Coachella Valley Weekly - July 31 to August 6, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 19

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 31 to August 6, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 19

Cancinos

pg 3

Evaros

pg 4

Greggs

pg 7

Cathcarts

pg 11

Halls

pg 4

Flores’

pg 3

July 31 to August 6, 2014

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Raymond Bill, Lisa Morgan, Alaina Majiros Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Sulkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Writers/Contributors: Lisa Morgan , Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Lola Rossi, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Curtis Hendricks, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Patte Purcell, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, John Paul Valdez, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Scott Pam, Richard Noble, Karen Creasy, Trooper Ramsey, Monica Morones, Shawn Mafia Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

Musical Families - Cancino Family.. 3 Evaro Family..................................... 4 Gregg Family.................................... 6 Cathcart Family................................ 7 Hall Family........................................ 8 Flores Family..................................... 9 LMS - Se7en4 Album Review......... 10 Events - Summer Extravaganza.... 10 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Week 6.......... 11 Consider This- Sturgill Simpson.... 12 Art - Coachella Valley Aet Center.. 13 Pet Place.......................................... 14 The Vino Voice................................ 15 Club Crawler Nightlife................... 16 Screeners........................................ 20 Book Review................................... 21 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local........... 23 Dale Gribow.................................... 23 Safety Tips....................................... 24 ShareKitchen.................................. 24 Travel - Newport Beach................. 25 Sports Scene................................... 26 Health & Fitness............................. 26 Free Will Astrology......................... 27 Mind, Body & Spirit........................ 28 Life & Career Coach........................ 29 Ask The Doctor............................... 29 Comics - Weiss Cracks.................... 30

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very family attempts to express love for each other and fill the necessary roles to function properly. Every family must also experience conflict and cope with loss. The Cancino and Evaro families are no different than our families in those capacities. One unique difference is the omnipresence of music within the families.

With several generations immersed in the progression of music, their respective families continue to make music that sheds a beaming light on our area.

The Cancinos

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he Cancino story begins with patriarch Ruben Cancino, Sr. He first taught his children Pancho, Carlos, Benny, Maria, Jorge, Connie, Ruben, Chad and Mike how to play guitar and sing.

“Dad taught what he knows, guitar and voice,” Chad remembers. The elder Cancino performed with his group Trio Arco Iris and as a mariachi. “The music came from Dad. He was very poor and had no means of making money. I recall hearing him talk about shining shoes to buy a guitar. He grew up with the Mexican version of the Great Depression. He had a passion for music because he taught himself how to play. He also sang, played the bass and accordion,” Mike reminisces. “Then we could choose any instrument we wanted.

It’s like teaching your kid Spanish first.

Because they know they will learn English anyway.”

The Cancino’s mother Julia was a vocalist in the church. Two years ago Ruben Sr. passed away and in late July of this year their mother also departed us. Funeral services for their mother were being prepared at the time of this writing. In speaking with the family their love for each other is distinct.

They comprehend that without the strong encouragement by their father they would not enjoy the enthusiasm they have for music.

Chad may be the second youngest but he is treasured by his siblings for his musical virtuosity. “I played bass first at 7 years old and then gravitated to drums at 9 where I for the most part stayed. I sang while I played drums with encouragement from Benny, my older brother.” Chad has played in Unplugged the Band with John Stanley King, Ray Camacho, Mister Moto with Ruben and Benny, who had a recording deal with Warner Brothers Records, and Los Traviesos, who toured Korea three separate times.

According to Mike, Chad was worth a king’s ransom to a band. “He would always play in different bands. He was always the lead singer. Having a great voice and being a great drummer made him invaluable.”

In continuing the tradition, Chad’s son Pedro plays the drums and is a vocalist. He currently performs as a member of Soul Opus.

Currently Chad plays at the Village Pub in Palm Springs Wednesday through Saturday with his band Nite Fixx. Also in Nite Fixx are Brian Nussle on bass and vocals and Ricky Lewis on guitar and vocals. He also plays drums and sings in the Santana tribute band Grupo Bohemio. Their members include Lupe Garza on bass, Manny Torres on guitar, Juan Hernandez on sax and vocals, older brother Ruben Cancino on keyboards and vocals and Enrique Cano on congas. They will be performing at the Idyllwild Summer Concert series on 7/31/14.

Ruben began playing the accordion and later switched to keyboards. Jorge never ceased playing the guitar and Benny Sr. kept up his bass playing abilities. Carlos has played mariachi music all his life. He plays guitar, guitarron and also the Bihuela, a five-string guitar. With regards to their children, Jorge has his son Jacob on guitar, Benny Sr. has Benny Jr. and Andrew on drums and Danny plays guitar and bass.

At present Mike plays drums for Unida, House of Broken Promises and Soul Sign.

His first memories of music in the home are at 3 years old. He lived with his mother in a four bedroom apartment in Mecca Vineyards in the mid 70’s. He recollects drums, amplifiers, guitars bass guitars, accordions and keyboards. “My brother Carlos played mariachi. He had credit at the long defunct Dean’s Music in Indio. He financed all the instruments and gear for everyone. At eight years old I was taught how to play drums by Benny (Sr.).” At ten years old Mike was asked by his stepfather Hilario if he wanted to play drums or guitar. Mike had recently listened to Rush’s Moving Pictures and chose the

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drums. His stepfather promptly purchased him a four piece Ludwig drum kit at Dean’s Music. Mike listened and played along to music from AC/DC and Billy Squier. He also gives credit where credit is due. ”I learned by watching Chad play. I was and am still inspired by him. Chad was the forerunner.”

Mike started playing alto sax in 4th grade.

He played quads and snare drum in the high school drum line. He was also involved in symphonic and concert bands. He and his high school drum line were one of the first groups to implement a full drum set into a show. He first met Unida and HOBP guitarist Arthur Seay at Westside Elementary School in Thermal when he was approximately ten years old and the rest is history.

Benny Jr. recounts his history. He was only three when he first picked up a set of drum sticks. He was introduced to the drums with a Junior Pro Tune series drum set that was yellow. “I remember taking it apart and not playing it very much. I wanted to learn how it worked. My parents were frustrated. Little did they know I was mastering the drums.” continue to page 4

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Benny Jr. has rightfully introduced his own child to the drums. “My son will be seven soon and he’s doing everything I used to do.

He plays his set a little bit. He’s also taking a screwdriver to his trains.”

Benny Jr. looks back on his musical upbringing and the impact his father and uncles made. “We lived in Indio behind Roosevelt Elementary. I would come home after school every day and Mister Moto would be in the garage rehearsing. I would come home every day and there would be two drums sets, Mike’s and Chad’s. What does a kid do? He puts his homework in the closet and stomps the drum sets.”

