Coachella Valley Weekly - June 18 to June 24, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 13

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • June 18 to June 24, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 13

PS Intl’ ShortFest

pg 4-5

Remembering Christopher Lee

pg 8

DJ Albert Ramirez

pg 10

James McMurtry

pg 11

June 18 to June 24, 2015

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

By rich henrich THE REBEL NOISE: THE STORY OF A SIX PACK AND AN EGG SHAKER UPCOMING SHOWS: THE HOOD FRIDAY @ 9PM, BART LOUNGE SATURDAY @ 9PM Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

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

Contents

The Rebel Noise.................................. 3 PS ShortFest Review........................... 4 PS ShortFest Spotlight - Replika....... 4 Spotlight on Sandorkraut ................. 5 PS ShortFest Spotlight - solemates... 5 2016 Desert Town Hall Speakers ....... 6 Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living.... 6 Events.................................................. 7 Remembering Christopher Lee......... 8 Backstage Jazz.................................... 9 Open Mic Competition.....................10 LMS - DJ Albert Ramirez ..................10 LMS - James McMurtry .....................11 Consider This - ..................................12 Art - Colin Fisher Gallery..................13 Pet Place............................................14 The Vino Voice...................................15 Club Crawler Nightlife......................16 Pampered Palate ..............................18 Screeners ..........................................20 Book Review .....................................21 Safety Tips ........................................24 Haddon Libby...................................25 Dale Gribow......................................25 Sports Scene.....................................26 Free Will Astrology...........................23 Haddon Libby...................................21 Dale Gribow......................................21 Life & Career Coach...........................24 Ask The Doctor..................................24

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T

he year was 2012. Leo was slinging drinks at the bar. Damn good drinks, too. I know, I had at least a few in between bites of tasty street tacos.

“You should meet my girlfriend,” he said.

“She’s in the band, too. She’s the drummer.”

I waited for her to arrive and then with a thundering roar, there was no mistake about the sassy lassie that just walked through the doors- the one and only Ashley Kay Pintor.

Pure fire washed over with the refinement of Jameson. It was clear from that moment on that there was one instrument created on Earth, perfectly crafted to suit her rambunctious personality. She exuded rockn-roll and held her tacos like drum sticks.

Indeed she was one with her drum.

They invited me to see their show at a new place called BAR, a refreshing venue amidst modernism. The stage, nothing more than a small riser in the corner of a compact bar. I thought this could be a challenge for a band to perform in such a space. There were about 20-30 people mixing about, drowning out the spring heat.

Leo took the stage quietly. Then Collin, a man with a mustache and plenty of style slung his guitar over his shoulder and tuned up. The little drummer girl took the stage like Tommy Lee, the notorious drummer of Motley Crue. She was ready to play the Hollywood Bowl and for all she cared, it

was. Drums pounding, guitars whaling and then Leo yelled out something guttural from the bowls of rockdom- Possessed. This night would mark the beginning of my love affair with The Rebel Noise.

Great music requires one thing- that special feeling you get when you know there is no moment of truth like the one before you, that moment that transports you away from the ordinary world into a special haven of raw emotion and blissful bellowing, it’s a rapture wrapped inside a revival of what’s real, of all that matters.

This is The Rebel Noise, a sonic wonder incapable of a whisper.

When I was asked to write this article, it was a giddy honor to return to the sound machine I’ve long been infatuated with and could only beam at their success. I knew they were good and it’s a joy to see them grow and share that magic with the desert and lands yet known.

This band came together in a strange way.

The lead singer, Leopoldo “Leo” Rodriguez never sang before. Oh yeah, and he never played guitar before. Yet, he followed his girlfriend, Ashley, to Palm Springs after her brother Collin took a job there. “It was just time for something new,” Leo said. “Collin and Ashley used to jam together all the time but I could only watch. I didn’t play an instrument. So, with a couple weeks of down time, he stole a guitar from his sister and Collin showed him a couple chords. He emerged a singer/ songwriter that could actually sing!

“We knew we had something. When we heard him sing, it was crazy. It was like… you’ve never sung before? Like never?” recalled Collin. It was the missing piece to a musical puzzle and it was right next to them the whole time, watching them have all the fun. Ashley and Collin are siblings but they played music sans a singer until Leo finally stopped being selfish and shared his talents.

“We saw the possibility. We jammed but never had a singer. And then Leo said he wanted to try singing.”

“Ashley and I have been together for seven years. So, I’ve known Collin forever,

Collin Pintor, Ashley Kay Pintor & Leopoldo “Leo” Rodriguez

too. We were already a family before we started the band. I think that helps a lot.

It’s definitely made us stronger. For us, the focus is really on the fun,” says the front man.

“We’d just bring over a six pack…each… and just play. Bring over the dogs, jump in the pool. We’ve never turned it into a job,” says wild child Ashley.

“Keeping it fun made it possible for us to write new music. There’s nothing worse than playing a song you hate,” reminds the man behind the mustache.

CVW: How do you keep things fresh?

You live with the drummer and play with her brother?

Leo adds his wisdom to the matter: “We take time off. We never force it. I think we are really good with our communication with each other. If a song doesn’t work, we tried it, we move on rather than getting irritated.”

CVW: How did you (Ashley) and Collin start?

ASHLEY: Collin started in band, in high school, with the sax. I started with a snare in marching band. I can’t believe our parents dealt with us!

COLLIN: I didn’t pick up the guitar until after high school. Then I dropped it. We took a break. I couldn’t put it down for too long, though!

CVW: You have a couple of shows coming up?

LEO: Yeah, it’s a new place, in the Canyon Shopping Center, above Upper Crust Pizza.

A young guy opened it, Michael Murphy.

He’s a cool guy. The place is like, Tim Burton inspired space.

COLLIN: It’s good space for sure. Doesn’t feel like the desert. You kinda forget where you’re at- in a good way. It’s like Hollywood.

CVW: What will be different about these upcoming shows?

LEO: Well, I won’t be playing guitar! I switched to bass. I never gave bass a chance and after Ben Travis, our bassist moved to San Diego, it made sense. We love that guy but we’re back to a three piece. continue to page 8

Photos by Scott Pam Photography

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

film

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by heidi simmons

Palm Springs International ShortFest & Film Market A Triumph of the Film Society

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f you love movies and want something more provocative, engaging and fun than the summer blockbusters, Palm Springs International ShortFest is the place to be! With 330 films from 51 countries in 55 separate programs, you are certain to find great summer entertainment.

Named one of the Top 10 U.S. film festivals

by USA Today, the Palm Springs International ShortFest is more than just a way to cool off in the desert. It is the coolest way to enjoy films while showcasing emerging global talent, student films and Oscar contenders.

Besides being a platform for potential Oscar candidates, PSISF is also a nominating festival for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). Moviemaker Magazine called PSISF one of the “50 Festivals Worth the Submission Fee.” What makes the ShortFest so special is a celebration of both the filmmaker and the art of cinema. Along with the screening of films for general audiences, behind the scenes is a Film Market where industry professionals and insiders can view over 3000 PSISF submissions.

This is an important mission of the Palm Springs Film Society, the non-profit organization behind both the International and ShortFest events. The Society’s vision is: To strive for a world in which enlightenment, knowledge and tolerance prevail. The Society believes film is an art form and has the power to bridge cultures and illuminate the universality of the human experience. How cool is that?

The Society’s stated goal is “To enrich, to educate, to entertain, to initiate cultural dialogue and to celebrate cinematic excellence in any language.” Its mission is to nurture and encourage new filmmaking talent and honor the masters of world cinema while providing audiences with a unique opportunity to engage in an appreciation and dialogue about the art of film. Indeed, this is a big part of what makes the ShortFest such a favorite.

Putting these worthy aspirations into action has made the ShortFest one of the best in the world and beloved by filmgoers and filmmakers. During the ShortFest, forums, roundtables, panel discussions, seminars and master classes are conducted to encourage and support attending artists.

Passionate about film and his role as Festival Director, Darryl Macdonald said,

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“We have poured years of concerted effort and substantial resources into establishing a major springboard for newly emerging talent with this event and it’s hugely gratifying for us to have the Palm Springs ShortFest gain broad-based recognition from key media outlets and such esteemed organizations as BAFTA and BIFA.” Macdonald continued, “The Festival’s exhibition programs and concurrent Film Market have created exceptional opportunities for filmmakers, and its ShortFest Forum programs represent the Film Society’s largest educational endeavor, providing young filmmakers with knowledge and insights directly from industry professionals, established filmmakers and experts in the craft of filmmaking.”

Now in its 21st year, the ShortFest makes the whole event fun for all who attend, both filmmakers and film lovers. There are parties around town every night and the Palm Springs community and businesses embrace the off-season attendees with open arms.

Everywhere you go, people like to talk about the movies they’ve seen in the Fest.

Even with record-breaking heat, the excitement and joy of the “Opening Night” program was palpable as audience and filmmakers sat in the dedicated, comfort of the Camelot theatre.

Sponsored by LuLu California Bistro, “Opening Night” began Tuesday evening June 16 with “Make ‘Em Laugh.” The program screened seven films in 87 minutes that created an ice-breaking and warm-welcome event for filmmakers and film fans.

The shortest of the program was “Love is Blind,” from the United Kingdom at only seven minutes. The longest short was France’s “Albertine,” at 20 minutes.

Now, through June 22, this is how the films will roll – four to ten short films grouped into programs with titles like: “Perfect Endings,” “Road Trips,” “Mysteries! Horrors! Thrillers!,” “Lost & Found,” “Identity Crisis” and “Kid Logic” will screen everyday. Thoughtfully and carefully curated, the programs literally offer something for everybody. Come out and celebrate the art of filmmaking and the triumph of the Palm Springs Film Society.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to www.psfilmfest.org

shortfest Spotlight:

replika

by robin E. simmons

T

he tag line reads: “When humanity turns functional, the heart of machines beats louder.”

Hmmm, what does that mean? A loving mother is forced to terminate her relationship with her only daughter – a dysfunctional android. Did you read that correctly? Android daughter. The mom tries to convince her husband to adopt a human kid. But in a materialistic and functional world, safety takes precedence over emotions.

It’s 2061. A virus has decimated half of the world’s population. If humans want to live, they are compelled to take a daily vaccine that has one side effect: sterility! To cope with their incapacity to give life, couples can buy “young” androids that mature with the family.

Amy, a loving mother is deeply affected by this emotional void of losing her android child.

She loses track of her own reality. Christopher, her husband, tries to comfort her but Amy’s intense craving pushes her to take in Sophie, a wandering, flesh and bone gutter kid. Amy keeps this hidden from her husband.

When Chris finds out, a violent clash follows, forcing Amy to choose between the synthetic child and her living husband.

Writer director Luc Walpoth is a Swiss filmmaker who lives between Bern, Turin, and Geneva. Turbulence Films, his production company, is based nearby. After his studies at EICAR in Paris, he shot, directed and/or produced commercials, documentaries, and short and feature films.

His previous short film, INVISIBLE TRAJECTORIES, premiered in international competition at the 33rd Festival du courtmétrage de Clermont-Ferrand in 2011. Since then, the film has been selected in various international festivals, broadcasted in Europe

Spotlight on FIlmmakers:

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Two Creative Artists With a Taste for the Fermented

June 18 to June 24, 2015

by heidi simmons

“Sandorkraut: A Fetish for Fermentation” 12 minutes Documentary Extraordinary People Program Thursday, June 18 11:30 Camelot Theatres

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and won six awards.

In 2014, Luc was selected at “Story Matter,” the first international Tribeca Hack where he developed the short film PETER’S BUBBLE, a prototype of peer-to-peer storytelling platform. He is also part of the “Torino Film Lab” in where he is currently adapting an Italian book.

REPLIKA premieres June 19 at 1:30pm.

If you miss it, check for the “Best of Fest” showings at the end of the festival. See website psfilmfest.org

hen filmmakers Ann Husaini and Emily Lobsenz met at a party, they discovered a mutual interest. “Partly being silly, I mentioned to Ann that she should double ferment the extra Sangria. And she immediately knew what I was talking about,” said Lobsenz. “We both had read Sandor Katz books on fermentation and discovered we both thought he would be a great subject for a film.”

“Sandorkraut: A Fetish for Fermentation” is a look at the magic and philosophy of fermentation as told by the guru of fermentation and New York Times Bestselling author Sandor Katz. Sandorkraut is a nickname for Katz because of his gift for making superb sauerkraut. Meticulously photographed by cinematographer Craig Marsden, Katz tells his personal story of how, after leaving New York City, he came to appreciate the fermentation process and its larger meaning on his Tennessee farm.

“Sandor’s books are so much more than just cookbooks and recipes,” said Husaini. “He is a beautiful writer. He talks about our food system and shares his personal experience of life in a rural community. I knew a short portrait documentary was a very achievable film to make.”

Husaini and Lobsenz wrote, directed, produced and edited the film together. Shot over two days and with a budget of $3,000 -- mostly on travel and food -- Husaini and Lobsenz each marshaled their talented friends who owned their own equipment to do all the things they couldn’t. “We used a deep resource of friends that complimented

Ann Husaini

each other in terms of getting things done,” said Husaini. “It was really cool. The whole team was great and worked nicely together.”

Husaini and Lobsenz each have made feature length and short films prior to their collaboration. Husaini is a graduate of Columbia’s MFA Film Program and Lobsenz has a Master from Courtald Institute of Art in London.

“It was a learning experience for the both of us because we didn’t know each other well,” said Husaini. “We were doing it out of a common interest. Emily comes from a writing-directing background and I’m more of a seasoned editor. We both had a similar vision of what we wanted because of our appreciation for Sandor. Our artistic ideas were similar.”

“Creatively we worked really well together. Producing was harder because we just didn’t have any money,” said Lobsenz.

