Soul workout of “Supernatural Lovers.”

Propelled by wah-wah guitar licks that flutter and punctuate each verse, Des Barres acknowledges that love is the “key to the universe.”

Production chores for this album were handled by veteran producer Bob Rose. Des Barres and Rose first collaborated nearly 30 years ago, on his second solo effort, Somebody Up There Likes Me. Des Barres is ably supported by guitarist Dani Robinson, drummer Clive Deamer and Michael Rowe on keys. Ballast for the songs (and a sweet bit of symmetry), is provided

by Michael Des Barres’ oldest musical soulmate, bassist Nigel Harrison.

Michael Des Barres weathered the Swinging ‘60s and sybaritic ‘70s by recognizing his limitations and accentuating his strengths. He’s been a part-time nobleman and actor, a fulltime father and a lifetime Rocker. The Key To The Universe is the portrait of a Rock & Roll survivor.

ulti-media artist Sallé Kirby has been an influence in the art community with her bright, expressive and beautiful work. Photographer, painter, printmaker, are just a few of the many subjects this talented woman is gifted at. I first met Kirby in a photography class and I was instantly drawn to her charisma and her perspective on art. When she speaks about art you can tell it flows through every fiber of her being.

Her pieces are evocative; some having political and social issues and some more personal, always with her bright abstract touch. Her work is currently showing at the “Then & Now” art show at Venus Art Studios in Palm Desert and is up until May 23rd.

She is currently in the process of working on a series called “Expressive Color In Depth” and I look forward to seeing her new work when she is ready to unveil it.

MM: How old are you and where are you from?

SK: Really, how old am I? Let’s just say I’m in the mature stage of my life (smiling). I’m originally from New Jersey but I’ve lived in California over 20 years and Los Angeles most of my adult life. I came to the Coachella Valley to care for and be closer to my mom in 2008. It took a minute to get used to living here full time but this place is my vortex of inspiration.

MM: How did you get into art?

SK: My oldest sister said I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. She remembers us playing with my watercolor set and I only had one good brush with the bristles. So because this was my toy my mom wanted to teach me how to share and let my sister use the good brush with the bristles and then she showed me how to use the stick by dripping it into the paint to make marks. My sister said once I knew how to do that I was content because I was really angry that she had the good brush which was stopping my flow of creativity.

I was that kid who always bought a paint-bynumbers set when I went to the store. I was content with being alone or playing by myself as long as I was drawing. I would sit with my brother while he read comic books and I would draw Archie and Kung Fu comic figures. You might not remember the TV Guide but it’s this antiquated book that used to have a drawing contest each week. It was always of some animal caricature. My mom sent in my entry and the next thing we know this guy is at the house trying to sell a $10,000 workbook course to make me a better artist. I was around ten. This was definitely not in my single mother’s budget so she brought me an expensive oil paint kit that I was terrified to use.

MM: What would you describe as your style?

SK: I don’t think I have a style per se, I think I have a fluidity to how I create. I feel it’s because I’m more self-taught, I’m not limited to a particular process of repetitive training. This is a blessing and a curse. It’s hard when I look back at certain work and “I’m like damn how did I do that.” It’s really about trial and error for me when I’m working but maybe Expressionist is a title I might use for now; either through color or subject matter. Currently I’m enrolled at COD taking two art history classes.

I’m learning so much about different artists that it’s mind-boggling. I see myself in a lot of their work.

I feel...I’m a little bit of this and little bit of that. I don’t want to be placed in a box because I like to play with different materials and I’m constantly learning.

MM: You are a painter and a photographer, what do you tend to gravitate to more?

SK: There really is no difference between the two they’re both my tools. I’ve been taking pictures since I was about 4 years old. My first picture was my parents and I chopped off their heads but their bodies was perfectly huge and in focus.

I was always the one in the family that wanted to take pictures. Getting people together trying to make them smile and capture the best moment.

Underneath my yearbook picture it states my career path as photographer. My graduation gift was my first Nikon camera E series. Photography helps me record my world frame by frame. It’s also my references to transition into painting. When I seriously started painting, it was the early nineties.

What’s funny is I had no clue that the styles of art I loved could not be achieved in acrylic. This was the only medium I had ever worked in. So when I tried to get the effects of impasto oil paintings, it was not happening. But I wasn’t going to stop trying and that’s how I got into the overlaying of colors trying to emulate how oil paint works. So I developed this layer technique I liked.

MM: What influential artists have inspired you?

SK: Wow, I’m in love with Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele. Their work is so troubled and distorted it’s amazing. I see this beautiful tension of continue to page 23

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

Niya, A Miracle Rescue & A Happy Ending

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anessa Ruggles and Curtis Sweesy, Loving All Animals’ German Shepherd foster parents, spotted the shelter dog’s photograph and video on Facebook. The German Shepherd appeared gaunt and distressed, listed by the San Bernardino City Shelter as “rescue only” due to numerous issues including “emaciated and fearful”. The couple grew more alarmed when a second video appeared showing the dog unresponsive, laying hopelessly on the kennel floor.

Vanessa recalls, “I cried when I saw that second video where she wouldn’t even lift her head to look at the videographer.”

Meanwhile, I was returning by plane from the East coast when I spotted the same German Shepherd dog called “Chanel” by the Facebook networkers, and shared her photo. I wondered if Curtis and Vanessa would see the posting, but realized they already had a foster dog. I was surprised to get Vanessa’s message, “We will foster her!” Knowing she was in imminent danger of euthanasia, I telephoned the shelter, and in the first of many miracles, reached a “live” person and let them know our rescue would be there tomorrow.

We ran into huge traffic jam on the 10 freeway, nervously watching the clock tick towards shelter closing time. The desolate urban sprawl of San Bernardino, a low income community overwhelmed with stray animals, finally came into view. A front desk clerk admonished us we could

not take this dog, but Curtis was having none of it. A worker accompanied us to the kennel where Chanel was laying on the ground, wedged against the back of her kennel, her body shaking with rapid tremors. The worker entered the kennel only to report, “She’s not moving, I can’t get her out so you can’t take her.”

We sat on the ground, Curtis trying to coax the dog. Eventually I turned away, my heart sinking, but knowing there would be other canine souls there to save. Curtis would not give up, repeating, “Come on, come on. You’ve got to get up, or you’re going to die here.” Finally the dog started to crawl towards him. When she stood up, we were shocked to see how much her bones protruded from her frame. Her tail was devoid of fur, and her coat was dull with many bald spots. It was heartbreaking to realize the cruelty inflicted upon this animal included starvation. But she was free, and we promised her a better future.

Dozens of rescuers followed Chanel’s status through social media, and alarm spread as the closing hour approached. We were impressed when a Los Angeles rescuer checked back, but not sure anyone other than Curtis could have saved her . Another snag developed when another staff person said we must have a large crate, but common sense finally prevailed. Usually the freedom ride out of the shelter is a joyful trip, with the dog gratefully wagging their tail and surveying

the scenery. However, this dog remained frozen and wedged herself on the floor behind our car seats, still trembling with her head hidden ostrichlike under the seat.