Benny Jr. has played drums in the Kyle Turley Band and most recently has joined Alyce Bowie in performing their diverse set of popular music. He has also played in The Whizards and the ambitiously peculiar band InVitro, which included Mike Pygmie and Mikey Doling. “I always knew I had to do something. The drums did something for me.

Early in 2003, I stopped messing around with little sets. Mike Pygmie called me to see if I wanted to check out his band The Whizards.

When I started jamming with them it was definitely an introduction to musicians that made the music matter. I played with them for two years.”

Music is both nature and nurture for the Cancino family. There are obvious examples to follow and there is also a heredity factor.

Benny Jr. identifies the propensities. “When they say it’s in the blood it’s no joke. My father remarried and had three children. They live in Oklahoma and they love to sing and dance.

Music is innate for us, it doesn’t go away. I feel empathetic for people who don’t have an outlet. If I go too long without any musical experimentation there’s something missing. I find balance in music.”

Andrew is Benny Jr.’s younger paternal half-brother. Although Andrew began utilizing music later in the game, he has

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The evaros

demonstrated that the proverbial rock apple does not fall far from the rock tree. “I didn’t’ grow up with that side of the family. My lineage gave me an advantage and having the genetic predisposition to music.” Andrew is fluent in guitar, bass and drums. I asked him, Why drums? His answer: “Fun”. Benny Jr. and Andrew have established a bond despite their prior estrangement. Benny speaks proudly of Andrew’s musicianship. “Andrew is a talented individual. He was playing guitar in a rock band for church. He was only 20 years old,” I have seen Andrew perform several times for his prior band Redivider, who he remains in touch with. Andrew displays veracity and bashes his drums with utter precision. He currently works full time as an insurance agent and attends college part-time pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in economics. “I keep rudiments up by using my practice pad. I play when I go to my Uncle Mike’s house. It will never leave me. Once you get bit you are stuck with the virus.”

T

he Evaro family is synonymous with the Coachella Valley, harmony and an infinite amount of members. They transplanted from Yuma, Arizona in the 60’s to Palm Springs where they have cultivated their music and live performances all over the valley. Their legacy as entertainers does not begin there. Gene Evaro Sr. recalls the stories his parents told about the Evaro’s inception.

“My dad Alfonso shared stories about our family as circus performers five generations ago. They were trapeze artists and singers.”

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Their longevity in the entertainment industry is only rivaled by the Jacksons and the Osmonds. They were collectively awarded a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in front of the Hyatt in 2005. Family members joke that there isn’t enough sidewalk or stars to represent each member of the family and their accomplishments, so the city decided to induct the family as a whole.

Sonny Evaro will be 82 years old in November. He has supported Frank Sinatra, Lalo Guerrero and Trini Lopez locally. He and

his wife Angie and their Aunt Melva were instrumental in supporting the Evaro kids by transporting them to and from Hollywood.

“We were all behind them. We started the success here in Palm Springs when we arrived in 1961. We came and never left. We were the first ones to move out here. Sonny began to contact the family back in Arizona and they followed.” Angie remembers one particular trip in the 70’s. “I took them to the Gong Show hosted by Chuck Barris and they won!” Sonny came with father Jerry and his brother Bobby as a trio after being invited by resort big wigs. “My husband opened the doors for the family,” shared Angie.

Sonny continues to perform in the Coachella Valley. “Music was very good to us,” Angie professes. Jimmy, Jerry and Jeffrey are their sons. Jeffrey died in a motorcycle accident four years ago. Jerry and Jimmy continue to perform at Sammy G’s in Palm Springs.

In 1970 Gene Sr., Jerry, Jimmy, Shirley, Debbie and Ray put a band together at 10-12 years old. Gene Evaro Sr. was the primary song writer. They signed a record deal with Motown soon after. Mike Curb of Curb Records produced all of Evaro’s music.

They toured with Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf. Gene Sr. makes no mistake the devotion to his family. “I love all my family.

I was the one that was cut away and left Palm Springs at 17. I went on tour with Ike and Tina Turner, Eddie Kendricks and the Temptations.” Gene Sr. had huge success in pursuing individual work. “I started focusing on my songs. I co-wrote the number one song “How ‘Bout Us” by Champaign and “I’m On Fire” which reached #16. I ended up writing songs for motion pictures by Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I’ve written title tracks for approximately 23 films.” Once the success came so did the thought of having children. “They came out singing. Bryanna, Gabriella, Shavaughn, Gene Jr. and Natalie were raised in the studio.”

In 2000, Gene Sr. signed a record deal with Sony BMG using the Evaro name. He went to Miami and developed two top ten singles.

He remembers how the children took to the music studio and naturally participated in playing music together. “They started gelling immediately in the studio.”

Gene Sr. recalls Gene Jr. at 8 or 9 years old experimenting with musical instruments.

“He rigged up all these keyboards and midis so that they would synch with each other. He had a full orchestra going. He composed it and had done it so articulately. I asked him how long it took him and he said he did it in two hours. I was taken aback. I sent out a copy of that song and received great feedback.

He was also good friends with Taylor Swift.

I remember him calling me about Taylor wanting to come over to share some music and I brushed it off a bit…big mistake.”

Gene Sr. has not slowed down. “I am currently doing my new album. I might do an indie thing and give it a try.” He has also performed with and produced Tony Melendez, the celebrated guitarist with no arms. “I remember we played in front of 75,000 people at one point. It was amazing.”

Also amazing are Gene Sr.’s offspring. “All my kids are singers and songwriters. They are so ready. They have played big shows.”

In talking about his children Gene Sr. never forgets to mention the daughter he lost.

Natalie passed away in 2008 in automobile accident in Tennessee. “Natalie is still the glue that holds us together. Natalie went to heaven three years ago. She lost her life in an automobile accident. She continues to inspire all of us. She’s always had her hand on us. She was only 20, so she’ll be 20 forever.

We call her the butterfly.” Natalie’s siblings mention her on a regular basis. Gabriella, Gene Jr., Shavaughn and Bryanna all actively celebrate Natalie’s life through their music

and how they communicate with others.

Gene Sr.’s children are multiinstrumentalists and vocalists. Bryanna plays bass guitar and sings. She currently performs with the Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement and with her siblings every chance she gets.

Gene Jr. plays guitar and sings. He is finishing up his most recent solo effort. He has performed recently at multiple venues and festivals under the moniker Gene Jr. and the Family, along with Shavaughn and Gabriella, who also sing and play guitar respectively.