“But, we’d pass things back and forth. It was a nice balance. There is a lot of stuff in the film that worked out because we each added something more to the scene. We both wanted to create something really textured, with sound and visuals. Ann cut it together to amplify what I wanted to do. She is incredibly creative and really motivated and smart, so it was cool to push each other like that.”

Raised in a household where her mother grew her own vegetables and made yogurt, Lobsenz felt a connection to Sandor’s work.

And when her father became seriously ill, she wanted to better understand the healing properties of fermentation. “Sandor writes these beautiful things about life and death

Emily Lobsenz

as he makes Kimchi,” said Lobsenz. “There’s this whole spiritual side to fermentation that really hit me when I thought I might lose someone I love dearly.” Lobsenz father survived his illness.

With a background in literature and fine arts, Lobsenz wanted the film to look like the Dutch and Flemish paintings she studied abroad. She showed Husaini, Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr‘s, “The Turin Horse” as an example of how she saw the simple process of Katz chopping cabbage and making sauerkraut.

Husaini loves cinéma vérité and the work of Albert and David Maysles. She enjoys Harmony Korine for visual style but likes

Film

happier topics. She’s naturally drawn to first-person narrative in documentaries. She was on a health food kick, making her own sauerkraut and canning, when she read Wild Fermentation by Katz.

“We are both strong personalities and are used to working independently but it’s been good for both of us,” said Husaini. “We gave each other space and divided up duties according to our strengths. I’m grateful for the whole experience. Alone, neither of us would have done it, but having a partner on this project really made it work.”

“Sandorkraut” has been in 15 festivals since its completion last year. The documentary has been in all types of program categories that include environmental, gay lives, political activism, death and food!

For more information on “Sandorkraut” and the filmmakers go to www.sandorkraut. com For tickets go to www.psfilmfest.org “Sandorkraut” is packaged with six other films under the “Extraordinary People” program.

shortfest Spotlight:

solemates

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“The story of love and family -as seen from a shoe’s perspective.”

lot of buzz swirls around the sly and slight SOLEMATES. Directed

by Bryce Dallas Howard, currently riding high with the massive recordbreaking, world-wide opening success of JURASSIC WORLD, her clever little love story is now available for free viewing online.

Go to: psfilmfest.org/festival/onlinefest.

See it now and vote online. The “ShortFest Online Audience Award” will be announced at the festival’s awards ceremony on closing night.

For a list of films chosen for online screenings, go to: www.thewrap.com/palmsprings-shortfest-bryce-dallas-howardssolemates-virunga-directors-latest-addedto-online-category

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

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Desert Town Hall Announces Speakers for 2016

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esert Town Hall, presented by The H. N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, has announced its speakers for 2016. All events are held at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.

“We’ve been fortunate to get the top speaker -­‐-­‐ the #1 most requested by our subscribers -­‐-­‐ for three years running,” said Board President Andy Clark. “This year it’s Bill O’Reilly. He last spoke here in 2003, and is sure to have much to say in this upcoming election year.”

The 2016 lineup includes: · FOX News Anchor Bill O’Reilly, Friday, January 29 · Survivor of the Andes, Nando Parrado, Monday, February 22 · President of Mexico (2006-­‐2012) Felipe Calderon, March 10 · Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency David Petraeus, Thursday, March 24 Tickets are available by calling (760) 610-­ ‐2852. Ticket prices begin at $275 for an unreserved seat, per event.

As part of its philanthropic mission, Desert Forum, Inc., invites 150 local high school students from 22 area high schools to attend each lecture through the Youth Town Hall program. Students participate in a hosted evening where the featured speaker visits with the youth in a separate gathering from the main speech.

This nationally recognized series has included world leaders and other notables such as 2015’s Mitt Romney, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Platon, Charles Krauthammer; and in 2014, Leon Panetta, Lisa Ling & Laura Ling, Karl Rove, Dr. Ben Carson. A complete list of the renowned speakers who have appeared on the Desert Town Hall stage can be found at www.DesertTownHall.org.

Desert Forum, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c) (3) educational corporation, produces Desert Town Hall. A portion of the cost of the tickets is tax-­‐deductible. The lecture series is sponsored by a number of local companies, organizations and philanthropic individuals.

Serving as officers for 2015-­‐16, the 24th season of the celebrated series,

are: President Andy Clark (111 Wealth Management); Vice President Judy Vossler (Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau); Treasurer Keith Goff (Rabobank); and Secretary Phillip K. Smith, Jr. (Sunrise Company).

Members of the Board of Directors are: Jerry Fogelson (Fogelson Properties), Brian Harnik (Roemer & Harnik), Lois Horvitz (Founding President), Bill Powers (retired community leader), Tim Sullivan (retired community leader), Tom Tabler (Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa), and Mark Winkler (The Desert Sun).

Staff for the series includes Becky Kurtz, executive director; Maria Cross, administrative director; Cynthia Buckner and Gina Irwin, program assistants. Nearly

events 30 dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been with the series since its inception in 1993, help to make the series a success every year.

Sponsors of the series include the presenting sponsor, The H. N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, along with The City of Indian Wells, The Desert Sun, Lois U. Horvitz, Helene Galen and Madeline Redstone, Rabobank, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Roemer & Harnik LLP, Sunrise Company/Toscana Country Club, and Valentine-­‐ Dougherty-­‐Clark/111 Wealth Management Group.

For more information about Desert Town Hall call (760) 610-2852 or visit www.

DesertTownHall.org. Follow Desert Town Hall on Facebook and Twitter.

Stonewall Gardens to Host LGBT Pride Event on Anniversary of Stonewall Riots

Open House is First in a Series with Fascinating Guest Speaker

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tonewall Gardens, Palm Springs’ first senior assisted living village for the LGBT community and friends, will host a community Open House on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Sunday, June 28, at 10:00 AM. Guest speaker Richard Pass will relay his first-hand experience as he witnessed the rebellion and riots, which took place on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village. The melee is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States. Audience members will be encouraged to share their own personal reminiscences as well.

A native of England who grew up under the cloud of World War II, Richard explains

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how his life path brought him to Manhattan that fateful night: “After the war, my parents moved us to Buenos Aires, and then a return to London until New York called me in the late 1960’s when I got a job with the British Embassy. On the dreaded night of Judy Garland’s funeral, I was having a gay old time in the storied Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.”

In 2010 Richard and his husband Curt decided to be more than weekenders in Palm Springs and moved to the gay-friendly resort town as full-time residents. He added, “I feel my life in America has come full circle, starting in New York with the shocking and life-changing events at one place called Stonewall, and today I’m involved with this new, positive and supportive place also named Stonewall.”

Refreshments will be served and tours of the community will be available. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early. No RSVP is required.

Executive Director Gary King added “As Stonewall Gardens takes its place in the local community, we plan to schedule many more events like this, and are currently putting together a series of Open House events with a variety of guest speakers that will take the form of an Oral History series.” Details of the series and its schedule will be announced soon.

Located at 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive in the burgeoning Uptown neighborhood of Palm Springs, the 24-unit community is operated by Northstar Senior Living, one of the premier providers of senior living in the country.

Stonewall Gardens is not a retirement community, but rather a place where LGBT seniors and their friends can be cared for in

a supportive environment that celebrates their life experience. A full-time licensed nurse and 24-hour professional care staff cater to residents’ needs so they can enjoy resort-style living to the fullest, with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.

To inquire about availability and a tour of the community’s apartments, grounds, and public areas, please visit stonewallgardens. com or call 760-548-0970.

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Save the Date for 2nd Annual Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge Early bird registration now open

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amily YMCA of the Desert’s 2nd Annual Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge will be held on Sunday, October 4, giving runners, walkers, and tri-athletes the opportunity exercise while having fun and raising money for youth programs in the Valley. The event takes place again this year at the beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The triple event day is designed for participants of varying skill levels, from recreational enthusiasts to advanced athletes.

For the more serious athlete a Reverse MiniTriathlon includes a 5K run, a 10-mile bike ride, and lastly a 300-meter swim at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. New this year is the Reverse Mini-Tri Relay for groups with a maximum of three participants. The 5K Walk/Run, and 1K Color Run are great options for a less competitive experience, and for even simply enjoying the camaraderie and exercise.

Following the finish of the Reverse MiniTriathlon, a Health and Wellness Fair features vendor and information booths, entertainment, and activities for all ages. In addition to participants in the event, the public is also invited to attend the fair from 7 to 11:00 a.m.

“Last year’s inaugural Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge was embraced by the community and resulted in not only an enjoyable event for families and individuals alike, but raised over $18,000 to support the YMCA’s important youth programs held throughout the Valley,” said Sabby Jonathan, YMCA Trustee. “Plus, last year’s first-time triathlon participants appreciated the swim portion taking place as the last activity, and we expect to attract additional first-timers

considering this format.”

Early Bird registration is now open. Fees for the Reverse Mini-Triathlon are $60, which increases to $75 from Sept. 1- Oct. 3 and $90 on race day; the Reverse Mini-Tri Relay is $80, increasing to $95 Sept. 1 – Oct. 3, and $110 on race day; and the 5K Run/Walk is $30, increasing to $35 Sept. 1- Oct.3 and $40 on race day.

Registration for the 1K Color Run is just $10, while YMCA members can participate in the 1K walk/run for just $5 when registering prior to the event; or event day registration costs $15 for either.

The Palm Desert Civic Center Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the Coachella Valley and is the hub of the Y Be Fit Palm Desert Challenge races and activities. The park offers the perfect setting for the event and is also home to the Family YMCA of the Desert and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

This fundraiser benefits Family YMCA of the Desert supporting youth programs, and is sponsored by the City of Palm Desert, Klein/ Clark, Burrtec, FG Creative, and others. For more information please visit www.ybefitpdchallenge. org or call(760) 341-9622. Interested sponsors can contact Terri Bona at the YMCA office at (760) 341-9622.

LOCAL FENCERS HEADING TO SAN JOSE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION

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ocal area high school students will be making their way to San Jose July 1-5 to compete in the 2015 Summer National Fencing Championships. The qualifier was held at Hemet High School in March and only the top three finishers in men’s and women’s foil, saber and epee qualified.

Qualifying for the Summer National Championships are, from La Quinta High School, two Junior Olympians, freshman Maddie Wales and senior Alec Steele; from Palm Desert High School, Junior Olympian, Emily Goldstone, junior; from Rancho Mirage High School, Junior Olympian Arturo Perez-Hunt, sophomore; from Cal State San Bernardino, Junior Olympian Ariana Dorticos, freshman; and Lynette Lim, former Palm Springs High School swim star and two time Olympic swimmer. Adults qualifying are Tony Barton from Palm Springs and Glenn King from Indio.

All the qualifying fencers train and fence at Desert Fencing Academy in Palm Desert and are coached by Leslie Taft, who will also be competing at the Nationals. “Fencing is a great sport”, said Coach Taft. “You can begin your competitive career at the tender age of 10 and keep on fencing up into your 80’s!”

The Junior Olympians of DFA are sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school and have been fencing with Coach Taft since they were in middle school, and many of them have gone on to have collegiate fencing careers.

“The kids and adults work hard,” said Coach

Taft. “Many of them train four days a week and compete in a tournament at least once a month. Our season is long, eleven months, from September to July, culminating in Summer Nationals.”

For info about fencing and Desert Fencing Academy, visit desertfencingacademy.com. The club is located at 73-760 Dinah Shore Dr, Suite 103, Palm Desert, CA, 92211.

June 18 to June 24, 2015

events

Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley

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amily Health & Support Network Presents ‘Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley’ Saturday, June 20, 2015 at La Quinta Resort & Spa 49-499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253 TIME: 6 PM – V.I.P. Reception; 7 PM – Dinner & Pioneer Awards COST: $55 – General Admission; $75 – V.I.P. Reception & Seating The eighth annual event honors AfricanAmerican culture and heritage, and is a benefit for the organization’s foster care, prevention, and early intervention programs. Actor and performer L. Young

and saxophonist Curtis Brooks will be the featured entertainment at the event, with Jasmine Tyiesa Roy serving as Emcee.

Former foster child Royland Kirkwood will deliver the keynote address.

To purchase tickets to the Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley Celebration and Pioneer Awards, please visit juneteenthcv.com.

JOIN THE LIVING DESERT FOR WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

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pend the longest day of the year celebrating the longest-necked animal at The Living Desert on World Giraffe Day, Sunday, June 21 from 9am - 12pm.

The celebration includes special giraffe keeper chats, arts and crafts, giraffe feedings and more. Guests who wear a giraffe print will receive half price general admission tickets.

World Giraffe Day is an initiative of the Giraffe Conservation Fund (GCF) and helps raise awareness and conservation efforts for giraffes that have less than 80,000 remaining in the wild. The vision of the GCF is that of “a sustainable future where all giraffe populations and (sub)species are protected and secure in the wild.” The Living Desert is one of many zoos and organizations throughout the world participating in this special day and what it represents.

“The concept of World Giraffe Day aligns perfectly with our mission of preservations through education and appreciation,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “We welcome the opportunity to celebrate these amazing animals with our visitors.”

For just $4 per member (non-members $5 per person), guests can get eye-to-eye with the giraffes and enjoy this unique experience of feeding the tallest animals in the world. Giraffe feedings will be offered

during World Giraffe Day at 9am and 11am, which also includes a keeper chat.

Giraffes will be available as part of the Zoo’s adopt an animal fundraiser. For $75 (regularly priced at $100), adopters will receive one free giraffe feeding (valid June 21 only), a giraffe stuffed animal, certificate, photo and fact sheet.

Giraffe range in height from 14-feet to over 20-feet tall and can weigh over 2,500 pounds. Their long necks reach almost 7-feet in length. A giraffe’s tongue is almost 20 inches long, and its purple color protects it from the sun’s harsh rays when eating.