Niya means “breathe of life” in Lakota Sioux, her new name reflecting the better life she was promised. With quality food, veterinary treatment, and loving care, Niya gained weight and started to trust. But her journey to become the dog she was meant to be was not over. In the beginning, Niya did not get along with the other large dogs at her foster home. She snarled at their “dog friendly” human visitors. After 2 weeks, she began to play with their other German Shepherd dog. Niya adored Curtis as did all the fosters, but she positioned herself as Vanessa’s special home office guardian.

Rocky Randall, local animal lover and entertainer, emailed Niya’s beautiful photo to her brother Bill in San Francisco, hoping he would adopt a second German Shepherd. The lovely photo taken by Alicia Bailey touched their hearts. Rocky asked to meet Niya, but it was a struggle to get the skittish dog into a car. She balked at going into the Loving All Animals’ office, and barked defensively at everyone. I was heading over to pick up Niya for another socialization session when Rocky excitedly telephoned. Bill and his fiancé Tricia unexpectedly drove overnight from San Francisco and were waiting to meet Niya. I was apprehensive, as Niya still seemed so afraid of new people.

Rex’s large frame swaggered down the Indian Wells street, the largest German Shepherd I’d ever seen. Bill assured me his dog Rex would lay on his

bruno & Oscar The Pet Rescue Center in Coachella saved these 2 precious 3-yr-old boys after they were left in a dumpster. Bruno, a Poodle blend, and Oscar, a Wirehair Terrier, look forward to a better life, but don’t need to be adopted together. coachellapetrescuecenter.org Contact (760)398-7722.

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back like a teddy bear if Niya became aggressive.

Niya snarled once, and then “gave it up”. The two dogs walked seamlessly down the street as if they were lifelong companions, and Niya responded warmly to Bill and his fiancé Tricia as if she’d always known them.

When the right “match” occurs in your life, whether it’s that perfect job or meeting your perfect love, there is a sense that you are finally “home”. When Niya met her perfect family, she transformed before our eyes, her taught muscles relaxed, and her face softened as she posed for a happy adoption photo with her head cocked playfully to the side. There were tears of joy when Rocky and I watched the two dogs driving away looking out the rear of their SUV that had the name “REX” on the family’s license plate. Later the dogs slept side by side in their hotel room.

Today Princess Niya lives in a large estate in San Francisco playing with her handsome Prince Rex. Bill provides an update, “All of us are one happy family. Niya is almost completely over her past traumas.” The dog that was once afraid to travel by car now has a private airplane at her disposal.

From a sad beginning of abuse and starvation, from hopeless to “home at last”, Niya is an amazing survivor who shows us that all things are possible.

Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 and www.lovingallanimals.org.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

May 21 to May 27, 2015

by Rick Riozza

The Wine Road to Roland Garros (Partie Deux)

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n our last article, we arrived in Paris a couple of weeks early to commence a fun wine tasting tour to famed wine destinations only hours outside of the City of Lights. There’s no better warm-up for us wine tennis fans before settling in to watch and experience the 2015 French Open at Stade Roland Garros— which begins this Monday, May 24th.

Doing the right thing, we immediately took the regularly scheduled high-speed TGV from Charles De Gaulle airport to Champagne and arrived just over a half-hour later. We toasted and had cheers for our entire stay.

Next on our tour, we travel to the famed wine region of Chablis [shab-LEE]. Only 85 miles south of Champagne as the crow flies, it’s just over a couple of hours drive time from either Paris or Champagne city of Reims [not “reems” but pronounced rance].

For you young or new wine aficionados, who may not yet know the predominant grape in the Chablis region—take heart: So many California wine lovers aren’t too sure themselves! As your wine steward in the new Haggen Store in Rancho Mirage, I’m seeing an increase interest, again, in steely fruit driven un-oaked Chardonnay. And more and more wine producers are indeed, making an “un-oaked” version of their usual “oaked” recipe; but, if I recommend a French “Chablis” to many of our customers, they insist “they’d rather have a Chardonnay!”

Well—Chablis is strictly Chardonnay country. And as we mentioned, although geographically closer to Champagne than it is to the city of Dijon in Burgundy, Chablis is still considered “White Burgundy” which means Chardonnay wine.

It could be called the “Chardonnay that came in out of the cold.” The extremely cool-climate vineyards of Chablis need exceptional conditions to succeed. The Chardonnay grape converts the cold terroir of limestone chalk, clay, and trillions of oyster fossils to a wine with sharp flavors unique to the area—even its white burgundy sisters further south can’t duplicate.

So it’s very enlightening for California Chardonnay lovers who like their stuff less oaky and more fresh fruit forward to wake up to the joys of French Chablis. The classic and delicious flavor profile of Chablis includes bright and dry textbook aromas and flavors of lemon, apple, yellow & green plums, stone fruit, melon, floral, citrus, seashore & sea breeze, flint & minerals.

Predominantly fermented in stainless steel— which keeps the wine astoundingly fresh and bright—“Grand Cru” and “Premiers Cru” wines, made from the best of the best vineyards in Chablis, often ferment for a time in French oak which provides some complexities of honey, vanilla, light butterscotch, and tropical fruit flavors (with never an overwhelming “oak” flavor like some heavy Cal Chards). And, incredibly, these wines are able to age for ten to twenty years, gathering amazing feel and intensity that make it one of the world’s most desired wines.

Because Chablis vineyards grow in a calcified ground of a prehistoric sea made up of fossilized shells and maritime skeletons, there is no better food pairing than to enjoy this flavorful and cleansing wine with a dozen or so raw oysters.

It’s truly in the top ten food and wine matches of all time. So Bon Appétit! & Cheers!

The town and the region is delightful and the people amiable. The most popular Chablis wineries to visit include Francois Raveneau, William Fèvre, Domaine Larouche, Jean Marc Brocard, Joseph Drouhin, and La Chablisienne.

Some of these wineries have exquisite restaurants on premise in which to enjoy the fabulous cuisine and wine.

Anyone wishing to get the feel of the town of Chablis and its surrounds simply can enjoy— along with a great glass of Chablis, no doubt— that charming and whimsical movie “Chocolate” that stars Johnny Depp, Juliette Binoche and Judi Dench. It was filmed nearby. I’m sure our own Robin Simmons would agree, it’s a film not to be missed featuring gypsies, chocolate purveyors, a wonderful musical score and all type of characters in an old French town.

An absolutely great Chablis recommendation is the 2012 Domaine William Fèvre. Around

and refreshing yet glossy, lush and expansive, it introduces stone, salt, iodine and lime zest.”

On our next and final wine jaunt before heading back to Paris to catch the great action of the French Open, we will enjoy the lovely wines and country side of the lovely Loire Valley. À BIENTÔT!

$25. Winemaker’s notes: “Very elegant bouquet, developing citrus, white-fleshed fruit and floral notes. Fresh and supple, the wine is marked by mineral notes that are typical of the appellation.”

Wine critic Antonio Galloni wrote, “Smoke, graphite and pencil shavings inform the gorgeous bouquet in Fevre’s 2012 Chablis (Domaine).