Shirley agrees with all of the family. “The kids are all incredible. They have their own style. I believe it’s a gift from God.” Shirley Evaro resides in Indio and is the entertainment and marketing director at The River in Rancho Mirage. She recently released a Christian solo album entitled, Just Because Of Jesus. Her parents are Sonny and Angie. “My dad and my grandfather paved the way for the whole Evaro family. Everyone is really talented and amazing. In the 70’s The Evaro Tradition were managed by my Dad.” Shirley is most proud of her father and his courage in moving to the desert. “My dad has played here for 62 years in desert. He was the talent.” She is equally affected by her

July 31 to August 6, 2014 mother, “My mom was always encouraging us. It was so easy because we were born right into it. We got up and music would be playing. Dad would call us over to sing. It’s something we would want to do.”

Shirley shared some stories of their early success and how they responded as only adolescents could. “We were driving on the freeway and all of a sudden K-EARTH 101 played our song on the radio and we started screaming. My Mom pulled over the van.

We didn’t’ know what to do. We jumped out on the freeway and started jumping up and down and running around. Another time at 7:00 a.m. in the morning on the school bus our driver was cool and had the radio on and he played our song. It was one of the most awesome times in our lives. It taught us to share our sounds.”

Shirley states the Evaro gift eloquently.

“God has been good to us. It’s all we’ve ever known. My mom Angie says it’s in our DNA. We were born into it. We never thought that there were people out there with normal jobs.” Here’s hoping that the Evaro family continue to pursue music and share it with us. facebook.com/evaromusica

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The Gregg Family of Music

M

ark Gregg has become a music staple here in the desert, both as a solo performer under his own name, or as Dude Jones, the rocking band that keeps the rooms where they play dancing into the wee hours of the morning.

Singing since he was a teenager, brought up in roadhouses singing for his supper, Mark has always been fascinated and affected by music. “Even if I didn’t understand the lyrics as a child, the music often made me feel I did understand somehow. I can’t separate any part of my life from music.” It would appear that he will never have to. Mark has shared the stage with a number of wellknown artists including Robert Plant and Jason Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Dee Snyder of Twisted Sister, Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray and so many others. But it’s perhaps a newer local artist with whom Mark shares the stage and spotlight with from time to time, that provides he and audiences alike with the most powerful kind of inspiration ~ his son, Derek Jordan Gregg.

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, that Mark and his son, Derek Jordan Gregg were reunited full time, having been raised by his mother in Oregon. But once Derek found his way here to the desert, Mark and he discovered they shared way more than just a zip code.

Derek: “I’d just gotten fired from a job in Oregon. I was just feeling stagnant. I felt like I could never be appreciated for more than being a dishwasher in a local restaurant. I called my dad and he was actually glad that I got fired. He said, ‘Great. You should come out here. You need to be making money as a musician anyway.’ He has always let me find myself as a musician, and then even brought me in on some high profile gigs.”

In regard to his new found relationship

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with his father, Derek shared, “It wasn’t any work. You see a lot of families struggle to connect with each other. That wasn’t us.

It was very easy. We have similar tastes and ideas. He didn’t instill these in me…it was just in my blood. In some ways, I got along more easily with my dad than I did with my mom who raised me. We’re best friends. We talk to each other like we’ve known each other our whole lives. It used to drive my mom nuts,” Derek chuckled, “the way I would walk or pace when I was on the phone was so much like my dad.

Even when it came down to the things I like to eat. I wasn’t conditioned in any way. The same goes for music. I would put on one of the songs off an album while we were just sitting and enjoying each other’s company, and my dad would say, ‘That album is pure gold’ not knowing it was my favorite of all time. We both have undressed some of the same songs so many times we end up having really unique conversations about them.

So many times in relationships, the other person is just waiting for their opportunity to talk and be heard. That’s not how it is with us. We just cherish and respect each other words. It creates a strong foundation for friendship.”

“We played together at the Tilted Kilt a while back, and that was fantastic. We did some cool dual guitar stuff and harmonies.

At one point I was able to swing my guitar around on my back and just approach the audience like a front man. We’re always open to play together, and we do a duet acoustic thing every now and again when we can. My dad is featured on my new album coming out. He’s done some cool work on our tracks. He just ‘gets’ it. It’s not like he tries to put his own thing into it. He knows what we’re trying to do, and he adds some very cool stuff.”

“I am proud that he’s my dad, but I’m just as proud that he’s my best friend.”

Mark: “Derek had come here a couple of years earlier and that was a little awkward, as it was towards the end of my marriage and it was a little tense in our house. When he came after my divorce, it was perfectly natural and our home was fairly peaceful.

He got a lot of songwriting done in a very short time. Derek and I share a mind.”

In regards to his son’s talent and upcoming album, Mark said pointedly, “I don’t fully know the extent of Derek’s talent yet. It’s very deep. He has not yet met his true peers. His album is my favorite record this year, and this is just rough mixes at this point. I’m very proud to have been asked to contribute some guitar parts on a couple of songs. Everyone who has heard it is blown away. It is going to change everything for him.”

Happy to be part of a project he thinks so highly of, Mark shared, “I added some seagull sounds to my favorite song named Velvet Flowers. Also, I did some psychedelic ebow slide with long echoes. I also played some blues licks on another track. I may add

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more if they call me back!”

What does this father hope for his son’s music career? “You know, the usual. First, the record goes multi-platinum, then a string of hit records in which our syndicate figures out the new pay paradigm for recording artist and corners the market with all new artists. Then drug addiction and rehab and some uplifting autobiographies thanking God or something,” he said chuckling, less serious about the latter details than the first.

“We get calls for the two of us to play together sometimes. We love playing together. I’m focused on paying for braces for Angus (Derek’s younger brother), and Derek is focusing on The Hive Minds record and writing and rehearsing the show. I’d actually like to come on board with them for a bit as a sort of stage producer to make sure their shows have maximum impact with lighting and pacing and such.

Also to make sure the guitars stay in tune!

Maybe they might invite me up to shred on a song or two. I do a mean Sweet Home Alabama,” he said once again breaking up the seriousness with humor, consummate entertainer that he is.

I would not be too surprised, if the Coachella Valley will one day be treated to yet another Gregg virtuoso, braces and all. Apparently, 12 year old Angus Gregg has started playing guitar and drums and is a complete Zeppelin freak. Until then, I promise that any time spent in the presence of these two troubadours will be returned in heart-loads of inspiration and quality good times.

Derek was nominated for “Best New Band” and “Best Duo” for Hive Minds at the 2014 CV Music Awards and Mark was nominated for “Best Cover Band” for Dude Jones.