The Living Desert is open daily from 8am to 1:30pm with the last admission at 1pm For more information, visit www.

LivingDesert.org or contact 760-346-5694.

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

THE REBEL NOISE continued from page 3 COLLIN: Ben taught us so much about music, especially rhythm. He helped us out so much, in so many ways. He and his wife moved to San Diego, though and that made it tougher to gig locally, which is really important to us.

LEO: Actually, I work for him now!

ASHLEY: We have all new songs and I get to sing a little bit, too!

COLLIN: Lots happened. Leo personally had a lot of crazy. We’ve turned it into a lyrical base and we’ve all been able to express (that energy) in our own way with our instruments experimenting with the songs.

ASHLEY: And the bicycle wheel sounds!

It’s trippy! And my egg shaker! Did you see the video?

COLLIN: Ashley absolutely nailed it!

There are a lot of layers in the music now.

LEO: It feels great! It’s really comfortable.

COLLIN: It’s how we started. The experiment with bass worked for Leo. I think it’s the happiest song he’s ever written!

Poppy but still rock-n-roll.

CVW: How has the desert shaped you?

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com ASHLEY: Just the level of support from other bands is so sweet! Other bands have helped push us along.

LEO: You never know whom you are going to meet- like you for instance! People want to connect with us and we’ve had so many incredible experiences here.

COLLIN: No one is putting anyone else down. The papers have all been great, the support is crazy! And the music scene is really thriving here.

ASHLEY: The CV (Music) Awards Show!!!

How many people showed up…wow! Phil and Tracy are crazy with their support of the local music scene.

LEO: They really take care of the artists.

It really makes it all worth it. *** Leo was on beer number three and suddenly disappeared from this interview. I believe he meandered to the men’s room.

CVW: What is The Rebel Noise about?

What do you want people to know?

ASHLEY: We drink. We love each other.

We love music. That’s it!

COLLIN: We couldn’t be happier with what we’ve been allowed to do here. We’ve been inspired by a lot of bands here and we

film

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t 6’5”, Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee was as imposing a figure on screen as he was in real life. And that wonderfully elegant baritone voice! It was as commanding as it was comforting. Born in London on May 27, 1922, to a Lieutenant in the Royal Rifle Corps and an Italian countess, he was, by the the age of 10, already acting in school productions at Oxford’s Summer Fields prep school.

His film debut came in Terence Young’s 1947 Gothic romance CORRIDOR OF MIRRORS. That same year, he had a brief role in Laurence Olivier’s HAMLET. He also had a small uncredited role in John Huston’s MOULIN ROUGE”(1952) playing the painter Georges Seurat. During the late 1940s and 1950s, Lee appeared in about 30 films, mostly in less-than-memorable adventure pictures.

Even though many older movie buffs first think of Dracula when they remember Lee -- he appeared in at least 10 films as Count Dracula -his first role for Hammer Films was not as Dracula but as Frankenstein’s creature in 1957’s THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN.

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amazing what we’ve experienced in such a short time. Thank you, everyone!

LEO: God Bless America… and Ben Travis!!! *** Leo sent me a text late last night and wanted to make sure I gave a proper shout out to their beloved bassist, Ben Travis. So, Mr. Ben Travis, “Thank you, for helping this little band of noise along.”

The Rebel Noise will be playing this Friday @9pm at The Hood with Ideation and touring act, Mount Baine and on Saturday in Cathedral City at Bart Lounge with Ideation @9pm. For more info on the location, please go to: facebook.com/The. Rebel.Noise

by robin E. simmons

REMEMBERING SIR CHRISTOPHER LEE (1922 -2015)

“Making films has never just been a job to me, it is my life. Acting is what keeps me going, it’s what I do, it gives life purpose.”

hope we inspire a few as well.

CVW: It’s summer. Any plans for a tour? *** And Leo enters…

LEO: Tours? We want to…

Collin: We’re talking about it.

CVW: So, the band that started with a six-pack has Ashley shaking eggs?

ASHLEY: I’m good, too!

CVW: What beer we on?

LEO: I’m on drink #3.

COLLIN: 3? We’re on 5!

LEO: That’s because I have two instruments to play! They have 1!

ASHLEY: That’s B.S!!!

CVW: Any last words?

ASHLEY: Thank you… to everyone…

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Peter Cushing, a close friend of Lee’s, starred as the Baron. Together they co-starred in a number of Hammer horror films. HORROR OF DRACULA (1958) was Lee’s first appearance as the blood-sucking Count. More than anything, it solidified a terrifying aura of dark desire for the actor.

Lee also made horror films for Hammer that were not vampire-centric. He was the title character in 1959’s THE MUMMY and 1966’s RASPUTIN, THE MAD MONK. Lee brought Dennis Wheatley, a popular writer of occult thrillers, to Hammer and starred in two adaptations: THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1967) -- considered among Hammer’s best -- and TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER (1976), which co-starred a seductive 15 year-old Nastassja Kinski. The film made a profit but was denounced by author Wheatley. It would be the studio’s last horror pic.

By some counts, Lee made over 300 film and TV appearances. The online movie site IMDb lists 281 credits.

Lee was a wonderful in Hammer’s THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1959) as Lord Henry Baskerville. His old friend Cushing played Sherlock Holmes. Later, Lee played the great detective himself in the non-Hammer SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DEADLY NECKLACE. He also played the Sherlock’s brother Mycroft in Billy Wilder’s THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1970).

Lee was grateful to Wilder for giving him a role

that rewarded him with a wider range of acting opportunities. During the 1990s, he again played Holmes in two British TV movies. Lee gave Holmes a detached dignity and a formidable physical presence that became iconic within the genre.

A memorable bit -- and perfect fit -- was Lee’s Compte de Rochefort, chief henchman to Charlton Heston’s Cardinal Richelieu in Richard Lester’s lush adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ THE THREE MUSKETEERS (1973) and THE FOUR MUSKETEERS. Lee’s one-eyed Rochefort was a man of few words. But his fencing skills were deadly. Lee liked doing his own swordplay and he was very good indeed at “stage fencing.”

But what solidified Lee’s stature as an everlasting global movie star was his participation in the two grandest of all movie franchises: STAR WARS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS (and HOBBIT) films. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, Lee played the deceptive and scheming wizard Saruman. Lee reprised the role in the Hobbit movies prequel.

In STAR WARS’ “Episode II - Attack of the Clones” and “Episode III - Revenge of the Sith,” Lee played Count Dooku. No doubt the name meant to invoke Lee’s most famous film character -- and the menacing darkness of the actor’s personae.

And Lee was magnificent.

Who can forget the wonderful sabre duel between the towering Dooku and the diminutive – fully digitized -- Yoda? Guinness Book of World Records sites Lee as being in the “Most Films With A Swordfight.” In a movie duel with Errol Flynn, he almost lost a finger!

Sir Christopher Lee was an actor whose

prolific career spanned more than 60 years!

His sophisticated but dark onscreen presence embedded itself in generations of filmgoers’ minds and memories during the latter half of the 20th Century and the beginning of the New Millennium. I can find no record of Lee appearing on stage (except when he was ten!). He simply loved acting on film. It was a passion. And he saw no reason to not work merely because he was “old.” Luckily, the film offers kept rolling in.

Clearly, even with his vital forces diminishing, he was beloved and still a potent and charismatic force on screen. His popularity only increased.

In TRIAGE, a 2009 film, Lee had a fascinating supporting role as a Spanish psychiatrist with a dark past who helps a Colin Farrell’s war photographer deal with a bad case of “survivor’s guilt.”

My favorite Christopher Lee film is 1973’s THE WICKERMAN. Lee’s portrayal of Lord Summerisle, the seemingly benign leader of a pagan community off the coast of Scotland is bone chilling. As written by Anthony Schaffer and directed by Robin Hardy, this sly, intelligent horror gem goes all the way with the clever premise.

Over the years, Lee cited it as his favorite film numerous times. Radically edited on its initial release, the film has recently been restored and the director’s cut is available on Blu-ray.

A good read is Lee’s autobiography “Tall, Dark and Gruesome.” It was first published in 1977 and republished in 1999. In 2004, it was revised and published under the title “Lord of Misrule.”

TCM celebrates the remarkable career of the late Christopher Lee on June 22 with eight of his films: THE MUMMY, THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, HORROR OF DRACULA, DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE, HORROR EXPRESS (a true cult fave), THE THREE MUSKETEERS and THE FOUR MUSKETEERS. For more information go to www. tcm.com The Prince of Wales knighted Christopher Lee on the eve of Halloween, 2009.

R.I.P. Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee. Rest assured, you will not be forgotten as long as people love great stories and memorable characters on film.

Backstage Jazz

June 18 to June 24, 2015

By patte purcell

SUMMER JAZZFEST- SMOOTH JAZZ, BLUES, FUNK, GROOVE

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f you are looking for the biggest Jazz event in the desert this summer you will find it at SUMMER JAZZFEST (Smooth Jazz, Blues, Funk & Groove) Monday night, July 27 from 5 pm until 10 pm at Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club in Palm Springs. Sponsored by Coachella Valley Weekly and Oasis Radio 95.9, the event is produced by Patte Purcell (Muze Muzic). There will be 4 national acts with headliner, powerhouse 7-piece band Greg Adams and EAST BAY SOUL. If you love horns this is your band!

The leader Greg Adams is world renowned.

He earned the first trumpet chair as a freshman at his Bay Area high school, and was writing arrangements for various school ensembles by the time he was a junior. Following high school, he joined Tower of Power, and was soon taking a major role in crafting the group’s distinctive horn sound. Adams’ first solo record, 1995’s Hidden Agenda, released on Epic Records, established him as a major architect of the emerging “smooth jazz” sound, and a single from the album, a cover of Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” remains a virtual template for the genre. His second album, Midnight Morning, was released on Adams’ own label, Ripa Records, in 2002, and tracks like “Roadhouse” led to famed jazz label Blue Note picking up the record for distribution.

Adams’ muted trumpet style, a mix of gentle jazz with R&B rhythms, all done with a cool, sexy ambience, has made him a soughtafter session player and arranger, and he has worked with countless artists, including: Santana, Madonna, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, the Rolling Stones, Lyle Lovett, and Quincy Jones. He has also contributed musical scores for several films, including Mask and Top Gun. His third solo project, Firefly, was released in 2004 on 215 Records.

Lead Singer Darryl Fitzgerald Walker will thrill the audience. In addition to his stunning vocal abilities, Darryl Walker has also become known for his amazing talent on the saxophone. Specializing in R&B, Pop, Blues, and Jazz, Darryl has lit up countless live shows and recording sessions with leads and backgrounds… adding vocals or sax for a bevy of labels: Tabu, A&M, Motown, Mesa Blue Moon Records, Northern Blues, and Ripa Records.

The show will open with East Bay Soul keyboardist Joey Navarro, who will play his hit song “Strawberry Moon” produced by Paul Brown. He will be followed by the ‘Voice of Smooth Jazz’ Slim Man and his band, with Greg Vail on sax (also with East Bay Soul),

Joey Navarro on keys, and Craig Chestnut on drums. Joey is a premier keyboardist. His list of musical credits include working with East Bay Soul, Greg Adams, Tierra, El Chicano, Sister Sledge, Boney James and many more.

Joe Baldino and his band will be up next.

Joe’s sexy guitar licks range from the smoothest of smooth jazz to passionate flamenco and sizzling blues. He switches guitars throughout his show giving an original twist to his sublime originals. His new CD is coming out produced by ‘A List’ artist and producer Brian Bromberg with musical superstars joining him including Rick Braun and Super Saxman Michael Paulo.

He will be joined by nationally renowned Jazz and Blues sensation Deanna Bogart, who tours the world with her ‘Bluesion’ originals.

Downbeat magazine describes Deanna Bogart as “an extravagant entertainer”and entertain is what Bogart does best. The Maryland-based blues and boogie pianist/ saxophonist combines the energy of 1930’s style boogie piano blues with contemporary blues sounds emanating from places like New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis. “The goal when we play live,” says Bogart, “is to create a fusion of all these different musical styles, with the blues and boogie genuinely at the core. Cashbox called Bogart a “butt-kickin’ barrelhouse player that could give a good chase to old Jerry Lee.” Blues Revue gushed that “A big part of what makes Deanna Bogart such a delight is her vivacious, charismatic live show. Whether displaying dazzling technical skills at the keyboard or playing soulful tenor sax, the ensemble sound Bogart and her band is skintight.” The Washington Post raved about “her two-fisted turns on piano that radiate plenty of energy and momen- tum!”

There will be a VIP Lounge where VIP tickets holders can schmooze with the artists and some special surprise celebrity guests.

They can get their CDs autographed and get their pictures taken on the red carpet with their favorites.

There is cool indoor seating, small plates and drink specials from Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club (hosting venue) at 1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr in Palm Springs. With inside seating for 250, dancing and several rooms to roam and rock it’s the perfect place for a big summer party!

General Admission tickets are only $20. VIP reserved seating tickets which include access to the VIP Lounge are only $50. Contact Patte Purcell at 1-702-219-6777 with questions, to become a sponsor, or reserve your spot.

RSVP’s are already pouring in!

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

Local Music Spotlight

OPEN MIC COMPETITION

P

LEASE NOTE: I am thrilled to announce that effective immediately our competition is moving to TUESDAYS at SCHMIDY’S TAVERN in Palm Desert. See you there next week!

Week #6 brought on all kinds of fun and enthusiasm at The Open Mic Competition Summer edition 2015. With great prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, plus a performance by local celebrity to judge, Kyle Paras, every musician put on their best! Plus DJ Alex Updike kept the crowd moving rocking in between performances. Once each musician showed off their best music and the judge vote (50%) was tallied and added to the audience applause score (50%), it was Zack Woods who blew everyone away and won 1st place and $100 cash.