Layers of rich, intense fruit hit the palate in the exuberant style of the vintage, before the minerality and high acidity of the year appear to frame the finish. This is a gorgeous wine in its class.”

And The Wine Advocate marked, “The domaine-bottled Fevre 2012 Chablis suggests Sauvignon with its impression of lime and honeydew infused with sage and lime. Cooling

Rick wittily titles himself the “somm-abouttown” in this Vino Voice column, where his beat is to eat, drink, and cover the gustatory scene of the CV. A freelance writer and contributor to Tasting Panel Magazine, a wine reviewer for palmspringslife.com, he is also the Brand Ambassador for the historic Galleano Winery. Rick conducts & entertains locally at wine tastings, food & wine pairing events and fun wine seminars. Contact winespectrum@ aol.com.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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­­­THUR MAY 21

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 8pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop 4pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Galaxy Crusher, Gutter Candy and Der Band 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Brian Jones 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Austin McClutchen 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Table DJ Night w/ The Deep Ones 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Dracer 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI MAY 22 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band ft. Nena Anderson 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-776-1234 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 4pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-346-0669 Linda Peterson 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Eevaan Tre 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Kal David 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm

JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Muddy Sparks Band 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 TBA 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Roadrunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Solid Ray Woods Raw Soul Review 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Carole Cook 7pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Refills 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Triple Threat Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Sunday Funeral’s CD Release Party w/ Right On Right On and Tripside 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

May 21 to May 27, 2015

VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Awesome 80’s Party w/ Alyce Bowie 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT MAY 23 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Alix Brown noon poolside, Stronghold Reggae 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-776-1234 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Abe spinning funk, soul and disco 10pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing open 4pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Bridger, Grand Scovell, Facelift and The Butchery Boys 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands Finals w/ Ornament VS> Mojave Sky 8:30pm

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

Screeners No.165

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 21 to May 27, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Happy Go Lucky

ROAD RAGE AS ART MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Lucky Alan

Australian medical doctor George Miller had an idea for a movie 35 years ago, but could only raise about $400,000. So he shot the post-apocalyptic MAD MAX in rural and desert locations with a young, unknown actor named Mel Gibson. The movie became a hit and MAD MAX: ROAD WARRIOR followed. It was even more frenetic and MAD MAX: BEYOND THUNDERDROME, a

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lesser sequel followed starring Gibson and Tina Turner.

But apparently Dr. Miller was not satisfied with these iterations. A grander vision of his mythic, heroic, action film kept nagging at him until he finally wrote the full synopsis while on a long flight and then worked with Brendan McCarthy, a comic artist, and created a 3,500 picture storyboard. Miller wanted his movie to be about the flow of visuals and not the spoken words. He wanted people all over the world to understand this film without resorting to subtitles.

As of this writing, the press preview has just ended and I am frankly blown away.

Miller’s visceral action extravaganza starts full throttle and the adrenaline fueled epic adventure never lets up. Not for one second. The bar has officially been raised.

Not only is this the best action adventure ever, it is also a genuine work of ferocious cinematic art.

By jonathan lethem

The core story, not really a prequel or sequel, has Tom Hardy playing Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson’s character in the previous editions), as a haunted and hunted loner who gets caught up in an insane and deadly chase with a group of escaped sex slaves led by Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa. They are fleeing the decadent, tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe (played by Hugh Keyes-Brynn, the villain in the original MAD MAX movie).

Miller likes the feel of “real physics” as opposed to the eye-popping but obviously fake reality of extreme CGI (as in FURIOUS 7). The stunt work, supervised and created

by Guy Norris, must be specially noted.

Long overdue is the creation of the Motion Picture Academy’s Oscar category for “Best Stunt Work.” This film deserves such recognition. On some days, more than 150 stunt players were on location in Australia and South Africa. Much of the action was filmed in real time, with high speed chases in real vehicles. And what vehicles they are.

More than 100 were created for the movie.

Many had special names.

So much more can be said in praise of this ferociously visceral cinema art that finally is a feminist riff on our collective future. In a male dominated violent world that’s hell bent on self-destruction, maybe the answer to our survival is to consider a matriarchal society. Max is mad for all the right reasons.

Don’t miss this film on the biggest screen you can find. It looks great in 3D, but 2D is just fine and for me, perhaps better. Check it out at the Pickford Theater and chat with your friends, have a latté before or after the movie in the new Cinema Café. Now showing.

HUNTING ELEPHANTS I love this “Jewish comedy” caper featuring a bunch of old geezers who have no regard for political correctness.

This crazy Israeli crime comedy, directed

by Reshef Levi is about Jonathan, a 12-yearold Israeli boy who is dealt a cruel doubleblow by fate. First his father is killed in a freak

accident while working at the local bank.

Not only does the bank deny fault, they also repossess the boy’s home! Pushed to the edge, the boy must get money fast, and decides to rob the bank. He needs a team but the only crew available is comprised of three senior citizens. One of whom is played

by Sir Patrick Stewart.

Some “anti-feminist” riffs are funny but made me squirm a bit. Lots of one-liners and a ton of old people jokes are thrown against the wall and some actually stick.

Part of the Celebration of Jewish Film series, starts May 22 at Cinemas Palme d’Or in Palm Desert.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: AMAZING SPACE For more than 25 years, the Hubble space

telescope has given us incredible access to the cosmos and the grand mysteries of the universe. Now, armchair adventurers can embark on a truly breath-taking journey through space. This hour-long, enthralling and strangely calming, meditative audiovisual experience is perfect for repeat viewings and especially for unwinding. I like running this before going to sleep. For me, it enhances the mind-state that enables lucid dreaming. Kristin Hoffman created the immersive, hypnotic soundtrack composed of piano, strings, wind instruments, cello and vocals. Let your spirit soar directly into majestic star clusters, nebulas and galaxies.

The three disc set includes a music CD, DVD and Blu-ray. From Film Chest Media.

Recommended. robinesimmons@aol.com

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Stories

t’s great to read an author whose writing is unencumbered and has nothing to worry about other than what’s on the page. In Jonathan Lethem’s Lucky Alan and Other Stories (Doubleday, 176 pages), nine stories reveal high craft and a story telling ability that goes beyond traditional and into the magical.

This is Lethem’s third collection of short stories. He has written nine novels, a novella, six non-fiction works, served as editor on several books and is a contributor to some of the finest literary periodicals the country has to offer. Certainly accomplished, he may be more fringe than mainstream since he

writes not just for readers, but for writers.

The first story and book’s title “Lucky Alan” is told by a New York actor who connects and ultimately befriends an eccentric theater director named Sigismund Blondy.

Blondy shares a compelling story about an on and off again relationship with his friend and neighbor Alan Zwelish. Just an ordinary guy with a humdrum life, Alan becomes an unlikely part of Blondy’s life.

Indifferent, the two have a contentious but honest friendship.

“Zwelish and his expectant young wife were more and more like figures in a snow globe viewable but uncontactable from the human realm.” Blondy confides that he cried when Alan died and that he had to move out of the apartment because he couldn’t take the gossip and felt like an outsider.