You can see Derek and his band The Hive Minds this Friday, August 1st, at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert from 9 PM to Midnight (Corner of Fred Waring and Hwy 111). Follow Derek and The Hive Minds at www.facebook.com/thehiveminds or www. hivemindsmusic.com Mark will be performing with the newest Dude Jones lineup at Sullivan’s Steakhouse on Thursdays and Saturdays starting from 6:30 to 11, this Friday at Dillon’s Roadhouse, and Sunday at Pete’s Hideaway in Palm Springs (those shows start at 5 and 6). You can also catch Mark performing at CV Weekly’s Best of Awards Show this Thursday, July 31 from 5-6pm at Emerald Desert Resort.

Cathcart Sibling Coalition, A Musical Force of Nature O

f all the siblings I’ve interviewed who share the musical stage together, Jim and Katie Cathcart stand apart in their reflection of a childhood bond that has endured the strains of adulthood and remains larger than life.

Though there is a small separation in age between the two, talking to them together, one would think they shared the same womb. That womb would have been extremely crowded though, considering that both Katie and Jim are sure that Katie, winner for “Best Drummer” at the CV Music Awards 2014, came out of that womb with a virtual drum kit at her feet. Each uniquely talented and different from each other, they complete each other’s thoughts and sentences in conversation, and together have formed one of the most outstanding new rock bands in the valley: CV Music Award’s “Best New Band” 2014, Bridger.

When one sibling slows down, the other pushes from behind. If one loses their focus, the other squares them up. The energy that came from the two of them as they shared the story of their musical journey together could break up any dark wintry vortex and transform it into a Rock and Roll Spring holiday.

Jim: “We had a check-in moment a couple years back with our band, Jekkel. I was getting pretty heavily involved in my job, working for Lions Gate Entertainment.

I was running myself into the ground and losing my sense of connection to the music.

It just didn’t feel like it did when I was a kid. So Katie said, ‘Let’s give it 3 months and see if you can put your heart back in this.’ It totally shifted my focus and put it in perspective. It became a passion project and rekindled that first love I had as a kid.”

Katie: “It was a music check-in moment, but it was also a life check-in. Not many people know this, but Jim went to school for acting. To me, he’s an incredible actor.

He’s the only person I know who becomes a totally different character on stage.

I’ve always been a supporter of Jim as a performer. I told him, ‘OK, so there are the stresses of life, there is the stress of being an adult, there’s the stress of relationships...but remember, you’re an amazing performer! I believe in you. I would love to see you do something. Just let me know, I have your back. But if it’s music you want to do, I really want to know, because I want to do it with you.’”

Jim: “It was basically a moment that came down to, ‘Everything sucks. Let’s rock!’”

That is how our conversation began about how it is to be brother and sister in arms and in music, sharing the same stage.

It accurately reflects the extremely positive and colorful dynamic between the two, who together with band mates Dan Dillinger on bass and Jacob Miller on lead guitar, create a dome of pure punk, rock and roll, moshable, mad joy, in every venue they play.

Of course, you can blame it all on the parents. Every morning they would expose these defenseless children to a vinyl record playing the likes of KISS, Black Sabbath, Cat Stevens, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd. “I really believe that because it was the first thing we would hear in the morning, it had a huge effect. We were obsessed,” shared Jim. Katie (KT): I’ve always known I wanted to play drums. I was born wanting to play drums. I got a plastic drum set when I was three. I wrote a letter to Santa asking for a real drum set when I was 4, and was totally bummed when I didn’t get one. When you’re 4, waiting an entire year to get what you want feels like For-EVER! Looking back on it, it was as if I was an adult in the way I absolutely knew what I wanted. I finally got it when I was in the first grade. It was in my soul long before that. I was wiggling to the beat in my dad’s arms when we’d watch music videos together.”

Jim: “When we were kids, we got a karaoke machine. Katie was my best friend.

We’d record our own radio shows, write songs about jelly beans and stuff, and even make mix tapes. They were constantly putting on performances for family and friends. For Katie, it was always drums. She played Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Van Halen’s “Panama” at the elementary school talent show. To watch that as her older brother, and be in the same elementary school was wild.”

“While I was waiting for her during her drum lessons at Aloha Music in Indio, I started looking at guitars in a whole new way. Then after my mom brought home Nirvana, it was all over. I started playing

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guitar in Junior High. My first lessons were with Tom Edwards from the Mighty Delta Tones.”

Katie: “Even though Jim didn’t play music early, he always knew music. Every song that ever came on the radio, he knew the lyrics, who wrote it, everything.”

“I was fortunate to be mentored by Tim McMullen, now with The Pedestrians. Talk about an amazing soul! He showed me how to tune and take care of my drums. He let me have my independence as I grew into a teenager. I still carry those lessons with me and hope to pass them on.”

Jim: “Our parents also took us to see the band Mobius. They let Katie sit at the drum set during their rehearsals. Seeing them play live was a game changer for me.”

The sibling coalition is singularly focused regarding their goals for their band and their music.

Katie: “We would love to put out solidly recorded and produced records of the songs we have. The music speaks for itself in the live setting, and we’re workhorses. We can get a lot of production done in a very short period of time. I want us to create an album that’s competitive. I truly believe in our music, so I want something that says, ‘This is us on our best live performance’. We have great footage from our go pro show and that will be coming out soon. We definitely want to take Bridger to the next level.”

Jim: “The consistent goal every time we have a live performance is to have as much fun as we possibly can.”

Katie: “There isn’t a Bridger practice where I’m not smiling with these guys. In every transition and with every opportunity, I’ve wanted my brother to be part of it. For me, I get to play with my brother, my lifelong friend.”

Jim: “I was always doubtful of my own ability. I got lucky to, just by chance, be born as her brother. She’s such a naturally talented musician. On top of that, she is also the one to push me to be a better musician.

I don’t take that for granted.”

Jim Cathcart was nominated for “Best Frontman” at the 2014 CV Music Awards.

You can follow Katie and Jim Cathcart and their band Bridger at www.facebook. com/thebandBRIDGER

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Josh and Steven Hall: A Musical Legacy Lives On

F

or brothers Josh and Steven Hall, a life in music was as natural a choice as breathing. Where other families would expose their children to a culture of music at public venues or through recorded music, these boys had all they ever needed, live within the walls of their own home. Five years apart in age, the common thread of music ties these siblings together as best friends, confidants and advisers. But it’s the almost tangibly electric under current of passion and energy that is their most visible common denominator. Younger brother, Josh Hall, is the co-front man in the high intensity, award winning, Hip-Hop/Rap, rhythmic word posse known as Thr3 Strykes, with music brother, Josh Fimbres. Big Bro, Steven Hall, one of the most dominant forces of thunder ever to be contained behind a drum kit, contributes his super power to the award winning, face frying, punk band, Se7en4. These power house entrepreneurs and their natural energy source can all be traced back to the man who looks proudly on, with his whole heart behind their every endeavor; their father, Steven Hall Sr., aka drummer extraordinaire, Ballsey Hallsey.