Zack will now be moving on to one Semi Finals on 7/29 & 8/5. If he wins there, he’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 vocalist Porsia Camille who took home movie tickets to the Mary Pickford Theatre. 3rd place was a tie between LaDaryl Smith and Cody McDowell who each chose movie tickets as well.

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THANK YOU to our performers at the Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of the other artists: Mike Sick-boy, The Puppet, Razor J, Kauz & Effect, Alyssa Beth, Steve Kennedy, Cody McDowell, Porsia Camille, Zack Woods, The Book of Abel, Joey Nobody, LaDaryl Smith, and Jim Holiday. I hope to see you all next week at our new location and new night- TUESDAYS at SCHMIDY’S TAVERN in Palm Desert! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: JEM Productions, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, KAM Studios, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, DJ Alex Updike, and the Mary Pickford Theatre.

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 8pm.

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, updates or info about sign-up, please visit and “LIKE” our page at Facebook.com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911.

Producer & DJ, Albert Ramirez has spun onto the scene

A

lthough he is probably best known for his work at local radio station KKUU, and rocking desert dance floors between Palm Springs and Las Vegas, Cathedral City resident Albert Ramirez’s first love is music production, specifically the creation and mixing of digital instrumental tracks. Ramirez: “I had always been interested in making beats and the production side of music. I was a guy at home with my computer making music without much of an audience to share it with. The reason I started doing the DJ thing is because I wanted a platform from which to present my music. It’s a way to get my stuff to the people.”

When I asked Ramirez what type of music he likes to play he was hesitant and thoughtful with his answer. Ramirez: “I guess it’s now referred to as, ‘EDM’ or ‘electronic dance-music?’ Which I get, but I feel like it really over-simplifies a genre of music that has been around for a while now and has evolved into so many different subgenres that just calling it EDM is not at all specific enough to get a real idea of what it sounds like. At least that is true for fans of EDM and club/rave scenes.”

A native of the San Fernando Valley, this 25 year old CCHS alum didn’t arrive in the desert until his junior year of High School and sees the Coachella Valley as his second home. I asked Ramirez, what he thought about the music scene in the Coachella

Article & photos By esther sanchez

Valley and once again, this soft-spoken guy hesitated. His pale-blue eyes focused squarely on mine and he responded: “To be honest, from my perspective is that there isn’t much of one but I understand that’s my perspective from my specific genre of music. I know there are lots of really good musicians around town and I am looking forward to meeting as many of them as I can and collaborating with as many of them as I can. There is a lot I want to do beyond what I am currently doing and known for.”

When he isn’t doing production work or DJing at the radio station or traveling to events between So-Cal and Vegas, Ramirez is showcasing his skills regularly as the Friday night resident DJ at the recently opened, Bart Lounge in Cathedral City which, in my opinion happens to be one of the coolest spots around. Ramirez: “Yeah, this is a really cool spot to play music. Between the art, the patios, the cheap drinks and the music, it really is a great spot that people haven’t heard of yet.”

Ramirez’s description of Bart Lounge is somewhat reflective of my personal opinion of the place. I like to call it, “The best little bar that you haven’t heard of yet.” I had heard some buzz about this place that recently opened up on 111, directly above Upper Crust Pizza that has beautiful murals, regularly rotating art showcases, pool tables, comfy furniture, multiple patios (one on a balcony), live music and/or DJ every day, vintage video games and probably the best drink specials in the valley. With happy hour specials every day between 4:00 pm8:00 pm and 10:00 pm-closing, patrons can enjoy $2.00 drafts, Buds and well-drinks, and $4.00 pitchers.

Seriously, you guys… My group had four drinks. Two tequila/tonics, one vodkacranberry and a draft beer and the check was only $10.00! I can’t think of anyplace around that can beat that price much less provide that gorgeous, uber-hip atmosphere.

Check out Albert Ramirez’ mixes! soundcloud.com/aramirezmusic Like Bart Lounge: facebook.com/ bartlounge

Local Music Spotlight

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Lisa Morgan

James McMurtry, Not Such a Complicated Game

“The simple fact is that James McMurtry may be the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation...” - Stephen King

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f you ask the legendary, American rock and folk-rock/Americana singer, songwriter, guitarist, bandleader and occasional actor, James McMurtry, about his new album, Complicated Game, he’ll give you a simple answer: “It was a business decision.

We’ve been out touring, and our club draw started to fall off. Used to be, we toured to promote record sales. Now we put out a record so you guys (the press) will write about us, and get people out to the show.”

Perhaps, for this artist, known for his straight forward, no holds barred, political pull-your-covers personality, Complicated Game is a simple business decision, but for the rest of us who have tasted the fruits of this labor, it is a piece of literary and poetic, sonic art. Rolling Stone calls it, an “Americana masterpiece,” and in it, McMurtry, once again, captures the American experience: We grew up hard and our children don’t know what that means We turned into our parents before we were out of our teens Through a series of Chevys and Fords The occasional spin round the floor at the Copper Canteen Now the big boxes out on the bypass are shaving us thin I guess we’ll hold on a couple more years ‘til the pension kicks in Then we’ll sell all the stock in the store Leave only the lock on the door And wonder what then When I wake up at night in the grip of a fright and you hold me so tight to your chest Then your breath on my skin still pulls me back in ‘til I’m weightless and then I can rest

So if Monsignor should pull you aside as you’re leaving the church And I’m out on the ice, dropping lines for the walleye and perch Tell him it’s not your job to bring me to the fold And I’d rather stand out in the cold And honey I know that the woodpile’s low and you can’t close the flue So I’ll split up a couple more cords ‘fore the winter time’s through Hold on to your rosary beads Leave me to my mischievous deeds like we always do - excerpt from track 1 - “Copper Canteen” This collection of stories and prose could have easily held its own as a timeless collection of erudite folktale, worthy of Yale and Harvard libraries, without the incredibly finessed sound-scape co-crafted by Grammy nominated producer, C.C. Adcock, and Mike Napolitano. McMurtry once again paints living, breathing pictures - sonic snapshots with a pulse - of people, places and lives portrayed as simply, colorfully and honestly as if he had lived and bled them himself.

CVW: This is your first album in 6 years.

It seems to be a softer, gentler side sans frustrated, poignant political rants the likes of “We Can’t Make It Here Anymore” and “Cheney’s Toy.” The writing seems to be more introspective and personal.

McMurtry: It’s not more personal really. It’s still a work of fiction. It’s just focused on relationships rather than politics.

CVW: You have a new producer on this album, and you even took some vocal coaching for this. Usually, the older we get, the less we want to change - what prompted this?

McMurtry: I think you have to keep changing somehow, to push the edge of what you know how to do already. I brought in CC because I’d kind of run out of ideas for production, and he brought in Mike Napolitano. They worked together in Louisiana. CC brought in David Forman as a vocal coach I think, because he’d used him before on one of his records and felt he got a better performance out of himself. So he thought he’d try it on me. There are notes that I am confident on now that I wasn’t before. The high stuff on she loves me – I wasn’t hitting those every time. Supporting the note is a big deal. I’d had some coaching before, but this guy put it in layman’s terms. He said, “Go ahead and let your belly hang out, you’ll get better support that way.” I was pulling in before…little tricks like that.”

CVW: Both your parents are highly educated. Your mother is an English professor, and your dad is a Pulitzer Prizewinning novelist and Academy Award winning and screen writer (Terms of Endearment, Lonesome Dove, Brokeback Mountain). Did it surprise your family when you wanted to pursue life as a musician?

McMurtry: Not really. My dad’s father

June 18 to June 24, 2015

@ Pappy & Harriet’s, THIS THURSDAY, June 18.

Doors Open at 7pm. Tickets $15

was a rancher, and when he said he wanted to be a writer, they thought it was weird, but they didn’t fight him too hard. So by the time I came along, it was already perfectly ok to want to do some kind of art.

CVW: Where does your inspiration come from? Your work is so literary. Do you read a lot?

McMurtry: I don’t read at all. That literary style of writing came from listening to others like Kris Kristofferson, who’s a Rhodes Scholar. He really knows how to structure a verse. And John Prine just naturally does it that way. They write a very tight verse, where you can talk or sing it with equal effectiveness.

CVW: Did you ever consider doing anything else, or was it all over once your mom showed you those three chords on your first guitar?

McMurtry: No. Even before that, I idolized Johnny Cash. I knew that’s what I wanted to do from the get go.

CVW: I imagine that, even though your music is on Spotify, you have an opinion about “streaming”.

McMurtry: Yes, I do. I used to enjoy the benefits of the copyright, and now, there’s no such thing. The royalties on downloads are way lower than on hard copy, and on

Spotify, it is pretty much nothing. I’m not in favor of that at all, but I can’t do anything about it. My late lawyer, who just died back in the winter, was one of the foremost copy writers in the country, and he was of the opinion that technology has so far out stepped copyright law, it will never catch up. But of course, when the Chinese get done taking over the world that’s not going to matter anyway. There won’t be copyrights or trademarks on anything.

McMurtry currently resides in Austin, Texas. When he is not on the road, you can catch James McMurtry in Austin for his regular solo/acoustic show at the Continental Club Galleryevery Tuesday. And the James McMurtry Band can be found each Wednesday performing their renowned regular midnight set at The Continental Club in Austin, Texas.

But this Thursday night, June 18th at 9pm, McMurtry will be joined by his tried and true road warriors: Daren Hess, Cornbread, and Tim Holt at the world renowned Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. This show is all ages. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 9pm. Also performing is Max Gomez.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (760) 365-5956 or online at pappyandharriets.com.

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

CASSANDRA WILSON

“Coming Forth By Day” (Sony Legacy)

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0 years ago, it seemed as though Cassandra Wilson literally burst on the Jazz scene with her stunning New Moon Daughter album. Along with Diana Krall (and later, Norah Jones), she was introducing the uniquely American idiom to Starbucks’ drinkin’ Gen- X ears. But the truth is she had been a working musician since 1980.

Cassandra Wilson was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1955. Her father was a guitarist and music teacher, her mother taught elementary school. She grew up listening to Motown and Jazz. As a child she studied piano and played clarinet. When she asked her father to teach her guitar, he handed her an instruction book and she taught herself. By high school she had appeared in myriad musical theatre productions, most notably starring as Dorothy in “The Wizard Of Oz.” Higher learning took place at Millsaps College and Jackson State University. She studied by day and at night she made ends meet singing in a series of Pop, R&B and Funk cover bands.

After receiving a degree in mass communications Cassandra began her career in New Orleans working for local television station WDSU. But the pull toward music was too great, and with encouragement from Big Easy legends, Alvin Batiste and Ellis Marsalis, she quit her day job and moved to New York.

After relocating to the Big Apple, Cassandra began honing her craft. Heavily influenced by vocalists like Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln, she received additional vocal training from trombonist Granchan Moncur III. Jamming with like-minded musicians, she ended up joining the free-form collective, M-Base. Although the music was primarily improvisational and instrumental, Cassandra found a way to weave her vocals into their colorful tapestry.

By the mid ‘80s, Cassandra was signed to the German JMT label. She made a series of interesting records with them over a five year period, but the music only reached a niche audience.

In 1992 she signed with Blue Note. A venerable Jazz imprint dating back to 1939,

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

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the label had recently been revitalized. It was a perfect fit. Blue Note paired Cassandra with producer Craig Street. He encouraged her to look beyond the confines of Jazz for inspiration; the result was Blue Light Til’ Dawn, released in 1993.

Two years later Cassandra really hit her creative peak with New Moon Daughter. The album took a set of familiar Rock, Jazz and Folk songs and completely deconstructed them.

Using primarily acoustic instrumentation she radically re-configured well-known tracks like U2’s “Love Is Blindness,” Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” and Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Her spare take on the Monkees’ usually effervescent “Last Train To Clarksville” was a revelation. The Grammy voters agreed, Cassandra won her first Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal.

Her next album was a ridiculously ambitious gamble that paid off. Arriving in 1999, Traveling Miles added texture to Miles Davis’ best known songs, by layering her honeyed vocals and new lyrics.

Her next album, returned to the New Moon blueprint, Belly Of The Sun tackled a diverse collection of songs by Joni Mitchell, the Band, James Taylor, Robert Johnson, Ann Peebles and Van Morrison. Also, it was recorded in the birthplace of the blues, Clarksdale, Mississippi.

2003’s Glamoured included original compositions from Cassandra, along with knowing covers of Sting, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson tracks.

For 2006’s Thunderbird she abandoned the acoustic instrumentation that had colored her last few albums and in collaboration with producer T-Bone Burnett, experimented, relying heavily on programmed loops, keyboards and synthesized percussion. Loverly from 2008 was comprised completely of Jazz standards.

Meanwhile, Silver Pony, which arrived two years later, mixed standards with tracks from Stevie Wonder and the Beatles. Ever the chameleon, 2012’s Another Country featured only original songs. For her 20th album, Coming Forth By Day, Cassandra Wilson pays homage to Jazz icon Billie Holiday. This year marks the centennial of Holiday’s birth.

Following a tumultuous childhood, Billie was discovered at age 17, by the legendary John Hammond. Nicknamed Lady Day, she became a featured vocalist for Big Bands led by Teddy Wilson, Count Basie and Artie Shaw, before she launched a solo career.

ConsiderThis

Along with Frank Sinatra, Billie invested every emotion into each song, willing the listener to experience the same joys and sorrows she was expressing. Despite her success, she was plagued by drug and alcohol addictions, along with financial and legal difficulties. Sadly, it wasn’t too surprising when she died at age 44, from a pulmonary edema in 1959.

The album opens with “Don’t Explain.”

Cassandra transforms Billie’s dirge-like original into a languid shuffle powered by liquid keys, plucked acoustic guitar and a smoky sax solo.

While Billie seemed wary and supplicating, Cassandra is arch and dismissive.