As the narrator takes in Blondy’s confession, he sees it as a love story. He wonders if any of the tale is true and if he is the new Lucky Alan. The third person voice adds an intriguing layer to this story.

In “King of the Sentence,” two booksellers who consider themselves literary experts and grammar snobs, seek to connect with their favorite American author. Wanting to share their favorite sentences with him, they stake out his PO Box and wait. When the opportunity arrives, the two encounter a regular guy who leaves them naked and alone. Told in first person, these characters come across as desperate and more than a little dangerous.

“Traveler Home” is about an outsider in a small woodsy community who finds himself rescuing a human baby from wolves and delivers the child to a family of beautiful but wild women. Lethem uses short present tense sentences here in staccato rapid fire that quickly engages the reader into the Traveler’s strange life.

“Procedure in Plein Air” is about a New Yorker who sees city workers dig a hole and then place a man inside. It’s some sort of punishment. The narrator feels it is his job to protect the man in the hole. And when he does, he learns a valuable lesson about human dignity. This story is a metaphor open for interpretation about society, the justice system and the treatment of criminals.

Comic book characters crash on a deserted island and form a new government in “Their Back Pages.” Here Lethem uses poems, sounds and journal entries from the various characters as if in panels of a comic book. It’s clever and fresh but different and quite bizarre story telling.

“The Porn Critic” tells the story of Kromer, a clerk at Sex Machines, who is responsible for reviewing all the store’s

new porn videos. He is not a fan and it is not a dream job but there are perks. Kromer discovers he is not a porn sleaze ball but still an innocent in the ways of love and sex.

In “The Empty Room,” a young family moves to a big house in the country where the father insists on keeping a downstairs room empty. As the children grow up in the house, the room serves as a valuable space for entertainment and healing. This is my favorite in the collection. I like the way Lethem shows how quickly families grow and change.

“The Dreaming Jaw, The Salivating Ear” is about a blogger whose site has gotten out of control and the only way to stop the madness is to kill off a contributor identified as The Whom. The only way to regain entry to the blog is to rebuild better and stronger.

In telling the story, Lethem uses blog entries that include different voices with some in text shorthand and all caps.

A father takes his kids to Sea World in “Pending Vegan.” Off his anti-anxiety drugs, he pushes his twin daughters around the park hoping he won’t have a complete break down. Using the first person voice of the father, Lethem charms the reader as the father tries to keep it together giving his children and wife a good time while envisioning his new self as a vegan.

With Lethem’s more imaginative stories, there may or may not be an allegory or metaphor embedded or intended. Although I’m always looking for layered meaning, I’m not sure the stories require it. Repeat readings may change that.

It’s exciting to read an author that reaches for new and interesting ways to convey ideas through narrative. Lethem has a love of language and the necessary skill to push the boundaries of contemporary literature. And clearly he has fun doing it.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015 continued from page 17 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 TBA 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Black Crystal Wolf Kids 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Function w/ T Nasty, Lil Itchy and Ben G Fly 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Carole Cook Broadway Brunch 11:30am, The Gand Band 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Ben 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Patio 7pm, Tripe Threat Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD @ FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Classic Rock Revolution and Purple Reign (Prince Tribute) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Josh & Laramie’s B-day Bash w/ The Pedestrians, Blasting echo and Waxy 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Crimson Crow 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

22

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Ricco Brown 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob & jb 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

SUN MAY 24

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 4pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Kevin Quinn 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Trivia Night Hosted by Chelsea Sugarbritches 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Barney McClure Jazz 6pm

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Chelsea Starr noon poolside, Intoxica Radio Live 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 4pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.231 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 4pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800

MON MAY 25

TUE MAY 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rock & Roll 4pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Guitar Jam 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar 6pm

WED MAY 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Paul Cataldo 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 4pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brian Nova 6pm

CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Billy Erickson & Matt Barnes Show 6:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Talent Quest 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Rockaholics 9pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Slim Man Band 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Open Mic Competition hosted by Morgan James 8pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Chuck Alvarez w/ Tracy Niles Allstar Session 6pm

continued from page 13 flowing colors and brush strokes and I like their back stories. In the early part of the 21st century artists were really like rock stars. One present artist that I’m really digging is Hung Liu. She’s a Chinese -American artist that makes oil paints bleed in a good way. How she applies her washes of oil paint outstanding. I love how she brings life to dead memories by working from historical photographs of Chinese prostitutes, war refugees and poor villagers. Her paintings are timeless history. Others are Charles Briggs, Chuck Close, Kehinde Wiley and Alexa Meade, really too many to name. What influences is how their work moves me.

MM: Where have you shown your work?

SK: I’ve been fortunate to show my work at Michael H. Lord Gallery in Palm Springs; the J. Willott Gallery on El Paseo where on opening night my piece sold to an art collector in San Francisco; also, the Mark H. Arts Center in Palm Desert and at Venus Studio Gallery in Palm Desert, Ca. MM: What do you think of the art scene in the Coachella Valley?

SK: I think it’s up and coming with a lot of diversity. There’s a lot of Pop up galleries happening, which is great because it gives the artist exposure and it gives the public an opportunity to see some work more frequently. Some galleries are representing a lot of the local artists which is great. Venus Studio Gallery, in Palm Desert has at least two or three community shows throughout the year. I’m currently in the show “Then & Now” with the faculty and alumni of College of the Desert running until May 23rd.

MM: Do you feel it supports up and coming artists?

SK: For me the Coachella Valley has opened up opportunities that might have taking me longer if I was still in Los Angeles. I think the community is starting to see a need and wants to represent the diversity in a lot of local artists. You know they still

have their Desert scenes which is always going to be a part of the Coachella Valley but there’s a need for young “out the box” artist like La Maniaca who brings a new face to retro. Then you have “mad groovy dope” graffiti artist that are coming up who are phenomenal and they need that exposure.

MM: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

SK: People and nature. Especially children when I can get them to laugh. I love to capture a stillness in a person’s thoughts too. Nature helps me see how life is formed. I took a picture of this squished lemon on the ground and watched this ant carry off the pieces. Those are my favorite subjects.

MM: What is your biggest struggle as an artist?

SK: Transitioning from working a 9 to 5 job with some form of security, to putting 250% in what I know is my destiny.

MM: What is the root of your inspiration?

SK: That’s really hard to say. I’m inspired by so much but if I had to choose, I would say. . . just about everything. I can’t choose but I think the root comes from what moves me, good, bad or indifferent. I have a painting in my head right now.

This is a bit morbid but I’m going to share. I was getting into my car when I heard a crash. I knew someone had gotten hit by a car because of the impact of the sound. I called 911 to send help to the area. When I saw this young boy lying on the ground dying, I was paralyzed. His body was so distorted and we couldn’t move him. He was riding his bike one minute and the next he’s lying in front of me taking his last breathe. This is something embedded in my mind and I have to paint it. I may never show the work but this is what it’s like for me as artist.

You have all this stuff in your head that has to come out. So this crazy, uncertain, out of control LIFE is the root to my inspiration. “Never forget JUSTICE is what LOVE looks like in public.” - Cornel West.