The patriarch carved his own indelible path through the Hollywood music scene of his day with bands Van Halen, Motley Crue and Rat opening for him.

Josh Hall: “When it comes to my greatest musical influence, I have to give it up to my dad. He was always rocking out in the car, showing me his music from ‘Stormer’, the band in Hollywood that he was in before I was born. I remember sitting on his drum case rocking out. My brother became a drummer at the age of 8. I’d always be watching him in the garage while they’d rehearse. It was a normal every day thing for me. Between going to my Dad’s gigs and hanging out with my brother, it was a way of life. I never really knew anything else.”

“I also have to give a lot of credit to my brother, Steven. He’d play a lot of the good

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old stuff like Metallica. My dad bought me a guitar when I was 7 and told me he didn’t want to be like him and my brother because it was a hassle to carry the equipment around. He showed me a few chords and I picked it up. But at the time, I didn’t take it all that seriously...I was just a 7 year old kid.

I was more into comic books and sports.”

The five year difference in the brothers’ ages contributes to their difference in genre choices, but not in their deep interest and pride in the other’s projects. “It was a generational thing,” Josh explained. “Hip Hop was on TV, I learned the art form, and it became a passion. I understood it. Steve likes the genre, but he doesn’t get it like me.

I was 16 when I started performing seriously.

Me and Thr3 Strykes played a lot of house parties until venues started opening up to us around 2005.”

Josh attributes much of his work ethic to his brother Steve’s example. “Steve is really supportive. He ‘gets’ me and my music and the business. He’s a responsible guy, and I see that as a huge value. He’s just responsible across the board in life and music. I think we help each other out. We talk a lot about the business, there’s no ego involved, just straight talk. He’s a schedule guy and he works extremely hard. That’s another reason I’d like to see Se7en4 go far. He has put the time in and he really deserves it. They all do. They’ve been doing this so long.”

Often times, locally, Josh’s band will share the stage with his brother’s band.

“It’s fun to go watch him even when I have nothing to do with it, let alone be part of it. We’re two different genres. But when we blend it, it works!”

Josh’s musical goals are somewhat typical of any serious artist. “I want to see how far we (Thr3 Strykes) can take it,” he shared. “I want to make this a business that allows us to do this for the rest of our lives. We never thought we be still doing this almost 15 years later, winning awards, making money and getting noticed.”

When it comes to his hopes for his brother’s music, he shows no less passion than he does for his own. “I would love to see Se7en4 go on tour with a major band, and I really want to see their new album, Get High and Fight go far. They’ve all worked so hard on it and with Mikey Doling producing the whole thing, they really have a chance.

I want to see my brother and his band make money doing what they love on a major level. I’d love to be part of that somehow.”

Steve: “Dad ran with the best of them back in the day,” shared Steve. “He did it, he lived it. Music was never forced on us.

We could have done anything we wanted, but it was a natural choice. There were drums lying around the house and even when I was too young to sit at a kit, I’d bang on one piece of it. Eventually, I’d collect pieces of my dad’s sets until I had my own.

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by Lisa Morgan

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Josh was always around. He’s a good little brother to have; he’s like my best friend.

We were always different but we still had a lot in common. When the Beastie Boys hit, I brought it home and he loved it. Eventually he’d start bringing his own music home. As he grew he just developed his own thing, and he’s gotten really good at it now. It’s really bad ass. I don’t like calling them hip hop because they’re more than that...you don’t get the show you expect. They’ve got so many rock samples going on, on top of their beats, it’s basically a party. I’m actually a bit jealous. They can just roll up and get out and just hit it. I get to a gig, I’ve got to get to work unloading and setting up my kit. Those kids just get to live the life. Josh Fimbres has become like a brother too.”

Steven has big hopes for his little brother’s project. “I would like to see them continue to play shows...they keep progressing with every show, and eventually land on big venue stages like Coachella Fest or even in Europe. With the kind of energy they bring, they could do that. It would be

awesome to see them on a giant stage with thousands of kids jumping for them. I see it coming.”

This Friday night at the Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert, Josh’s band Thr3 Strykes will hit the stage, opening for another local favorite, Pedestrians. But this show will end with a little something special. Both Steve and Josh will share the stage together for an encore performance with some other great players. According to Steven Hall, “It should be fucking dope”! It will definitely be a show no music fan should miss.

Josh Hall’s band Thr3 Strykes won the award for “Best Hip-Hop/Rap Band” at the 2014 CV Music Awards and Steve Hall’s band Se7en4 won for “Best Punk Band” and Steve was also nominated for “Best Drummer”.

You can follow Steven Hall’s music with Se7en4 at www.facebook.com/Se7en4 and find their newest album “Get High and Fight” at http://Se7en4music.com. They will be playing the Viper Room in Hollywood, Aug 5th, and at The Good Hurt in Venice Beach Aug. 13th.

Nick and Armando “Mando” Flores : A Team of Music All Stars

f there was a Musician’s League with an All Star Team, brothers, Armando aka “Mando” and Nick Flores would easily make the starting lineup. Although raised in a family of athletes, and having some success in baseball, both brothers recognized that they were smaller in stature than their high school peers. Rather than face the option of tackling or being tackled by guys much larger than they were, they figured they would have to carve their own niche to compete in their high school setting. They not only found that niche, they excelled in it, and both are members of musical teams that rank high among the valley’s favorite award winning local bands.

Big Brother Mando: “My dad raised us to be athletes. Sports were his thing. Now that Nick and I are both dads with our own kids, we’re pushing our thing on them,” he laughs.

“Physical stature was the reason I got started in music. I was smaller so I had to find a way to compete. That, and well, I have to give credit to my little brother, Nick. He was about 13 years old, and I remember him begging my parents to buy him a bass guitar out of a Sears catalog.

They got him something like a kid’s instrument, a starter instrument. They weren’t going to spend a lot on anything until they knew we were committed. We found him a little practice amp. He was so excited to have this thing, I thought to myself, ‘If my brother’s going to do it, I better do it too.’”