Both “You Go To My Head” and “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” are treated to lush arrangements that recall the heavily orchestrated sounds pioneered in the early ‘70s by Barry White and the Philadelphia International label.

On the former, the ornate string section introduction (courtesy musical visionary, Van Dyke Parks), swirls and spirals, It sounds like the theme for the best Blaxploitation movie there never was! Cassandra conveys the intoxicating thrill of new love over a rippling back beat and piquant guitar licks.

The latter is more languorous; accented by cascading strings, playful piano tones and supple guitar. Underscoring the words “You’re in love, your heart’s a flutter,” there are a flurry of fluttery bass clarinet notes.

As is her wont, Cassandra takes liberties with signature Lady Day songs. “All Of Me,” usually a buoyant declaration of undying love has been slowed to a crawl. Tinkling piano, melodica and accordion fills give it a Parisian glow. She imbues the lyrics with a melancholy that the classic version camouflaged.

Opening with a lone clarinet and a string section, “The Way You Look Tonight” is suffused in sadness. As though she already feels the moment slipping away, Cassandra gathers the memories for a rainy day. “Lovely…don’t you ever change, keep that breathless charm/Won’t you please arrange it because I love you, and the way you look tonight.” The heartbreak is palpable.

Of course, “Good Morning Heartache” remains forlorn. Despite the tinkly piano, the arrangement feels dark and foreboding. Rather than being resigned to her plight, Cassandra is darkly defiant. Here, the clarinet and baritone sax intertwine like a Klezmer-esque Greek chorus, as the instrumentation roils and twists toward a fractious conclusion.

Finally, “These Foolish Things” is recast as a minor-key waltz. Feathery guitar riffs silhouette Cassandra’s breathless vocals as she recalls the evanescent images that conjure the visage of a lost love. “A tinkling piano in the next apartment, those stumblin’ words that told you what my heart meant/A fairground’s painted swings, these foolish things remind me of you.” Lilting tenor sax riffs ghost-dance through the melody.

Although Cassandra originally tackled “Strange Fruit” 20 years ago on the New Moon album, she felt the need to revisit it now. It was originally written in 1937, by a Jewish teacher, Lewis Allan (ne’ Abel Meerpol). A mournful protest song about racism, the lyrics included vivid images of the lynchings so prevalent in the

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 18 to June 24, 2015

By rebecca pikus

COLIN FISHER STUDIOS: A JEWEL IN THE DESERT

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south.

“Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood on the root/Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze, strange fruit hangin’ from the poplar trees.” When Billie Holiday recorded it in 1944, her label feared retaliation in the South, but the song sold over a million copies.

Sadly, with recent incidents in Ferguson, Missouri, New York and now McKinley, Texas, the climate of racial intolerance continues.

Cassandra’s new recording recognizes that disconnect. The track moves from a somber beginning to a cyclonic, almost dissonant conclusion, mirroring these recent troubles.

Other interesting songs include a cinematic take on “Billie’s Blues” that incorporates two clarinets, banjo, Fender Rhodes and T-Bone Burnett on baritone guitar. “Crazy He Calls Me” blends electronic loops, clangorous guitar riffs and subterranean bass lines.

The album closes with the only original composition, “Last Song For Lester.” A tender benediction that pays homage to Billie and her musical soulmate, sax man, Lester Young.

Lady Day nicknamed him “Prez,” but they had a falling out over her drug use, right before he died. A chronic alcoholic, he died malnourished and ravished by liver disease. Young’s estranged wife barred Billie from performing at his funeral.

Grief-stricken, she told Jazz critic she would be the next to go. She died four months later.

“Coming Fourth By Day” was produced by Nick Launay. As a Post-Punk producer, he made his bones with Gang Of Four, Killing Joke, Public Image Ltd. and The Birthday Party. Recently he’s enjoyed great success with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Arcade Fire and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Launay assembled a crack team of musicians; Thomas Wydler on drums, Martyn Casey on drums, Jon Cowherd on keys, Robby Marshall on sax and guitarists Kevin Breit, Ming Vauz and Nick Zimmer. The basic recordings were done as live, improvised jams drew inspiration from Cassandra’s live vocals.

Billie Holiday shot through the music world like a comet. Vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan may have been technically better, but neither bared their soul like Lady Day. Cassandra Wilson’s smoky contralto will never replicate Billie’s fragile, raspy tone, but that was never her mission.

Coming Forth By Day manages to honor Billie’s legacy, while remaining true to Cassandra’s vision. Really, it’s the best of both worlds.

n case you haven’t noticed, Cathedral City is undergoing a vast and splendid Renaissance -- thanks in large part to the new administration at City Hall: savvy and creative members such as Shelley Kaplan, Alan Carvalho, Peter Palladino and Simeon Den. And Perez Rd. Business Park is fast becoming Perez Rd. Art Park, thanks to Property Manager Phyllis Mongiello and Goble Properties. There are currently eight Art galleries and more opening every month. Photographers, craftsmen, painters and sculptors have relocated their workshops to the Perez Rd. Business Park, such as Gary Kott’s Creative Workshop and Taylor Sherrill Photography Studio.

Colin Fisher relocated here from Chicago and opened a beautiful studio/gallery right in the middle of the business park. Colin, with his impeccable taste and eye for great art has collected and assembled fine art, antiques, and many other Objets d’art in his studios. In addition, a look at his website Colinfisherstudios.com will take the serious art collector to 1stdibs.com, where there is a cornucopia of amazing art available. Colin

Fisher’s art collectors fly in from all over the United States and Canada, and from Paris, Switzerland, London, and everywhere in between. Like most of the galleries here in the desert, gallery viewing is By Appointment Only in the summer months.

I personally am looking forward to Colin Fisher’s Fall Exhibitions, where not only does he meet and greet you, but so do his beloved animals: Gilligan the cat and Molly the dog!

Colin Fisher Studios, 68929 Perez Rd., Ste. M, Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 324-7300.Call for summer schedule colinfisherstudios.com Dealer: 1stdibs.com

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

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PET PLACE

Keep Benji Inside #2

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ast week’s column discussed how hot pavement can burn your dog’s feet, touching on the dangers posed by extreme weather. Please keep your dog inside your home as the Coachella Valley weather reaches record highs during June. There are many compelling reasons for including him as an inside member of the family throughout the year. If it is so important that your immaculate home never have a muddy paw print or a stray dog hair, consider getting another type of pet such a bird or tropical fish. While it’s great exercise for dogs to also enjoy the run of a fenced in secure back yard, most outdoor-only dogs suffer physically and psychologically when deprived of social contact.

Most Coachella Valley residents are wonderful pet owners, and their dogs are kept indoors and treated like part of the family. Dogs are social pack animals, and want nothing more than to be by your side and involved in as many of your activities as they can. They are highly social creatures, born to be part of a pack or a human family.

It is a sad sight to see a neighbor’s dog tied to a post day after day, forlorn and bereft of human companionship. Some of these

by Janet McAfee

animals become a neighborhood nuisance, barking at all hours of the night. Under California penal code section 597, it is illegal to tether or chain a dog to a doghouse, post or other structure for longer than 3 hours in a 24 hour time period. You can report such treatment to animal control. If you decide to approach offending friends and neighbors, do so in a nonjudgmental way, trying to educate them about the hazards of keeping their dog outdoors. Ask them, “Why do you leave your dog outside all the time?”

Some people were raised by parents whose admonition, “Dogs belong outside!” still rings in their subconscious. Some people grew up on farms and rural areas where dogs mingled with other local animals outside and appeared to be quite content. However, we live in a geographical area of extreme weather where keeping a dog outdoors can jeopardize his health and even his life.

Leash laws now forbid dogs from roaming neighborhoods.

The desert heat is reason enough not to leave your dog outside during the summer season. Dogs do not sweat the way humans do. Rising temperaments can cause a multitude of medical problems and even premature death. Think about a dog having to drink hot water out of his bowl

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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in the sizzling summer weather, and worse yet having the water dry up and evaporate.

Out of sight, out of mind, it’s easy to forget to supply food and fresh water when you’re busy and don’t even see your dog. Heat stroke can prove fatal, particularly to older dogs and young puppies.

Ironically, keeping an outdoor dog for home security doesn’t do much good when the burglars break into the dwelling where the valuables are kept. Outdoor dogs are such indiscriminate barkers, and no one can tell if they are barking at a prowler or a child riding a bicycle down the street. An inside dog is a true deterrent to thieves. Outdoor dogs may be stolen by thieves with a variety of sinister motives.

Small and medium sized dogs are subject to prey. Coyotes kill many Coachella Valley

Meet Rommel This gorgeous ginger guy is the “purrfect” mix of playfulness and cuddle bug. Just 2 yrs old, he waits for a home at the Palm Springs Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs. www.psanimalshelter.org (760) 416-5718.

Doris day Sweet as American pie, this cute pup is named after a famous animal lover. Rescued by Loving All Animals, she is a Chihuahua/Mini Pin/Terrier blend, 8 lbs of frolicking fun & a great pet for an active family. Adoption donation.

Call (760) 834-7000.

pets every year. Tiny dogs may be seized by bird of prey such as hawks and owls. A friend of mine experienced the horror of hearing her Yorkshire Terrier cry out amidst the flutter of wings, and the dog disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Bored and lonely, outdoor-only dogs develop many bad habits. They dig holes in the yard. They often chew on various objects out of boredom, including patio furniture.

This destructive chewing can result in property damage, expensive vet bills, and even the death. Lonely dogs bark day and night, disturbing the neighborhood. They lack socialization, and fail to bond with their families.

Washable puppy pads are one of the tools to help with house training, and most dogs quickly learn not to potty inside. The internet has a wealth of dog training assistance so you don’t need to resort to dumping Benji in the back yard due to behavior issues.

Here is the best reason for keeping your dog in the house with you. He will become your loving companion, amaze you with his unique personality, comfort you when you are sick, and communicate without speaking in ways you could never imagine.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

June 18 to June 24, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Father’s Day Fun at the Wineshop

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readily admit to be very fortunate to have four generations living in the same residential community here in Rancho Mirage.

My dad lives a minute away—we have a “license” to cut through our neighbor’s property to assist, visit, and dine at our leisure. Most of you often read about my son Paolo’s food & wine antics in this column— he and his family, including our irrepressible four year old grandson Hunter, live just a minute’s drive from us.

Recently we moved Paolo’s wine cellar from Irvine with intent to store at the friendly Wine Vault of the Desert in Palm Desert (760)345-3000—the perfect place to store your valuable wines and get them out of the heat! And we came upon the oldest vintage wine in the collection—which I guess is owned by the four of our family men & kid.

After purchasing four cases of 1850 Pereira D’Oliveira Verdelho Madeira back in the late 80s, I (or we) have just one bottle remaining. And Father’s Day is coming up!!—what do you think? It’s a wine trifecta: Besides celebrating 4 generations, on Father’s Day—to boot, every wine enthusiast chimes in with the sentiments expressed by Maya in the famed winemovie, “Sideways”, that the day you open the bottle of a great vintage wine, that’s the occasion of celebration.

By the way—the purchase price in 1989 was around $250 a bottle—which I thought was a steal. Back then, Vintage Port wine was in its U.S. heyday, so I wondered what great dessert/or classic sweet wine would be next on the investment horizon. Capturing all the 1850 Verdelho Madeira in the States—those four cases, and thinking I could name my price upon re-sale, was my plan.

For some reason, 19th Century Madeira never took off. But unlike the Hunt Brothers, who could not even eat a bit of their failed investment silver, our family at least got to enjoy the best tasting dessert wine in town. Made from the rain water of 1850, the Madeira was stellar, gorgeous, delicious with fresh citrus notes, complex nuttiness, and a haunting honey and magnificent maple finish lasting over five minutes. It was a tonic! It was an elixir! Ethereal!

Coming back down to earth, I think it would be nice to hear from our local wine purveyors on one of their own Happy Father’s Day wine picks.

I just phoned Dan Sullivan, owner of the venerable Dan’s Wine Shop, 73360 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 674-0305.

As you readers know, I have him drive one of my holiday wine columns with holiday wine picks. And he tells me he’s planning on expanding his shop later this summer to include by-the-glass wine offerings, so no

doubt we’ll be covering that momentous occasion.

Anyway—after a little thought-time on a Father’s Day pick, he tells me, “how about the 2013 Jeff Runquist Petite Sirah “Salman Vineyards” Clarksburg. I laugh, “You’re kidding me!—I was going to pick Jeff Runquist’s Barbera “Dick Cooper Vineyards” Amador County, or, Runquist’s Petite Verdot from “Damir Ranch” Stanislaus!”

Now I don’t know if it’s “great wine minds think alike”—don’t want that moniker, and I don’t think that wine-wiseguy Dan parades himself as a “great wine mind” either, but the Runquist wines are certainly on a roll here in the desert and all over the wine competitions in State. Google it!

Dan continues, “That Petite Sirah sits like a glacier hanging in the glass—it’s inky—gooey, full of tasty dark berry fruit— but it’s very easy on the tannins, you can keep drinking this all day by itself or with a Father’s Day meal.” It is a great selection, and at around $24 a bottle, it’s the perfect 3-bottle or 6-bottle gift for the old man.

Next, I call over to the other side of town and speak with Costa Nichols at his shop, Desert Wine and Spirits & Go-Deli Market, 611 S Palm Canyon Dr., Ste. 22 Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 327-7701.

I offer the same Father’s Day inquiry on a wine choice, and before I know it, he’s already recommending two selections. But no one says “No” to Costa, so he indeed gets in two Father’s Day Wine choices.

First he tells me about Reckless Love Red Blend from Rebel Coast Winery. The wine made from “the finest Sonoma Cab of the Alexander Valley region and blended with vivacious Paso Robles Syrah.”