You can see more of Sallé Kirby’s art at www. facebook.com/salleandart .

S and G

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

M. MIRANDA Social Security By MARIA HONORING OUR SERVICE MEMBERS ON MEMORIAL DAY

O

n Memorial Day, we honor men and women who died while courageously serving in the U.S. military. We also recognize active duty service members, especially those who have been wounded. Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades to thank our service members and their families for their sacrifices.

Policymakers put into place laws and benefits to protect our heroes and their families. For example, Social Security provides survivors, disability, retirement, and Medicare benefits. Not only does Social Security have benefits to protect veterans, we also provide family benefits to protect service members’ dependents.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivor’s benefits. You can learn more about Social Security survivor’s benefits at socialsecurity.gov/survivors.

Wounded military service members can also receive expedited processing of their disability claims. For example, Social Security will provide expedited processing of disability claims filed by veterans who have a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent & Total (P&T). Depending on the situation, some family members of military

personnel, including dependent children and, in some cases, spouses, may be eligible to receive benefits. You can get answers to commonly asked questions and find useful information about the application process at socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.

Service members can also receive Social Security, as well as military retirement benefits. The good news is that your military retirement benefit doesn’t reduce your Social Security retirement benefit. Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits at socialsecurity.gov/retirement.

You may also want to visit the Military Service page of our Retirement Planner, available at socialsecurity.gov/retire2/ veterans.htm.

Service members are also eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you have health insurance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or under the TRICARE or CHAMPVA programs, your health benefits may change, or end, when you become eligible for Medicare. Learn more about Medicare benefits at socialsecurity.gov/medicare.

In acknowledgement of those who died for our country, those who served, and those who serve today, we at Social Security honor and thank you.

Maria M. Miranda is Social Security District Manager in Palm Springs, CA

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Your Job is to Make it Memorable!

M

onday May 25th we will be remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces with Memorial Day. Every last Monday of May, we take time off from work to reflect on the significance of this all-important celebration and enjoy many outdoor activities and events. Make this Memorial Day memorable by following some of these safety tips: Thoroughly clean the grill of any grease or dust, it’s likely been put away for a while. Do not use a grill indoors, near hazardous vegetation or near any surface that can catch fire.

Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating. Wear a lifejacket whenever you are on a boat. When near the beach, on a boat, or by a pool or hot tub. Don’t swim alone. Make sure young children are supervised at all times Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Do not drink and drive and wear your seatbelt at all times. Road trip? Make sure

your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good condition. Be patient with others on the road!

“Memorial Day weekend or not, it all comes down to making good sound decisions, and mostly common sense says Chief DiGiovanna.”

For more safety information visit: usa.gov/Topics/Memorial-Day.shtml Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

sharekitchen

summertime do’s & don’ts

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ith summertime upon us and daily temperatures poised to exceed 100 degrees most days over the next four months, it is important to remember to drink more fluids than you think you need in order to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you wait to drink water until you are thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated. Alcohol or sugary drinks are not good ways to hydrate while drinking while very cold beverages can cause stomach cramps. If you are celebrating the Memorial Day weekend with a few adult beverages, drink two glasses of water for every glass of beer or ounce of alcohol that you consume.

If you follow the rule of thumb by drinking eight glasses of water each day, increase your intake to twelve to fourteen glasses of water now. If your doctor limits the amount of fluid intake you have or has you on water pills, you need to ask how much you should be drinking now that summer temperatures are upon us.

It may seem obvious but stay indoors with air conditioning on during the day’s hottest hours. If you have been outside and feel overheated, a simple way to get your body temperature down is to take a cool shower.

When outside, wear lightweight, light-

colored and loose-fitting clothing. Also, be sure to drink two to four glasses of cool water for each hour that you are outside and more if you are engaged in physical exertion. A wide-brimmed hat helps as does staying in the shade. While in the sun, use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and make sure it says “broad spectrum” so that you avoid both the UVA and UVB rays. If you start to feel dizzy, have an elevated body temperature, headache, nausea, vomiting or stop sweating, get indoors immediately, start cooling off and call 911.

Haddon Libby

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 21 to May 27, 2015

Crosscheck for Arrival

T

he long Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer for most.

Over the next few months, many of us will be flying off to vacation destinations both domestic and abroad.

Skytrax Air Travel ranks all airlines on a five star scale using dozens of factors that span from website simplicity and general operations to the experiences in various seating classes.

Eight airlines topped their list with five stars. Seven of these airlines are based in Asia: Nippon Airways of Japan, Asiana of South Korean, Cathay Pacific of Hong Kong, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan of China, Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

The only non-Asian airline with five stars is Qatar Airlines.

The best airlines for arriving on-time were airBaltic, Hawaiian, Austrian, Iberia and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

There is only one airline with one star: Air Koryo of North Korea. Spirit Airlines is the only US carrier to receive two stars. Some other poorly rated airlines include: Air Italy, Bahamasair, China United, Ryanair, Cubana Air, any Iranian airline, Ukraine Air and Rossiya of Russia.

Here in the United States, our top rated airlines with four stars are JetBlue and Virgin

America. Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Southwest, United and WestJet all came in with three stars.

Taking a more detailed look at the eight largest airlines in the United States (Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Virgin America), Alaska and Delta had the best on-time arrival levels while United and Southwest were the worst in 2014. Alaska had the fewest delays of more than 45 minutes while United and American had the most. Looking at two-hour delays on the tarmac, Southwest had the fewest while American and United had the most.

Virgin America had the fewest mishandled bags while Southwest and United had the most. Of the 88 million bags that Southwest touched last year, they mishandled 4.2 bags for every 1,000 touched or 370,000 in total.

Dale Gribow On The Law

United, which is the largest US airline was even worse.

Virgin America and JetBlue bumped the fewest passengers while United and Frontier bumped the most.

In 2014, 2.7% of all flights were canceled, a sharp increase from 1.9% in 2013. Virgin America, Frontier and Alaska had the fewest cancelled flight while United and American had the most. United blames most of their problems on their Chicago hub and antiquated systems that management says are being upgraded this year. Alaska had the fewest complaints while Frontier and United had the most.

Given all of the above, it should be no surprise that Alaska, Virgin America and Delta had the best overall rankings amongst major carriers.

Expanding our review to the top fifteen airlines, the poorest service amongst all domestic airlines was American’s regional airline, American Eagle (soon-to-be renamed Envoy). Nearly 30% of their flights were late with 6 in 1,000 bags mishandled. Skywest and ExpressJet, which both handle smaller regional flights for the large airlines, ranked second and third.

Of the major airlines, United held onto its spot as the worst airline in America while Frontier and American rounded out the bottom three. A special mention goes to discount airline AirTran (being acquired by Southwest) as 20% of their flights landed late.

When traveling to Europe, your best choices are Air France, Austrian, British Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss Air and Virgin.

For the Middle East, Emirates and Qatar are your best bets. Qantas and Virgin are best for Australia while Air New Zealand is a good choice for that country.