“As we got started, our music wasn’t high on the list of things my dad would count as his kids’ great accomplishments. But he’s always wanted us to find something we liked. He would say, ‘You want to be a garbage man, you be the best garbage man you can be’. He wanted us to put our best effort into whatever it was that you were doing. My mom comes out to shows once in a while and watches us make fools of ourselves, and loves us for it, of course. She’d probably come out more if we weren’t the ones hitting her up to baby sit.”

As I interviewed Mando, an extremely intense and powerful drummer for the original rock band Blasting Echo, and monstrous bass player for The Pedestrians, I found him somewhat soft spoken. It seemed it was much easier to get him to talk about his brother than it was to get him to talk about himself.

Highly respected by musical associates and rivals alike, deeply loved and admired by those fortunate to know him on a personal level,

one conversation with this musician, and you can sense the intensity in which he thinks, practices, plays and cares for his relationships.

I asked him what he hoped would come of his music. “I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. I have fun whether it’s with Blasting Echo or Pedestrian’s, or just jamming with friends. I consider myself over the hill as far as rock stardom goes, but music is my drug of choice.” Reflective of the big brother he is, he immediately slipped into sharing what his hopes were for his little brother, front man for the punk band, Se7en4. “For my brother, I’m looking at his band as a legitimate shot for him, that is if he and the rest of those clowns can have the wherewithal to make it happen,” he shared in warm, brotherly fashion. “I know they have the talent, tenacity and the desire, but there’s a lot more to keeping your head on straight, especially in that genre. They’ve got a certain persona to keep up. Certain things are almost expected where you’re larger than life and a certain image is expected.”

“Watching Nick perform is very cool. I’m extremely proud of him. He has an incredible level of charisma that not many people on stage have. Even fewer can command an audience like he does. It definitely makes me proud to see him in his element being so successful.”

Nick Flores : “I’ve always liked music of course. But when everyone else seemed to hit puberty before I did, and I realized I didn’t have the size of the other guys, I figured I needed to figure something else out other than sports.

My brother has always been that really cool big brother. Most kids would tell you that their brother would beat up on them or pick on them when they were younger. My brother was always taking care of me. I was a little pest, but still, he’d take me with him and his friends and our cousins to the movies. He’d even take me with him to his girlfriend’s house who had a bass guitar. I had only watched videos on MTV and listened to what was on the radio. She was into Megadeath, Metallica and Motorhead.

She’d play stuff for me that made me think, ‘Whoa! That’s crazy!’ I’d never heard stuff like that before.”

“I remember wanting to start a band in 7th grade, and I was looking through a Sears catalog. Mando asked me, ‘What are you doing?’ I told him, ‘I want to start a band with my buddy Chris!’ He said, ‘Why don’t you get a bass guitar?’ I’m like, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘That’s what my girlfriend used to have. You know the guy in the Red Hot Chili Peppers with the animals on his legs in the Higher Ground video? That’s what he plays.’ So I picked up the bass and went from there, playing in little punk bands here and there. But me, I’d put the bass down to go party and be a kid. My brother would study it. He learned how to read music and write. I’d come home from goofing off, and my brother would be sitting there with the bass in front of a VHS tape watching the band Primus, stopping, rewinding, stopping rewinding... just so he could get the fingering of “Jerry was a Race Car Driver”. We both grew up liking the same stuff. Anything my brother

July 31 to August 6, 2014

by Lisa Morgan

liked I liked, from Billy Idol, Guns and Roses’ Appetite for Destruction. I remember he got me the albums, Raising Hell and License to Ill for Christmas.”

“Just out of high school, Me and Steve Hall started jamming with Pete Gutierrez. We had a singer we really liked but he ended up leaving.

Everyone looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t you try and sing? You’ve got a big mouth!’ I thought, why not. I can jump around and sing some shit. I figured if I acted like I belonged, who was going to question it. But it turned out to become a very natural fit. My brother played with us at the time, and helped me out a lot with my singing. He’d make suggestions like slow down a little here, maybe not so rough there. Mando - he picks up the bass and all of a sudden he’s a god. He picks up the drums and all of a sudden he’s a really great drummer.

He can sing really well too! If I need any help with anything, I’ll go to my big brother. He’s someone I respect and trust. We’ve pretty much gone our own directions, but whenever I need advice or I’m writing a song and need an idea, I’ll always ask my brother.”

Maria Flores: After speaking with them, it was obvious that these two siblings have a deep, unconditional and special bond. But I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like for their sister Maria, growing up with these two very talented and strong personalities. “I appreciate them,” Maria shared, “but I can’t get past seeing them as my annoying, over protective brothers. I absolutely dig what they like and play. I remember Mando playing Red Hot Chili Peppers for me and me losing my mind! Mando would show me a bass line

while Nick was moshing in the living room all the while explaining the important points of moshing,” she laughed. “I definitely have a love of music as a result of being around them, but I’m more comfortable being the spectator.

Music is just natural for them. I can talk the talk but I can’t walk the walk like they do. I know that it’s what makes both my brothers happy, and I’m cool with that.”

I had to press Maria to give me a little dirt on her two brothers, and finally she gave in.

“Nick used to nail this awesome imitation of Axle Rose. We’d be watching Headbangers Ball on MTV when MTV played music, and Nick would just pop up and go ape-shit in the living room with this impression. Nick has always existentially been that front guy.”

“Growing up, Nick was the one who annoyed and antagonized me. Mando was the one who would play Barbies with me. But in my later teens, Nick put me under his wing.

He would watch over me. They are both very caring and really do put their families first. So, I like them sometimes,” she concluded, the smile and love showing through her voice.

I can’t stress enough, how everyone should make a point to see each of these brothers in their musical endeavors, no matter what your musical preferences might be. They are true talents who will leave you with nothing less than inspiration and a sudden urge to put your fist in the air and shout, “Yeah!!! Rock and Roll is alive and well.”

Nick Flores recently won the award for “Best Frontman” and his band Se7en4 won the award for “Best Punk Band” at the CV Music Awards. Armando’s band Blasting Echo was nominated for “Best Rock Band” 2014 while he was nominated for “Best Bass Player” 2014 and his band Pedestrians won the 2013 CV Music Award for “Best Live Performance Band”.

Follow Nick Flores in Se7en4 at facebook. com/Se7en4 and find their newest album “Get High and Fight” at Se7en4music.com. Se7en4 will be performing Tuesday, August 5 at The Viper Room in Hollywood.