There’s no question that Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends are really happening in California these days. I know the Cab can be clobbering at times and Syrah a bit syrupy; but, the sum of these heavy parts—in the right winemakers’ hand—can really construct a lighter and livelier wine. So certainly I’m trusting Costa on this blend. He has it for $20 a bottle.

Next I hear about Big Guy Red Wine.

Hadn’t heard of that one yet until Costa tells me it’s one of Anthony Bell’s wine.

This gentleman is a master winemaker who besides spending time in Bordeaux, was at the BV Winery for 15 years before commencing his own Napa winery in Yountville. No question here, a definite stamp of approval—indeed! I’ll be picking a bottle or two at the very reasonable price of $16 per.

Here’s is Bell Winery’s comment on the wine: “Anthony’s own favorite wine for those lovely BBQ dinners he so enjoys. It’s a blend of the Bordeaux varietals along with Syrah. These lots display lively fruit aromas and flavors; enjoyable while young.

The tannin structures will allow the wine to develop gracefully for several years.”

My best to you and yours, Cheers!

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

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­­­THUR JUNE 18 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’s Birthday Bash 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 DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Mikey Reyes 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Punk Rock Night 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/ Jimi Nelson 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Ron & jb Duo 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 James McMurtry 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Table DJ Night 8pm

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PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live DJ 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI JUNE 19 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 Kona Surf Film Festival 3pm, DJ Glowing Andy 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 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 and Beer Pong 4pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 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

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 The Rebel Noise, Ideation and Mount Baine 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; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Larry James band 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Mark Gregg & The Horde 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Fontaines and Street Joy 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 P.S. Jump Finale 5:30pm, Barry Minniefield 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Scarlet Roads 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Hot Wyre Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Long Duk Dong and The Dirty X’s 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm

June 18 to June 24, 2015

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm 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 JUNE 20 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 Farmer Dave noon poolside, The AllahLas 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 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 The Rebel Noise and Ideation 9pm open 4pm-2am

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

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Now you can Pamper Your Palate at Home

FreshRealm, has set itself apart from other meal delivery services in the marketplace by delivering ingredients from the farm, faster and fresher, with a climate-controlled, ecofriendly Vessel: a unique vessel in which it delivers its high quality, clean ingredients.

Terra’s Kitchen uses the eco-friendly Vessel, a proprietary, climate-controlling technology to keep ingredients cool and fresh beyond the delivery date. Additionally, the ecofriendly Vessel is reusable and creates 0% waste, as Terra’s Kitchen will schedule a pickup date and time with its customers to retrieve it and reuse it, like the modern day Milk Man bringing freshness from the farm to front door.

Through the company’s website, consumers are able select from a menu of seasonal recipes, designed by Terra’s Kitchen chefs to celebrate the freshest produce that nature has to offer. Once

Michael McDevitt, Chief Executive Officer of Terra’s Kitchen. “We are thrilled to now be hand delivering that tool to doorsteps up and down the West Coast from San Diego up to Portland in the form of all natural, farm-fresh and delicious food.”

Terra’s Kitchen is currently offering an opt-in subscription service to customers within its delivery zones, where customers can purchase ready-to-cook ingredients and recipes each week. A full eco-friendly Vessel with ten dinner servings (up to five different recipes) retails for $160.00. For more information on Terra’s Kitchen and updates on availability per city, please visit www.terraskitchen.com.

& FO R K

K

R

CO

signed up, consumers can add, swap, or remove recipes, or come back when ready for their next eco-friendly Vessel stocked with fresh ingredients and delicious recipes.

Each week, Terra’s Kitchen will deliver perfectly ripe and fresh, pre-prepped ingredients that are ready for the skillet, as well as easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe cards with pictures.

“The innovation and inspiration behind Terra’s Kitchen came from a desire to bring back the classic family dinner experience.

We want to give people a tool that allows them to spend less energy cooking a meal and more time enjoying, celebrating and sharing it with family and friends,” stated

June 18 to June 24, 2015

&

00 8

T

erra’s Kitchen, a new, innovative meal delivery service, is excited to announce its West Coast launch and debut to the marketplace. Terra’s Kitchen delivers farm-fresh ingredients, ready-to-cook recipes designed by a team of chefs, in its innovative, climate-controlled eco-friendly Vessel.

Founded by a team of foodies, wellness professionals, nutritionists and farmers, Terra’s Kitchen was created as the answer to the following commonly asked question: ‘In today’s fast paced lifestyle, how do we find the time to slow down and connect with each other over a healthy, great tasting meal?’ The company prides itself on delivering the freshest of seasonal ingredients, including produce, proteins and delicious sauces, prepped and packaged together as chef-designed meals that arrive to consumers’ doorsteps ready-to-cook.

Terra’s Kitchen, in partnership with a national network of local farmers and innovative, fresh food technology company

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

EST. 2

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

COME FOR FUN, THEN RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

JURRASIC WORLD Our first big screen experience, and the accompanying adrenalin rush encountering larger-than-life, ultra-realistic, pre-historic predators, cannot be duplicated. It’s a onetime feeling. That said, JURRASIC WORLD is a satisfying reminder of JURRASIC PARK’s initial 1993 thrill. But the big draw here is the fabulous verisimilitude of the creatures and their futuristic habitat – a setting that reflects familiar theme parks, including Universal’s.

This entertaining film is, above all, a safe trip to a dangerous place for the whole family (except very young kids).

I early surrendered my disbelief and never once questioned that what I was looking at, even though I knew it was fake and CGI heavy!

I was again swept away in a wave of wonder and awe. A rare feeling these days. I loved the

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even more detailed resurrection of extinct creatures than in previous Jurassic iterations.

Their musculature and physicality are as real as possible. Here, on magnificent display, is the high bar of the digital art.

The actual plot is irrelevant in this Steven Spielberg produced action adventure. Just know that a massive genetically designed creature escapes and creates havoc. It‘s a wild theme park-like ride that delivers and occasionally even surprises. And, plot-wise, it is the true sequel to the original. If there’s a theme, it’s the reminder that it’s dangerous to play God. Colin Trevorrow (SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED) directs with a clear vision and a sure hand. I think the late author Michael Crichton would be pleased with the screenplay

by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Derek Connolly & Trevorrow. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard co-star. Just know that Isla Nublar’s fully functioning dinosaur park is open for business and there’s a big new star about to take center stage. Now playing.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: Twilight Time Movies has been quietly transferring a slew of out-of-print titles for hi-def home viewing. These collector editions are limited to 3,000 units and they disappear quickly. Once they are gone -- they are gone!

Check out these vintage, but new to Blu-ray titles. For more info visit screenarchives.com.

THE YOUNG LIONS (1958) Edward Anhalt’s celebrated screenplay is based on Irwin Shaw’s best seller. This classic World War II drama interweaves three soldiers’ stories: a confused Nazi (Marlon Brando) is caught up in a conflict he doesn’t understand, a Jewish American (Montgomery Clift) is forced to suffer anti-Semitism from his fellow servicemen, and a sophisticated coward (Dean Martin) is forced into war against his will.

Twilight Time. Blu-ray.

Screeners No.169

falls madly in love with his mail order bride (Catherine Deneuve), despite the fact that she is not quite what she seems – and is, in fact, a LOT worse. This Hitchcock-like tale of obsessive love features music by Antoine Duhamel that’s available on an isolated track. Twilight Time.

Blu-ray.

THE NIGHT OF THE GENERALS (1967) Anatole Litvak directs a great cast in this Sam Spiegel production about a Nazi investigation into the murder of a prostitute.

This unusual World War II crime thriller finds Major Grau (Omar Sherif) focusing on three suspects: the Generals Tanz (Peter O’Toole), Kahlenberg (Donald Pleasance), and SaydlitzGabler (Charles Gray) –- all three of whom, or so it seems, are also involved in a plot to kill Hitler! Tom Courteney, Joanna Pettet and Philip Noiret co-star. Twilight Time. Blu-ray.

STATE OF GRACE (1990) Gary Oldman is electrifying in director Phil Joanou’s neo-noir crime film inspired by true-life Hell’s Kitchen Irish-American gang, the Westies. Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Robin Wright co-star with Oldman. Terry (Penn) has a secret mission when he returns to the old neighborhood and reconnects with his old flame, gang-leader brother and crazy child-hood friend. The terrific score by Ennio Morricone is available as an isolated track.

Twilight Time. Blu-ray.

MISSISSIPPI MERMAIDS (1969) Looking for a film noir romance in color?

Director Francois Truffaut’s adaptation of Cornell Woolrich’s “Waltz Into Darkness, Mississippi Mermaid” stars Jean-Paul Belmondo as a wealthy plantation owner who

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Director JulienTemple’s free-form rock musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes’ cultfave book about life in late 1950s London is a timeless treat. There’s music and performances

by David Bowie, Sade, Ray Davies, The Style Council and more. Here’s the British music scene on the cusp of the 1960s. An era was ending and a musical revolution was beginning.

There’s a breakout performance from Patsy Kensit. This wonderfully evocative film is about style. It is imbued with a fabulous élan and endless flair. This is high pop culture. Twilight Time. Blu-ray.

3D RARITIES Flicker Alley, in partnership with the 3-D Film Archive, presents a collection of 22 ultra rare and stunningly restored 3-D films in true hi-def. It has taken over 30 years to assemble and restore the material in this eye-popping, ultra-rare, long lost movie collection. Selections include Kelly’s Plasticon Pictures earliest extant 3-D demos from 1922; DOOM TOWN, a controversial antiatonic testing film that was pulled just prior to release; the widescreen puppet cartoon THE ADVENTURES OF SAM SPACE; I’LL SELL MY SHIRT is a burlesque comedy unseen in 3-D for over 60 years; the only 3-D newsreel ROCKY MARCIANO vs. JERSEY JOE WOLCOTT and much more. Generous extras. The video is formatted for digital 3-D TV. You need special glasses and a compatible player. Flicker Alley.

Blu-ray. robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

June 18 to June 24, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

The Life of the Living Dead

T

urns out that not all of the living dead are Zombies. In Aleksandar Hemon’s The Making of Zombie Wars (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 320 pages), one man discovers he is actually alive after being close to death.

Joshua Levine is a 33 year-old screenwriter living in a crummy part of Chicago. He has hundreds of movie ideas and has written over 40 screenplays.

Unfortunately, not a single script has been sold or, for that matter, read. That’s because he doesn’t dare send anything out.

At night, Joshua teaches English as a Second Language in the basement of a community center. His students are mostly Eastern Europeans he can barely understand. Joshua lives in a crappy apartment with an insane landlord who has a bizarre crush on him and likes to smell his dirty underwear.

Once a week, he meets with a group of buddies to workshop screenplays. But they are less than helpful and completely uncreative. However, Joshua has one idea that he thinks might get traction, assuming he can even finish the script he calls “Zombie Wars.”

As Joshua struggles with his screenplay, he also struggles with his life. He has

the making of zombie wars

By Aleksandar Hemon fiction

a Japanese girlfriend, Kimmy, who is a successful child-psychologist and likes her sex rough. Joshua is happy to be having any kind of sex at all -- even if he must nearly suffocate to orgasm with her.

When Ana, a Bosnian immigrant flirts with him after class, resist as he might, he eventually succumbs to her passion and has sex with her. Assured by Ana it was no big deal and that she will never tell her husband, Joshua is confident he can move in with Kimmy and life will be better than ever.

Ana’s husband, an ex-Bosnian Military Police officer, does find out, and he confronts Joshua. Just when Joshua thought it can’t get worse, his landlord jumps in to help, amplifying the violence.

Joshua is a secular Jew and not remotely religious, but is easily offended by antiSemitism. He often quotes fake scripture or phrases that sound like something God would say in support of his position. He longs to be chosen and take his place at the table, which God has prepared for him.

That doesn’t happen exactly like he wants. However, after some loss, pain and suffering, Joshua does discover he has become a man. With this new revelation about himself, he is going to put things right. Of course, this only makes matters worse. But Joshua survives the mayhem to finally sits down to enjoy a family Seder. He feels alive for the first time.

If you’re looking for a book solely about zombies, the zombies in this book only appear between chapters. As the author shares the un-life of Joshua’s sad existence, and his subsequent maturity, he includes small excerpts of Joshua’s screenplay. Major Klopstock is the protagonist in his script

who must save whatever humans might still be alive, even if he knows it will cost him his own life.

As Joshua’s miserable life gets out of control, so does Major K’s in his screenplay.

Characters who show up in Joshua’s life start to appear in the script – good guys and bad.

Indeed, the zombies do eat the brains and guts of the living and somewhere in there is the theme of Joshua’s existence.

He’s not stupid or lazy, he’s not demanding or needy, but somehow those around him seem to suck the life from him.

Author Hemon is smart and hilarious. His descriptions are rich, smooth and filled with sensory overload as he effortlessly drops us into Joshua’s pathetic world. Although this is a simple story about boys who behave badly, Hemon ups the stakes with the zombie metaphor of just how we move through life without really living. I laughed out loud. This is a fun summer read.