When booking flights, consider airport performance. The top airports in the United States for on-time arrivals are Salt Lake, Seattle-Tacoma, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Miami with LAX landing surprisingly high at #9.

PALM DESERT ATTORNEY REVEALS WHETHER DUI CHECKPOINTS ARE LEGAL

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his week is Memorial Day and that means “our finest” will be out in force with DUI Checkpoints for those of us drinking and partying. I am often asked if these checkpoints are legal. The short answer is YES. Checkpoints are generally legal however there can be situations where a particular DUI checkpoint could be found illegal. Not all roadside sobriety checkpoints are necessarily set up and administered in a constitutionally permissible manner.

It is interesting to note the court have not upheld drug checkpoints. Let’s see what happens with the easing of California’s Marijuana laws in the near future.

When opponents have challenged DUI checkpoints, it has usually been on the grounds that they are a violation of the 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, when courts have tackled the issue, they have ruled that the intrusion of checkpoints is justified by the seriousness of Drunk Driving and the possible deterrent effect of sobriety checkpoints. Few of my readers realize that we have more Drunk Driving FATALITIES here in the greater Palm Springs area than anywhere else in California.

With a checkpoint there is no need for an officer to have probable cause to stop you…as

is usually the case. Normally an officer must have probable cause (a reason) to stop you.

However at a sobriety checkpoint anybody can and will be stopped and a breath test can be administered on the spot. Remember that once an officer stops you, at a checkpoint or for any other vehicle code violation, he can investigate further. If he smells alcohol or sees a bag of Marijuana or a Gun in plain sight then the officer can arrest you for those additional charges.

Remember however that Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) are optional. Thus you do not have to take the eye test, walk the line & finger to nose etc. Courteously explain you are willing to do anything that is mandatory and you understand FST’s are elective, therefore you elect not to take the test.

If you have failed a breath test or a sobriety test at a checkpoint, all your right have not been compromised. There are procedures and guide lines that all officers at a checkpoint must follow for a DUI test to be held valid.

Saturation Patrols are similar to checkpoints but involve Riverside Sheriffs and other agencies putting more officers on the road to be look for drunk drivers. Thus they hover outside of popular watering holes and restaurants guessing anyone they stop will be under the influence….and they are usually right. The Memorial Day weekend traditionally features a lot of parties and thus

the odds are in favor of anyone stopped being under the influence.

Remember you do not have to be DRUNK. You merely have to be under the influence and that means 2—3 one oz. drinks for most people. The issue is really not the number of drinks but the amount of alcohol in each drink. Thus if you are getting a 2 oz. pour of alcohol instead of a 1 oz. pour that Being Under the Influence with many will occur with the 2nd drink.

We all know that officers frequently over charge and over-arrest people because of their incentivizations. These can include, but are not limited, to promotions, pay increases, vacation schedule priority, etc. based upon their sheer number of arrests and tickets issued. The 4th, 5th and 6th Amendment rights are frequently violated in the process.

Likewise the DA, when given the arrest report by the arresting officer, makes a decision on how to file the case and too often over file or over charge to gain leverage for a future plea. By doing so it makes it easier for the DA in the courtroom, to extract a plea to something by the defendant.

The Supreme Court considers Checkpoints to be within the confines of the law. However don’t think you will be able to skirt a DUI by swallowing pennies, sucking on a mint or challenging a breathalyzer test...the chances of success are virtually nil.

DALE GRIBOW TOP LAWYER - Palm Springs Life 2011-2016 Perfect AVVO Perfect 10.0 Peer Review Rating “Preeminent” Rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory Selected Rue’s “Best Attorneys of America” (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per state) 2015 Client Appreciation Award/ 2015 Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award Only Attorney Appointed to CVAG Public Safety and CLINTON Foundation (DUI) committees; For more than 30 years Gribow has been committed to protecting client’s civil and criminal constitutional rights. Regardless of whether the matter concerns a Serious Accident, DUI, Business, Real Estate or Estate Planning issue, every case is diligently handled with the utmost of respect and care. Gribow offers clients decades of experience and success, thus making him the attorney of choice for thousands of clients.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER…IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME! If you have any questions or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

sports Scene

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

by Julie Buehler

Is A Franchise Really Doomed Or Just Doomed To Believe It?

“guaranteed” the Clippers would win Game 6.

I had watched them steamroll a stunned Rockets team into submission for 3 of the first 4 games of the series and despite an ugly and uninspired defeat in Game 5, it looked like the Clippers had turned that elusive corner from perennial disappointment to consistent contender.

So I sat behind the microphone in my radio studio and with all the authority and confidence I could muster on such a proposition, declared, “The Clippers will win Game 6 and enjoy their franchise’s first trip to the Conference Championship.”

Man, it sounded so good when I said it.

Of course for 34 minutes of that contest, it looked as though the Clippers were not only advancing, but leaving scorched earth behind them.

The Clippers had a 19-point lead with less than 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter of Game 6. The Rockets had been emasculated, embarrassed and looked entirely defeated.

But then something happened. What exactly might remain a mystery longer than where Jimmy Hoffa is buried, but it was a confluence of sharp shooting by the Rockets and befuddlement by the Clippers.

It wasn’t an avalanche, but a death by a thousand cuts finished with a wrecking ball through the face of long-suffering Clippers fans.

And it wasn’t the last of the pain.

The “Game 6 Collapse”, which is likely to be analyzed for decades for its perfect artistry of

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heart by the Rockets and profound buffoonery by the Clippers, gave way to a Game 7 debacle in which the Clippers lost and Rockets won wire-to-wire. That means the Clippers never had a lead and the Rockets didn’t need even a 1-point comeback to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Only 8 teams in NBA history had overcome the same 3-1 series deficit that Houston overcame to send the Clippers to the golf course.

In other words, only 8 other teams in NBA history failed as inefficiently and the Clippers became the 9th to hold such an inglorious distinction.

Sports talk radio isn’t known for logic or perspective. It’s known for hyperbole and hysteria and after the “Game 6 Collapse” that was on full display.

Talk of a “Clippers Curse” circulated and calls came in hot and heavy. No one had solutions, but they all knew the problem.

“The Clippers were doomed to failure.”

“The franchise stinks.”

“Call them the Los Angeles Chokers.”

“They’ll never be anything but secondrate.”

“The Lakers will win another title before the Clippers win their first.”

“They’ll always be in the Lakers shadow.”

Such definitive statements are easy to make and difficult to dispute. But fans and casual observers alike feel much better after uttering, tweeting or blasting them across multiple platforms.

Thing is, you just never know.

The Clippers were incredibly terrible for decades. Wherever the basement was for any franchise, in any sport, the Clippers probably had a lower moment.

It got to it’s lowest last April when the longest-tenured owner, Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA for the rest of his life for racist comments and now that they’ve failed to advance to the Western Conference Championships—again—many believe the franchise is cursed or doomed or destined for abject failure.

Let’s not forget the Lakers, one of the NBA’s most esteemed franchises battled for the NBA draft lottery Tuesday night.

Let’s not forget the Oklahoma City Thunder failed to make the playoffs this year.