This Friday night at the Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert, you can see Mando Flores in action with the Pedestrians. Follow Mando’s bands at facebook.com/pages/ThePedestrians-Official or www.facebook.com/ blastingecho

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

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Local Music Spotlight

by jack st.clair

Se7en4 “Let’s Get High and Fight” - album review

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rom the outset of “Incomplete”, the opening track to Se7en4’s first official release, Let’s Get High and Fight, you know that they came to play. As one of the desert’s most popular acts you would expect the music to be heavy, hard and intense – as they have always been. But now they sound HUGE. And it is impressive.

Se7en4 began in 2000 as Two Minutes Hate and a couple years later renamed themselves.

Fourteen years and a few personnel changes later - including three previous bass players before finding current member Trevino Martin, the exit of guitarist Chris Cole, and addition of guitarist Pete Burquez - Se7en4 have released their first official album.

Se7en4 recently won Best Punk Band at the CV Music Awards show. But categorizing them as just a punk band would be a mistake.

Certainly they have that in them, especially on “You Instead” and “Disturbing”, both So-Cal punk songs with a hardcore edge. The truth is that this band is equal parts punk and hard rock with a tinge of metal. The albums’ second track, “Barrio Rave”, dispels the one dimensional idea from the very outset. Guitarist Burquez begins the song with a heavy funk-rock riff not unlike something you would hear from Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. The band kicks in and gets you hooked. The verses continue the funk-rock trend and it only highlights the talents of drummer Steve Hall and bass player Martin as a solid rhythm unit, capable of more than the typical heavy rock band fixtures. It features what might be frontman Nick Flores’ most singable chorus.

On this album Flores not only delivers, but also surprises - from his wretched screams from the gut - which you expect to hear - to moments of soft soulfulness that showcase his range. He isn’t afraid, and probably doesn’t care, if you take offense to what he writes. He’s up front and brutally honest about what is on his mind. Most of us, if not all, are familiar with the sugar-coated 80’s rock that had Axl Rose say “feel my serpentine”. Flores would never be so lame as to use such a trite line. He’s in your face. Uncensored! If you can’t handle

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his raw language, then this probably isn’t the band for you. Though the listener is unable to know what is tongue and cheek and what is to be taken literal, it is for sure that he is saying things that you might have thought at one time or another, but would only say to yourself.

Production of this record is top notch, as it should be with desert to L.A. transplant Mikey Doling producing. Doling has been the guitar player for Soulfly, InVitro and the seminal punk band Snot and is currently playing with Channel Zero. In most situations it is impossible to determine how much of an influence a producer truly has on a band. But with that in mind, it is evident that Doling has harnessed this band’s talent and energy into a powerful and focused hard rock band.

It is “Excess” that edges out as my favorite.

The floor-tom driven rhythm of the verses found me moving the most with the beat.

Yet again, it was Flores’ final verses that sold me on the song. Framed by straight up punk rock, the lyrics “Even though I compromise, it’s going to be the death of me” and “It’s all sex, drugs and rock and roll that’s sending me straight to hell” become the most poignant moments on the entire record.

Somewhat surprising is the last track “It Won’t Be Alright”, a stripped down acoustic track to bookend the rage of the nine before it. You can never know where a songwriter is coming from, but perhaps this is the most telling of all, as Flores laments a love that has gotten away. Despite the way she has treated him he can’t help but still love her. If Se7en4 reaches the masses they are shooting for, they’ll probably be expected to play this every night. After all, hasn’t everyone been spurned by someone we were desperately in love with? Some might get sappy and sad about it.

Se7en4 decided to get angry about it. Who’s to judge?

Se7en4 will be playing next Tuesday night at The Viper Room in Los Angeles along with House of Broken Promises, Remnants of Man, Galaxy Crusher and Burning Bettie. Their record, Let’s Get High and Fight, is available now on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

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Local Music Spotlight

events

Coachella Valley bids as Southern California’s top summer destination with the launch of “2014 Summer Extravaganza”

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our months after the famed and widely successful outdoor Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the 2014 Summer Extravaganza is announced as the desert’s next bid to lure summer enthusiasts to Coachella Valley. The event features an all-star Swimsuit Fashion Show/ Concert headlined by Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, new teen rock band sensation Above Seclusion, X Factor finalist Julianne Manalo, and Los Angeles DJ APEX, and a bevy of swimsuit models, headed by Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon.

In a format reminiscent of Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, the combined fashion show and music performances will be presented amidst backdrops of some of the world’s best summer destinations: Phuket, Ibiza, Boracay, and Maui. The idea is to eventually add Coachella Valley to the list.

The benefit event is set on August 16 at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino & Spa in Rancho Mirage, right next to Palm Springs, in the Coachella Valley.

The fashion show & concert performances will be hosted at The Show inside the Agua Caliente resort. Prior to the performance, in a bold effort to address the high desert August heat, a buffet Luau will be hosted in-doors starting at 4 pm. In addition, promoters are raffling off a 2014 race red Ford Mustang at the end of the evening.

And if these are not enough incentives free chartered buses from Los Angeles and San Diego will be made available to all event ticket holders. Orchestra and loge ticket holders and patrons with box seats are given exclusive access to an after party with the models and performers.

Proceeds of the 2014 Summer Extravaganza will benefit a number of charities, including: Apl.de.ap Foundation International’s international program to eradicate childhood blindness; N7 Fund for native and indigenous children in Coachella Valley, Safehouse in the Desert which provides refuge for runaway youth, and the family programs of the National Association of Filipino Americans, Inc. “For many Southern Californians, extended summer vacations may not be possible,” explained Isabel Chapman, local resident and Co-Chair of 2014 Summer

Awakening the desert with music and fashion, powered by philanthropy

Extravaganza. “This is the chance to hop in your car, drive a short distance, be a part of an incredible weekend event, and create summer memories that can last a lifetime.

This is after all the Coachella Valley way!”

Aside from Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, the 2014 Summer Extravaganza is also sponsored by AcuGlobal Endeavors, the Law Office of Basil Chapman, Ford Fiesta of Indio, and media sponsors KMIR/NBC Affiliate in Coachella Valley and MIX 100.5 FM radio. The event is hosted by Coachella Valley morning radio DJ Craig Matthews.

For more information and to buy tickets to the event and car raffle, visit www. summerextravaganza.org. Tickets are also available at the Agua Caliente Box Office and online at www.startickets.com

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Week 6 Winners

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alfway to the finals and week #6 was jam packed bringing 22 performers out to compete at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition!

The audience cheered for their favorite musicians as well as for giveaways from the Mary Pickford Theater such as t-shirts, hats, sunglasses and other movie paraphernalia.