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17 BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Bear on Fire, Caxton and Scott Goldbaum 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Shaken Not Stirred 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 The Cosmic Flashers 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Allen Stone and Brynn Elliot 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Tyger’s 32nd Bday Bash w/ The Screaming Yee Haws and Graveyard Drifters 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Scarlet Roads 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Zuuluu Summer Solstice Party Sidebar Patio 7pm, Hot Wyre Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD @ FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Revolver and Green Today (Green Day Tribute) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Mikaelpalooza 12pm, Calista Carradine and Snatch the Pebble 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE

22

FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Courtney Chambers 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm SUN JUNE 21 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Tony Adams noon poolside, Slacker Sunday w/ Aaron Castle 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 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; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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’s Daddy Issues Father’s Day Special 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Jazz w/ Mikole Kaar 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 4pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 The Toast & Jam Band 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON JUNE 22 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 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; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Kevin Quinn 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Trivia Night Hosted by Chelsea Sugarbritches 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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

TUE JUNE 23 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm 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 FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Guitar Jam 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Rose Mallett 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Competition Hosted by Morgan James 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 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

June 18 to June 24, 2015

WED JUNE 24 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Brian Whelan 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 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 HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Billy Erickson & Matt Barnes Show 6:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Talent Quest 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 T-Bone Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm 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 6pm

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SocialSecurity

By MARIA M. MIRANDA

GETTING MARRIED SOON? GIVE SOCIAL SECURITY YOUR NEW NAME

E

very year, June marks the beginning of two busy seasons: summer and “wedding season.” With joyful expectation, many of us have already marked our calendars and started wrapping up our plans for the vacations, ceremonies, and honeymoons. While brides and grooms work out the details, Social Security wants to remind them about one detail that’s extremely important: the “record” Social Security keeps of your life’s earnings.

Weddings often mean a name change is in order, and one task the happy couple should have on that to-do list is to contact Social Security. If you are legally changing your name, you need to apply for a replacement Social Security card reflecting your new name. If you’re working, also tell your employer. That way, Social Security can keep track of your earnings history as you go about living your wonderful new life.

If you have reported income under your former or maiden name, we might not have received an accurate W-2 and your earnings may have been recorded incorrectly. This is easier to fix now - when you first change your name - than years from now when you retire.

So, go to our website at socialsecurity.gov/ ssnumber, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to find out what specific documents you need to change your name and

to apply for a replacement card.

After the honeymoon comes your career, moving to a new home, and a well-deserved retirement. It happens so fast! We hope somewhere in there, you opened your free my Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

With your personal my Social Security account, you can make sure your earnings record is correct and that you have the 40 total work “credits” you need for us to pay you the benefits you’ve earned.

Remember, ensuring your earnings are reported accurately to Social Security is vital to getting every dollar in benefits you deserve. If you need to change your name for any reason, go to socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber and apply for a replacement card right away.

Now, you’re all set. Let the celebrations begin!

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

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

A Smok’in Hot Place At A Cool Location!

W

ho would have known there’s a Chateau on a Lake in the Coachella Valley? I certainly didn’t - that is until now…

I’ve owned and dined out here for over 15 years and just now came across this incredible hidden jewel. As a firefighter it’s safe to say we’re experts in cooking, eating and knowing what’s hot.

The rating system I use is in describing great locations are the ‘Alarm Rating’ of fires: 1st alarm being the worst to 4th alarm being the best. A multi alarm (5 alarms or greater) definitely rings out here on the Chateau on the Lake in Lake La Quinta.

With recently renovated and newly expanded the rooms, this place has great

water views with first class ambiance, great food and some of the best wines around.

What mostly captured our attention are the staff members who make you feel not as a guest or customer, but as an old friend while being in ‘your’ comfort during your stay.

Whether you’re from the Coachella Valley, a snowbird or just living anywhere in Southern California, this is a great get-away.

Whether summer, winter, dinner or drinks, this is certainly one of the coolest places I’ve visited.

If you want that ‘rock star treatment’ you won’t find a better place than on the Lake at Chateau Lake La Quinta!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Haddon Libby

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Bad Boys of Retailing

I

n part three of this who-knowhow-many part series on Corporate Cannibals, let’s acknowledge a few of the retailers who fit the description. As a reminder, Corporate Cannibals must have a history of doing things that are illegal or unethical against their consumers and/or employees. By knowing which businesses fit this description, you can make your own decisions as to whether to support these businesses by owning their stocks or shopping at their stores.

Let’s start with H&M. They have an ad campaign where they claim to be an ethical purveyor of “fast fashion” whatever that is.

In truth, they represent many of the worst practices in the garment industry.

Stefan Persson, Sweden’s richest man, heads this family business. The Center for Research on Multinational Corporation calls out his company for supporting exploitive

work conditions globally on 850,000 workers at the 1,800 factories that serve H&M. H&M factories are known for employing children and paying as little as 35 cents an hour. To reach an equivalent minimum wage in the United States would mean these workers would need to be paid at least $1.50/ hour. H&M has said that they will reach this $1.50/hour number at about 60% of their factories by 2018. If this indifference toward humanity isn’t repulsive enough, in one high profile case, twenty-one workers at one of their Bangladesh factories died in a fire because they had been locked in the factory overnight in order to make quotas.

H&M has also been caught intentionally using organic cotton labels on their clothes when the fabric is not organic.

Scott Nova of the Worker Rights Consortium loudly criticizes H&M plans to improve conditions at a small subset of their factories as merely a publicity ploy.

Real reform would eliminate exploitive work conditions and be accomplished on a much faster schedule.

While H&M is a poster child for poor corporate citizenry, the entire garment industry is known for worker exploitation.

In an industry littered with irresponsible companies, no list of Corporate Cannibals is

Dale Gribow On The Law DRINKING?... DON’T OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY

W

e have all seen this warning on our pill bottles, but what does it mean? While dining over the weekend with our banker, the pharmacist’s warning for certain drugs, such as Ambien and diet pills, came up. I explained when you combine the alcohol with certain drugs it creates potentiation. This combination increases the effect of the alcohol and you are much more under the influence than you would have been with alcohol alone.

The banker and my wife had learned to drive on a tractor on a farm. Everyone at my table originally thought the warning meant heavy equipment like a tractor. I hate to admit it, but so did I at one time. This admonition obviously means not to drink and drive a car.

Why don’t we say what we mean when we talk about Drinking and Driving? This also applies to the DMV warning chart we get when we receive our new California driver’s license. The chart shows your weight and how many drinks you can have before you are under the influence. Once again we are not communicating—it is not the number of drinks, but rather the amount of alcohol in each drink. Thus, if a bartender tries to be nice and pours 2-3 oz. of alcohol in your drink, he is not doing you a favor. This is especially true if you don’t realize what he

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

has done and you are just keeping count of the number of drinks.

A few months ago, my wife and I were at the bar at a well-known restaurant, waiting for our table. My wife ordered a glass of wine.

I asked the bartender how much alcohol he pours in a wine glass. His answer was a little over 8 ounces. I explained to my wife she is having the equivalent of two glasses of wine with every drink she consumes…not one.

When we receive our new driver’s license from DMV, it includes a Blood Alcohol Content Chart. It shows that 1 drink equals 5 ounces of wine, 12 oz. of beer or 1.5 oz. of alcohol. Most drivers do not realize it when they mistakenly consume more than the legal amount of alcohol.

I vividly remember a 24 year old young man entering my office with his mom for a DUI consultation. He swore to both his mother and me that he only had one drink. I told him he had a very high reading and was either lying OR the breath testing machine was broken. If this was the case, we would subpoena that specific machines maintenance records. He again said one drink.

Then I asked the young man if took take a 16 oz. red Costco cup and filled it 2/3 of the way with Vodka and then topped it off with orange juice. He said yes. I explained he

complete without mentioning Walmart. Like H&Ms Stefan Persson, the Walton family is collectively the wealthiest family in the United States yet more of their employees are on public assistance than any other US company. Recent reports show that the U.S. taxpayer provides $1,000 per year in economic support to Walmart’s 1.3 million employees. That means that you and I pay $1.3 billion to subsidize Walmart labor practices. This happens despite Walmart producing $3 billion in pre-tax profits MONTHLY. Walmart recently began an ad campaign that touts plans to begin spending an additional $1 billion annually on training and wages over the next few years - about ten days of profits. For comparison, Walmart

had just consumed 12 oz. of alcohol which equaled 12 drinks….his response, “OH!” Last summer I had 4 women between the ages of 77 and 85 years old who all had their first offense DUI. They did not know each other and coincidentally all had been arrested after a wedding, lunch at Tommy Bahamas etc. They did not realize they had consumed too much alcohol. Since they each only weighed around 100lbs. it only took 1 generously poured drink from the bartender for them to consume too much.

One of the ladies intentionally did not drive to the off property going away dinner with friends leaving for the summer. In order to avoid drinking and driving, she drove her car to her neighbor’s house so that her neighbor could drive her to dinner to meet friends. After dinner, drinks, and dancing, she picked up her car to drive a few blocks to her home.

Because she was under the influence, she mistakenly drove out the back gate and could not get back in so she was forced to drive around to the front entrance. On her way back into the club, she encountered… you guessed it… Palm Desert Sheriffs.

The bottom line, whether you are drinking and taking a pill or just drinking, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE...... CALL A TAXI OR UBER…… IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME.

ad spending will top $2.5 billion this year much of this touting the $1 billion increase in wages and training.

Not only does Walmart fail to pay many of their U.S. workers a fair wage but they use of foreign sweatshops like H&M. Domestically, Walmart practices are proven to cause local businesses that pay living wages to close.

By eliminating better paying jobs at their competitors and staffing with a workforce that is heavily subsidized by government welfare programs, the communities that they serve have less money circulating in the local economy than before Walmart came to town.

While many of the actions of Walmart or H&M are done by other retailers, these two retailers are the best at poor corporate citizenry.

Please use this as a reminder to shop at locally owned and operated businesses whenever possible if you want to help improve our local economy.

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

Haddon can be reached at hlibby@ winslowdrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW TOP LAWYER - Palm Springs Life (DUI) 2011-2016 Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating “Preeminent” Rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory Selected for Rue “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 study 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.

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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June 18 to June 24, 2015

sports Scene

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

by Julie Buehler

Domestic Violence Is About Power, Not Gender

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ddly enough, my empathy doesn’t stretch to someone who was arrested for domestic violence and wants to be “submerged” in basketball to escape legal woes associated with it, even if this person is crying on the shoulder of an ESPN reporter.

So even if Brittney Griner gets teary-eyed and announces her marriage was a bad decision, she still committed a crime. And a very serious one.

Oh and I’m not going to offer a free pass to anyone accused in police reports of calling cops “bitches” and asserting that if it weren’t for handcuffs, the cops would be getting their “asses kicked.” That seems to me, the kind of stuff that SHOULD get you thrown in the slammer and investigated. But for Hope Solo, she just made the rounds of network television explaining when the “facts come out” she’ll be vindicated. But as more facts come out, more questions are being raised about the incidents that got her arrested and USA Soccer’s limp response to their star keeper’s trouble.

Bottom line: It’s outrageous that top-flight female athletes are offered a platform to cry or explain their way out of the consequences and public backlash their male counterparts rightfully receive.

The cases of Brittney Griner and Hope Solo are a disturbing lesson that domestic violence is STILL a problem we only care about sometimes, but refuse to recognize as problematic all the time.

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We are so conditioned to hearing the excuses and rational: “It only happens once in a while…” or “They didn’t mean it, they just lost their temper…” or “I made a terrible mistake…” or the defiant, “When the facts come out, I will be declared innocent!”

These phrases used to be readily accepted coming from men who were assaulting women. Sports fans were eager to imbibe the excuses and defend their sports heroes offering the benefit of the doubt and repulsive victim shaming our culture has allowed for decades.

But the past few years, with social awareness expanding and victims speaking out more and more and the Ray Rice incident in an Atlantic City elevator offering graphic representation of what domestic violence really looks like, it seemed (I’d hoped) that culture of excusing and accusing victims had faded into an unapologetic hardline against domestic abusers.

The NFL upped automatic suspensions of abusers. Ray Rice hasn’t played a down since his transgression, Adrian Peterson was

sports Scene

out of football for a year and Greg Hardy will spend the first 10 games of next year on the sidelines despite charges against him being dropped.

The NHL immediately suspended LA Kings defense Slava Voynov for an ugly incident involving his wife and he didn’t spend a moment on the ice for the team all year.

And I’ve written multiple times about Floyd Mayweather’s repeated offenses being ignored by the boxing media and fan base, but through the press for his bout against Manny Pacquiao and subsequent reporting, the formerly glowing reports gave way to a far more dark and truthful look at the planet’s highest paid athlete.

It seemed we were willing to be honest.

To just be honest about the reality that some athletes (but few) chose to assert the power bequeathed on them by the public to harm and abuse others.

But I’m not so sure our culture is there yet.

Because based on the examples of Brittney Griner and Hope Solo, we’re under the false impression that it’s an issue women face at the hands of men.

Look, Domestic Violence was never about men and women, it was never a gender thing, its ALWAYS been about power. It’s always been about one person willingly and intentionally, regardless of the excuses they muster, asserting their dark intentions over someone they perceive as less powerful.

It’s not always physical, many times domestic abuse is emotional and equally as damaging.

It’s not always a person of larger stature over someone of smaller stature. One of

Week of June 18

Solo’s alleged victims is her 6’ 8” nephew.

It’s not always a man abusing a woman or a spat between lovers.

But it is ALWAYS about power.

So as long as our sports culture offers athletes and those in the public eye more power than those living a simple life away from publicity, there will be those with dark souls, offered that power, looking to exploit it.

Whether they are the world’s most famous boxer or the first woman to dunk in professional basketball, it does not diminish the dangerous harm and damage caused from their inexcusable power play.

It is my hope that laws are strengthened and the resolve of communities united to shine a spotlight on domestic violence and shun anyone in the public eye guilty of the crime. Regardless of their stature, gender or place in the world.

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.

by Flint Wheeler

MLB All-Star Voting A Joke..

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h Baseball, you just can’t help yourself but be behind the times.

MLB is that weird uncle that you can’t help but invite to the yearly Christmas dinner only to then for the next 364 days talk to your spouse about how he really shouldn’t be invited to the next one. In the most recent MLB All-Star voting update, the Kansas City Royals have seven players in line to start for the American League, with four of those players leading the league in votes.

As of now, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer will start over two-time AL MVP Miguel Cabrera, and Royals second baseman Omar Infante, who has a .216

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average and the lowest OPS+ this season among qualified players, trails Astros’ Jose Altuve by only 150,000 votes.