Let’s not forget the Portland Trailblazers were swept out of the first round of the playoffs.

Plenty of other franchises have failed more, and flailed more spectacularly. But things are different in LA. There’s the pressure of the billionaire owner declaring the only banners to be hung in Staples Center for the Clippers would be NBA Championship banners.

There’s the pressure of being the only relevant basketball in a town known for UCLA and Lakers lore.

There’s the pressure of Lob City and becoming one of the NBA’s most entertaining franchises.

And there’s the pressure of the Blake Griffin and Chris Paul advertisements and notoriety

Week of May 21

expanding beyond the little-brother fan base the Clippers used to know.

They’re a national brand now and that comes with lofty expectations and crushing disappointment when those expectations are not met.

So much went wrong with the Clippers this post season, but much of it is fixable.

The bench was as bi-polar as Mariah Carey and flip-flopped more than any DC politician.

The Clippers lack of ball movement illustrated a lack of trust in the offensive system, something that takes time to develop.

This is a talented team with good leadership and players that will come back stronger.

They may have failed this post season, and done so in dramatic fashion, dooming them to the history books and sports lore, but they are not doomed to failure every season. Not with that much talent and gaining experience.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 2-4 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 2-4 pst at www.team1010. com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): James McNeil Whistler was an influential painter in the latter half of the 19th century. He advocated the “art for art’s sake” credo, insisting that the best art doesn’t need to teach or moralize. As far as he was concerned, its most important purpose was to bring forth “glorious harmony” from chaos. But the immediate reason I’m nominating him to be your patron saint for the coming weeks is the stylized signature he created: an elegant butterfly with a long tail that was actually a stinger. I think you’ll thrive by embodying that dual spirit: being graceful, sensitive, and harmonious and yet also feisty, piquant, and provocative. Can you manage that much paradox? I think you can.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Renowned author George Bernard Shaw was secure in his feeling that he did good work. He didn’t need the recognition of others to validate his self-worth. The British Prime Minister offered him a knighthood, but he refused it.

When he found out he had been awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature, he wanted to turn it down but his wife convinced him to accept it. The English government also sought to give him the prestigious Order of Merit, but he rejected it, saying, “I have already conferred this order upon myself.” He’s your role model for right now, Taurus. Congratulate yourself for your successes, whether or not anyone else does.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Aha!” is your mantra for the coming weeks, Gemini. Keep it on the tip of your tongue, ready to unleash. This always-ready-tobe-surprised-by-inspiration attitude will train you to expect the arrival of wonders and marvels. And that will be an effective way to actually attract wonders and marvels! With “Aha!” as your talisman, all of your wake-up calls will be benevolent, and all of the chaos you encounter -- or at least most of it -- will be fertile.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do you chronically indulge in feelings of guilt? Do you berate yourself for the wrong turns and sad mistakes you made in the past? These behaviors may be sneaky ways of avoiding change. How can you summon enough energy to transform your life if you’re wallowing in worries and regrets? In presenting the possibility that you might be caught in this trap, I want you to know that I’m not sitting in judgment of you. Not at all. Like you, I’m a Cancerian, and I have periodically gotten bogged down in the very morass I’m warning you against. The bad news is that right now you are especially susceptible to falling under this spell. The good news is that right now you have extra power to break this spell.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the TV comedy-drama Jane the Virgin, the fictional character known as Rogelio de la Vega is a vain but lovable actor who performs in telenovelas. “I’m very easy to dress,” he tells the wardrobe supervisor of a new show he’ll be working on. “Everything looks good on me. Except for peach. I don’t pop in peach.” What he means is that his charisma doesn’t radiate vividly when he’s wearing peach-colored clothes. Now I want to ask you, Leo: What don’t you pop in? I’m not simply talking about the color of clothes that enable you to shine, but everything else, too. In the coming weeks, it’s crucial that you surround yourself with influences that make you pop.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Are you willing to entertain an outlandish possibility? Here’s my vision: You will soon be offered unexpected assistance, either through the machinations of a “guardian angel” or the messy blessings of a shape-shifting spirit. This divine intervention will make it possible for you to demolish a big, bad obstacle you’ve been trying to find a way around. Even if you have trouble believing in the literal factuality of my prophecy, here’s what I suspect: It will at least come true in a metaphorical sense -- which is the truest kind of truth of all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Glory” is the theme song of the film Selma. It’s an anthem about

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

the ongoing struggle for equal rights by African Americans. I want to borrow one of its lines for your use in the coming weeks: “Freedom is like a religion to us.” I think those will be good words for you to live by. Are you part of a group that suffers oppression and injustice? Are you mixed up in a situation that squashes your self-expression? Are you being squelched by the conditioned habits of your own unconscious mind? It’s high time to rebel. The quest for liberation should be your spiritual calling.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you’re planning on breaking a taboo, sneaking into a forbidden zone, or getting intimate with an edge-dweller, don’t tell boastful stories about what you’re doing. For now, secrecy is not only sexy; it’s a smart way to keep you safe and effective. Usually I’m fond of you telling the whole truth. I like it when you reveal the nuanced depths of your feelings. But right now I favor a more cautious approach to communication. Until your explorations have progressed further, I suggest that you only discuss them sparingly. As you put your experiments in motion, share the details on a needto-know basis.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There are many possible ways to create and manage a close relationship. Here’s one of my favorite models: when two independent, self-responsible souls pledge to help each other activate the best versions of themselves. If you don’t have a partnership like this, the near future will be a favorable time to find one.

And if you already do have an intimate alliance in which the two of you synergize each other’s quest for individuation, the coming weeks could bring you breathtaking breakthroughs.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s a challenge to drive a car through Canada’s far north. For example, if you want to get from Dawson in the Yukon Territory to Inuvik in the Northwest Territory, you take Dempster Highway. It’s gravel road for the entire 417-mile trip, so the ride is rough. Bring a spare tire and extra gasoline, since there’s just one service station along the way. On the plus side, the scenery is thrilling.

The permafrost in the soil makes the trees grow in odd shapes, almost like they’re drunk. You can see caribou, wolverines, lynx, bears, and countless birds.

Right now, the sun is up 20 hours every day. And the tundra? You’ve never seen anything like it. Even if you don’t make a trip like this, Capricorn, I’m guessing you will soon embark on a metaphorically similar version. With the right attitude and preparation, you will have fun and grow more courageous.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author James Joyce wrote Ulysses, one of the most celebrated and influential novels of the 20th century.

The narrative is both experimental and tightly structured. Its chaotic stream-of-consciousness passages are painstakingly crafted. (Anyone who wonders how the astrological sign of Aquarius can be jointly ruled by the rebellious planet Uranus and the disciplinarian planet Saturn need only examine this book for evidence.) Joyce claimed he labored over Ulysses for 20,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of devoting eight hours a day, 350 days a year, for over seven years. Will you ever work that hard and long on a project, Aquarius? If so, now would be an auspicious time to start.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The English writer and caricaturist Max Beerbohm moved away from his native land when he was 37 years old. He settled in Rapallo, Italy, where he lived for much of the rest of his life. Here’s the twist: When he died at age 83, he had still not learned to speak Italian. For 40 years, he used his native tongue in his foreign home. This is a failing you can’t afford to have in the coming months, Pisces. The old proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” has never been so important for you to observe.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

May 21 to May 27, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

A

s children we dream of what adulthood will look like. Not cognizant of all the responsibility associated with adulthood we wanted to grow up as quickly as possible. You also pondered what you may become when you grow up not knowing your epiphany announced itself in a latter part of your life. You began to dream of what your heart desired.