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon is also behind reigning AL MVP Mike Trout by less than 300,000 votes. If both Infante and Gordon are able to overtake Altuve and Trout, respectively, then the entire American League All-Star starting lineup would be made up of Kansas City Royals.

Some fans and analysts were appalled by the results. Sports Illustrated’s Cliff Corcoran wrote an article dedicated to “fixing the AL’s All-Royals All-Star team,” and encouraged readers to vote for non-Royals

players instead.

While some of the results are perplexing to say the least, MLB Advanced Media CEO Bob Bowman stressed this isn’t the work of a hacker or bots, just a lot of Royals fans, who can vote 35 times each under the league’s rules.

“It’s just energized Kansas City fans both locally and nationally,” Bowman told Business Insider. “Give the Royals and the Royals fans their due. They have been energized since day one.”

“Many of their fans have already voted the maximum 35 times,” he said.

After the latest All-Star voting update,

fans who are critical of the voting rules took to Twitter to air their frustration: “I hope SO bad 7 Royals start the MLB All Star Game. It’ll demand we change the process. That’s an insane joke. Fan voting is beyond dumb.” - ‘Clintonodddehaul’ “AL ALL STAR voting is a joke. Middle America hasn’t known how to properly vote for anything since 2004, or even the 80s.

MLB needs change.” - ‘Timpenham24’ While this is the first year of online-only balloting, 80% of votes for last year’s game were cast online, Forbes reports. Bowman says there are no plans to change the voting system.

“There’s a lot of voting left to go, the last few days in voting could equal the first six weeks,” Bowman said. “It’s way premature [to think of changing the voting system], there’s a lot to go yet. We will have energized Tigers fans, energized Mariners fans, energized Orioles fans. These fans get energized for this.”

Voting ends July 2. Thank goodness!

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Would you like to stop pushing and struggling for a while? Is there a clenched attitude you would love to let go of? Do you wish you could take a break from having to give so much and try so hard and be so strong? Then do it! Now would be a good time to take a sabbatical from any situation that feels too demanding or frustrating. You wouldn’t incur the wrath of the gods or the twists of karma if you sneaked away to indulge in some recreational frivolity. For the foreseeable future, “relax” and “surrender” are your words of power.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Theologian Karl Barth speculated that when the angels get together to praise and honor God with music, they perform the compositions of Bach. But when they are playing for each other, they are more likely to choose Mozart. I guess that’s because Mozart’s stuff is loose and free and inventive compared to Bach, who’s formal and sober and systematic. Mozart is more for parties, while Bach is for serious occasions. I’m seeing the coming days as a time when you, like the angels, should be especially willing to express yourself in very different ways, depending on the audience.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Before E. Annie Proulx became a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, she wrote a series of how-to books, including a dairy foods cookbook and an instructional text on making your own hard cider. But the manual of hers that I especially want to call your attention to right now is Plan and Make Your Own Fences & Gates, Walkways, Walls & Drives. It might be inspirational for you to read it. You’re in a phase when it makes perfect sense to create new paths for yourself to travel on. This will allow you to forgo at least some of the paths that others have built and that can’t actually take you where you need to go.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m getting itchy to see you blow your own cover. I would love you to come all the way out of your hiding place, even if just for a while, and see what happens if you make full disclosures and brave displays. My hope is that you will close the gap between the real you and the images that people have of you. Does that sound interesting? Or have you become so fond of being a big riddle that you can’t imagine any other way to be? Maybe I can tempt you to be more selfrevelatory if I add this: Taking your disguises off even briefly will enable you to discover intriguing secrets about yourself. And then once you put your disguises back on, you will seem more mysterious than ever.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A new cycle will begin for you after your birthday. Between now and then you will be wrapping up the current cycle. I invite you to do so with a flourish. Don’t just wait around passively for the themes of the last 11 months to fade away or go to sleep. Instead, set an intention to bring them to a climactic close. Schedule a splashy graduation or a grand finale. Plan a cathartic party or a celebratory rite of passage. Take a playful leap of faith or try that magic trick you’ve been saving for the perfect moment. Or all of the above!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin deep,” said author Jean Kerr. “That’s deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?” In accordance with the current astrological omens, Virgo, you should feel free to play around with that impish idea. Just for now, appreciate and enjoy the surfaces of things.

Make decisions based on first impressions and instant analyses. Give your attention and energy to what looks appealing to you, and don’t think too hard about stuff that presents a boring appearance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Now is a favorable time to wish upon a star. In other words, you can enhance the likelihood that your wish will come true if you choose this phase of your cycle to enlist the assistance of a higher power. It’s your duty to make sure, however, that you wish upon the right star. Pick a higher power that can truly help you with your wish, not necessarily one that has worked for other people’s wishes. Here’s another crucial detail: Be

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

precise in formulating your wish. No foggy thinking or sloppy language allowed!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you are fully committed to being both honest and kind, you will have more power to heal other people than you’ve had in a long time. You will have a resemblance to a magic potion or a wonder drug. Here’s a caveat, however: The therapeutic influence you have to offer might be scary to those who aren’t ready to be cured. The solutions you propose could be disruptive to anyone who is addicted to his or her problems. That’s why I advise you to be discerning about how you share yourself. P.S. The medicine you are generating is not too potent for your own use.

It’s exactly what you need to transform limitation into liberation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Each of us has at least one pesky ghost or nagging demon that occupies a dark corner of our psyches. It may have been there for years, or we might have picked it up more recently during a phase of temporary insanity.

In any case, most of us can benefit from conducting a periodic banishing ritual. Now would be prime time for you to do just that. Ready? With your imagination, draw a clockwise circle of your favoritecolored light on the floor or ground. Next, identify an image that makes you feel happy and safe, and visualize four versions of it at the four cardinal points, hovering three feet above your circle. Then say this: “I dissolve any hex and banish any pest that has been draining my energy. I purge any wasteful emotions, unsound ideas, and trivial desires that I may have grown attached to.” To put the seal on your magic, laugh for two minutes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): By my estimation, 97 percent of the population is chronically starving for the pleasure of being listened to with deep empathy and focused intelligence. Very few of us enjoy the prolonged and undivided attention of a receptive ally on a regular basis. It’s rare to be in the presence of a person whose sole agenda is to be innocently curious about you. Your assignment, Capricorn, is to go on a quest to remedy this shortfall. Figure out how you can get the skillful listening you’re missing. (P.S. One way to prime the magic is to offer yourself up as a skillful listener to others.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At this year’s Grammy Awards ceremony, British singer Sam Smith won in four categories. His tune “Stay with Me” was named Song of the Year. In one of his acceptance speeches, Smith expressed appreciation for the difficult muse who inspired the song. “I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year,” he said. “Thank you so much for breaking my heart, because you got me four Grammys.” I invite you to come up with a comparable expression of gratitude, Aquarius. What experience that seemed like tough luck at the time has actually turned out to be a blessing? Now would be a perfect time to acknowledge and relish and make full use of the unexpected grace.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The Bay of Fundy is a branch of the Atlantic Ocean between the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It’s renowned for its tidal range. When high tide comes, the water may be as much as 53 feet higher than what it is at low tide. The shift back and forth happens twice a day. I’m wondering if in the coming weeks your emotional ebb and flow will have a similar variability. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you could experience both very high highs and very deep depths. Please note that when I say “depths,” I don’t mean sadness or despair. Rather, I’m talking about a profound ability to feel your way into the heart of things.

Homework: Test this hypothesis: By giving up a useless “valuable” you don’t really need, you’ll ensure the arrival of a real valuable that you do need.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

June 18 to June 24, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

WHAT DO YOU REGRET?

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ur lives are in constant motion with little time to accomplish relevant, beneficial, self- perpetuating tasks.

We are easily distracted with work and family responsibilities. We become tangled in the minutia. As we reflect upon our lives, most of us have one or more regrets. Researching what humans most often regret may also coincide to your regrets in life.

Most people are a slave to their career.

The truth be known, most people regret not taking more time to be with family and friends. Balancing career, family and friends is not easy. Staying late at the office one night and believing you will make up the time with your family usually is folly. The “making up” usually does not happen.

Romance tops the list of most regrets.

Releasing or being let go by the love of your life often leaves “what if” thoughts swirling in our minds. Many contemplate what could have been. Marriages that did not work are often regrets people feel and wish they could have resolved.

Many of us are living a life our parents wanted us to live rather than aspiring for our own life goals. This is related to a lack of selfconfidence and we were merely drawn to a life that we thought would make our parents happy. Ten to twenty years slip by and we reminisce, “Who’s life am I living?”

Professionally many of us do not take risks.

We fear if we truly go for what we want we’ll

either fail or be turned down. Attempting to fulfill your ultimate goals will give you greater self-confidence regardless. At least you will always know you tried no matter the outcome.

Remember, if you tried, you will always posses the experience that no one can take from you.

Our inner voice speaks to us daily. Often people regret not listening to that voice.

Whether it is as simple as making a right hand turn versus a left, or as complex as choosing a high paying job versus a position you love, but make less money. We neglect listening to the little yet powerful voice within us.

Parents often regret not spending enough time with their children. Children desire quality and quantity time. They feel loved and worthy of whom they are. This is often more of a struggle for single parents who balance a career. It is important to balance your time with your children so they know how meaningful they are to you.

Often our health suffers because we do not take the time to exercise or eat properly.

It isn’t until later we regret not eating a proper diet or engaging in a regular exercise regimen.

I’ve always recognized that without my health, I have nothing. Honor your body.

While our list of regrets is abundant you have the power to make changes in your life.

Commence living the life you have always wanted and take care of you.

Bronwyn Ison, Owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA(9642)

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June 18 to June 24, 2015

Life & careerCoach

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by Sunny Simon

Regrets…I’ve Had a Few

E

ver suffered one of those bleak, black Mondays? I did recently. Despite my best laid plans, I made a poor decision.

It was late Tuesday afternoon when I realized I’d spent the entire morning in worry and regret over the previous day’s happenings.

Immediately I began to talk myself out of this negative reverie. Not only was I practicing poor time management, this ruminating was accomplishing nothing. I needed to stop wasting my time on yesterday.

Regret is a part of life. We don’t get it right every time and consequently end up regretting our decisions, actions and often our words. Hours spent lamenting cannot change the past. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

It offers no do-over’s. Our only choice is to dispense with the “should haves” and move on.

By the next morning when the desert sun waved it’s powerful hot rays over the earth, I waved good-bye to any remaining regrets lingering in the deep corners of my mind.

After using a trusted process to banish my woes, I transitioned into getting on with the day in a positive mode.

Want my secret? Here it is: a simple twostep process. Analyze what went wrong.

If you dig deep enough you can probably

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come up with multiple reasons. In my case, attempting to get the decision behind me in haste, I omitted doing extensive research. I called myself out for moving too fast and then vowed to slow down. Reminded of the old Yiddish proverb: “Measure 10 times and cut once,” I decided to write it out and post it on my vision board. If I was going to learn from this, I needed to keep it in front of me.

Next, I forgave myself. Sure, it took some self talk. I faced disappointment before and know what it feels like. I also know from experience if I muster up enough fortitude, I can push through it. Assuring myself it wasn’t the first error I made and it wasn’t fatal I moved on and refocused my energy on accomplishing an important item on my to-do list. Getting a job done is uplifting and serves to recharge your confidence level.

The next time you stumble and fall, use the situation to rebuild. Take the time to thoroughly uncover where you went off course. One last thought. Kelly Clarkson sings about it. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” So suck it up and walk a little taller.

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

Ask The Doctor

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June 18 to June 24, 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. deserthousecalldoc.com.

The summer heat is upon us!

P

lease drink water and don’t take the desert heat for granted. The following are some Heat Related Injuries that are easily preventable.

Second Degree Burns This type of burn causes significant skin damage and forms blisters. I have treated several cases of second degree burns to the feet in my practice. This injury commonly occurs when a person is walking barefoot outside on the grass and then will walk onto the hot pavement. Another common scenario is when a person is barefoot in the house and just “stepped out to get the mail”. Hot asphalt or pavement can reach temperatures of up to 140 degrees and can instantly burn the skin in just a few seconds. Severe burns of the skin require medical attention, so do not take any chances and protect your feet! Wear shoes, slippers, flip flops, etc….

I have also seen contact burns on the hands from car door handles and outside door handles on a store. You have to constantly be aware that our desert sun during the summer not only raises the outside temperature but also heats many outdoor surfaces we commonly come in contact with.

I usually recommend carrying a small towel or handkerchief with you to open metal door handles, or else use a piece of your clothing.

Hydration I have mentioned the importance of adequate hydration in previous articles.

Poor fluid intake, especially in the summer heat, increases one’s chance of dehydration.

A person can be dehydrated without feeling thirsty, so it is important to drink water throughout the day and especially if outdoors.

A good gauge to assess hydration status is the color of your urine; the clearer your urine the better, dark urine is a sign of poor hydration status. Coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages don’t count as good fluid intake because they actually cause dehydration.

Heat Cramps/Exhaustion/Stroke Poor hydration habits along with prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can cause different types of heat related illness. For all these illnesses, treatment should include a cool place, rest and proper hydration with water or sports drinks.

Heat Cramps are the mildest form of heat injury and present as very painful and severe muscle cramps and spasms. Stretch cramped muscles slowly.

Heat Exhaustion is more severe and can include nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, pale and moist skin and fever. One should remove excess clothing and place cool clothes on the skin. If the symptoms don’t resolve, then medical attention with IV hydration may be needed or else the condition can progress to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke is the most severe form of heat illness. It has the symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion but includes neurological signs and symptoms of confusion or agitation and possibly seizures or coma.

The skin in heat stroke is warm and dry. Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

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