We embark on a journey full of courage of which we hope will lead us to fulfilling our dreams and goals. Are you pursuing the dreams placed on your heart? Are you tackling your goals with zest and vigor? Or, are you sitting on the sidelines watching time pass you by? As we know life comes at us fast. If you are passionate about your dreams and goals there can be no idle time.

You must be the captain of your own ship.

Naturally you may procrastinate. Each of us embraces this trait at one time or another.

Formulate a plan. Map out your goals.

Articulate a timeline.

One must also associate with people of like minds. If your goal is to live a healthier lifestyle then you cannot surround yourself with people who are not of the same mindset. If becoming successful in business is your desire, surround yourself with those who have achieved success. Constitute your plan and attack your plan.

Find peace and believe in what you are doing. Surround yourself with people who support your goals and aspirations.

Naysayers will be quick to judge and bring you down. Eliminate any and all negativity.

Regardless of what you desire the most expeditious way to get there is by asking questions. Ask questions that challenge the other party. Follow the keen advice of others who have already paid their dues and achieved greatness. Continue to ask for advice time and again. The more knowledge you possess on your endeavor the better versed you will be to achieve your greatness. Stop, look and listen. Be observant. Pay attention to your surroundings. This will give you greater insight.

In addition, refrain from trying to accomplish everything your way. Your way is not the only way. Stubbornness will result in continuously banging your head against a wall. Once you listen to others you may well recognize the validity in what they are conveying. If you are stifled, perhaps it is time to listen to others. Remember, we are here to work together. If someone is an antagonist, move on.

Most importantly, persevere. Try and try again. Anything that is worthwhile you will need to work. The journey is paramount.

Those around you will appreciate your tenacity. Most of all it is your story. You own it. No one can ever take it from you.

You have been given all the tools you need. Apply them to your dreams. Be courageous. Most importantly, believe in yourself.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

The Trouble with Eloise

I

have a friend I call “If Only Eloise.” Of course, her real name isn’t Eloise, and to be honest with you she is not exactly a friend.

My last conversation with Eloise consisted of a litany of laments. It went like this, “If only I had completed my master’s degree, if only I stayed with my second husband, if only…well, you get the picture. Not only is “If Only Eloise” focused on the past, she seems never to conjure up a positive memory.

As I listened to Eloise drone on, I visualized smashing a rear-view mirror into a zillion little pieces, sweeping it up into a container and burying it deep in the earth. Obviously her selfimposed stress was having an unpleasant effect on me. I wanted to reach out and shake this woman who was intent on wasting precious time by ruminating over past. When she paused to breathe, I tried a little tough love technique of mine and then suggested she start living in the present.

Sometimes we all fall into an unhealthy “if only” pattern. Meditating on your failures not only adds to your stress level, it drains you of energy and diminishes your self esteem. If you find yourself agonizing over the past, I have some suggestions. First, what could you do to remedy the situation? Do you owe someone an apology? If so, graciously and sincerely ask for

forgiveness. If that ship has sailed and you have no recourse, begin by forgiving yourself.

Next, absorb the lesson learned. We all make mistakes; however, the real danger is, making the same mistake twice. So, take a step back, analyze what you could have done differently, vow to never repeat that action and move on.

In the process, cut yourself some slack, treat yourself kindly and hold yourself in love.

Banish any nasty negative voices in your head by turning your thoughts to positive endeavors. Make an inventory of your strong points. If you must revisit the past, focus on your wins.

When you feel anxiety regarding past mistakes creep in and spill into the moment, stop and center yourself by taking several slow deep breaths. Pull air deep into your diaphragm.

Use this breathing technique to slow down your thoughts and rid your mind of negative intrusions.

Lastly, throw away your rear view mirror.

Unless it is attached to your vehicle, it is not a useful tool, only a distraction. Got the picture?

Now proceed to dream big, live well and make the most of each moment.

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

Ask The Doctor

May 21 to May 27, 2015

by dr peter kadile

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

Can you repeat that?

Dr. Kadile, I’ve noticed that I have had frequent migraine headaches since it’s been very windy lately. Is there a connection? -Jill, La Quinta

Jill, the high winds kick up all sorts of nasty allergens, dust, sand and irritants which can commonly cause itchy, watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat and sneezing associated with allergic rhinitis. Migraines generally get “triggered” by something and the dust and sand from the high winds can certainly trigger a migraine headache. If your migraine headaches persist and/or worsen, it may be due to something other than allergies and you should be evaluated by your doctor.

Staying well hydrated, supplementing with vitamin C, vitamin D and omega 3 fish oils can help boost your immune system and help reduce allergy flare ups.

Irrigation of the nasal passages with an over the counter neti pot can help reduce the congestion and runny nose associated with allergy symptoms. Over the counter (OTC) medications, usually antihistamines, can be effective in the prevention and treatment of symptoms, but can have side effects, commonly drowsiness. Make sure you read the labels of the various OTC allergy medications to educate yourself on the possible side effects.

Hey Dr. Kadile, my son frequently gets ear infections after swimming. Can he take an antibiotic before he swims to prevent this? -Judy, Cathedral City

Judy, your son most likely gets frequent outer ear infections (otitis externa), commonly know as “swimmers ear”. The outer ear is the area from the eardrum to the outside of the head. The infection is caused by water that stays in the ear commonly after swimming. The water contains bacteria

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that invade the skin of the ear canal. Most cases of swimmers ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops. An important part of the treatment is to keep the affected ears dry, so no more swimming until the infection has fully cleared. Plugging the ear canal with a cotton ball coated in vaseline will help keep the ear dry when swimming.

Taking antibiotics before swimming is not necessary, just try and keep your son’s ears dry when he swims.

Dr. Kadile, can chicken soup really help with a cold or flu? -Steve, Indio

Steve, the old fashioned remedy of chicken soup may actually be better than over the counter cold and flu medications.

There have been several scientific studies that show that chicken soup may have some medical benefits. Ingredients in chicken soup can help reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory cold/flu symptoms. Hot chicken soup has been shown to be more effective than hot water in increasing the movement of nasal mucus and the soup also improves function of cilia, the protective projections in the nose that prevent germs from entering the body. Chicken soup is also a good source of nutrition and hydration when you’re sick.

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400 Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

Feline Veterinary Service

Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind.

From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

Services include: • Routine Care • Geriatic Care • Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology • Laboratory Services • New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations • General Surgery • Dentistry

67870 Vista Chino Cathedral City, CA 92234

www.catcitycat.com

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May 21 to May 27, 2015

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