At the end of the night, the rowdy crowd

chose popular local band, Upper Class Poverty as the first place winner! Upper Class Poverty took home a pack of Wet & Wild Palm Springs tickets and earned a place in the finals where they’ll compete for the grand prizes of a 3 day/2 night trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka, a 1-3 track recorded demo plus 12 hours of studio time from S.I.R. Entertainment Studios as well as

$500 of music gear from Musicians Outlet.

Second place was again awarded to Pharm Techs just like last week. Actual pharmacy technicians by day and hip hop artists by night, Pharm Techs took home Musicians Outlet gift cards. Last night’s third place winners were Cosmic Jellyfish, a brand new and upcoming valley band and now Open Mic Competition regulars. Cosmic Jellyfish took home gift certificates for Swedish Massages from ExtheticX.Obsession Massage & Wax Bar. What a great week for our competition

July 31 to August 6, 2014

boasting many talented performers who graced us with their heartfelt songs. It really is about the music after all. THANK YOU for putting on a great show: Dave Sheldon, Wyatt Troxel, Tiffany Thoma, Ariss Durazo, B-blunt, Qeu, Ladaryl, Christine Michele, Freddy Live!, Kilemdrunk & Kauz, Atomisk, Mike Sick-boy, Kenneth Ugarte, Johnny Elsewhere, Charity, James Velasquez,I hope to see you all next week! 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: S.I.R. Entertainment Studios, Musicians Outlet, Crater Lake Vodka, EstheticX.Obsession Massage & Wax Bar, Wet & Wild Palm Springs, Vargas Arts, CV Weekly and Mary Pickford Theater.

Remember, the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition runs from 8-11pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at OpenMicContact@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

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by Eleni P. Austin

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STURGILL SIMPSON

inger-songwriter Sturgill Simpson isn’t a household name. But he should be. Simpson is a thirtysomething Country singer whose sound recalls the Outlaw movement of the mid ‘70s. His authenticity is completely at odds with the backwards baseball cap wearin’ bro-tastic Homecoming Kings that currently dominate the Country charts.

John Sturgill Simpson was born and raised in Kentucky. His Mom was a secretary, his father a state policeman who sometimes worked undercover. Simpson spent summers in Eastern Kentucky with his maternal grandparents. It was a musical family and he picked up the guitar at age eight.

After a stint in the Navy, Simpson migrated out west. He formed a Bluegrass band, Sunday Valley in 2004. They enjoyed some regional success, playing at the Pickathon Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Simpson detoured briefly from music.

He worked for a while at a Union Pacific Railroad freight-shipping yard in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Realizing he wasn’t cut out for a 9 to 5 existence, Simpson returned to performing, playing solo gigs and local open mic nights.

Sunday Valley reformed and recorded an album, but soon disbanded for good.

Simpson and his wife relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

Once he went solo in 2012, Simpson hooked up with producer, Dave Cobb. Like T-Bone Burnett and Rick Rubin, Cobb pivots easily between the Rock, Folk and Country genres. He has provided deft production for disparate acts like Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings, Jason Isbell and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Simpson’s solo debut arrived in 2013.

“High Top Mountain” was self-released and self-financed. The album echoed the roughhewn style of Outlaw Country pioneered by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Tompall Glaser back in the late ‘60s-early ‘70s.

The Outlaw movement was a counter-

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

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“MetaModern Sounds In Country Music”

Consider This

(High Top Mountain Records/Thirty Tigers Music)

culture reaction to the syrupy, string-laden music that defined Country music during that era. Outlaw stripped the music down to the studs, taking inspiration from Country forefathers like Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, Sr. Now Simpson is back with his sophomore effort, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music and Boy, he ain’t kidding about the “meta” part either. Right out of the gate, the opening track, “Turtles (All The Way Down”), lightly dismisses the Bible and sheds light on the elusive Myth Of The Turtle.

According to Hindu cosmology, along with several American Indian tribes, the turtle is the “central divine source of all complex consciousness in the universe.”

Over a warm wash of acoustic and electric guitars, Simpson charts his quest for spirituality. He checks in with Jesus, the Devil (in Seattle), and Buddha, coming to this conclusion about the Bible… “Every time I take a look inside that old and fabled book, I’m blinded and reminded of the pain caused by some old man in the sky.” He is more persuaded by turtles, “So don’t waste your mind on nursery rhymes or fairy tales of blood and wine, it’s turtles all the way down the line.

Three tracks, “Life Of Sin,” “Living The Dream” and “Voices” match erudite, introspective lyrics with crystalline melodies and crackling instrumentation.

art

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

By rich henrich

COACHELLA VALLEY ART CENTER Do Or Do Not. Here, There Is Try.

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“Life Of Sin” weds spitfire guitar licks to (Johnny Cash’s patented) “boom-chickaboom” rhythms. A brutal break-up leaves Simpson seeking solace through chemicals…

“The level of my medicating, some might find intimidating...” Ultimately, he realizes heartbreak has fueled his art. “She left my heart feeling taunted and my memories all haunted, but it’s her I have to thank for all my songs.”

“Living The Dream” finds Simpson ever-so-slightly kicking against the pricks, unwilling to change his style… “I don’t need to change my strings, the dirt don’t hurt the way I sing.” Here his soulful vocal delivery connects with sinewy electric guitar riffs and haunting organ runs.

Finally “Voices” speaks to our collective malaise. Over a slow burn melody, anchored by soaring guitars and a rock steady beat, Simpson reminds us that cynicism and chicanery have always been a human condition. “Don’t call it a sign of the times when it’s always been this way, voices behind curtains, forked tongues that have no name/They plot their wicked schemes setting fate for all mankind, with evil that can fill God’s pretty skies with clouds that burn and blind.”

Although Simpson is a protean songwriter, he includes a couple of interesting covers here. “Long White Line” is a Trucker’s lament from ‘90s Country star, Aaron Tippin. Simpson offers a stripped down version powered by stinging guitar chords and a walking bass line.

He radically re-works “The Promise,” a late ‘80s one-hit-wonder from British synth-poppers, When In Rome. The original was a lachrymose power ballad swathed in layers of keyboards, synths and click-tracks.

Simpson’s arrangement is bare bones, sun-dappled acoustic guitar and subdued electric. His heartfelt vocals ache with sincerity.

Easily the most ambitious tracks here arrive in the form of a one-two punch. “Just Let Go” and “It Ain’t All Flowers” connect like a supernal suite.

On the former Simpson pursues the divine and the metaphysical in equal measure. Over brushed percussion, ethereal guitar and thrumming bass he makes this stunning admission… “Woke up this morning and decided to kill my ego, it ain’t never done me no good no how/ Gonna break on through and blast off to the Bardo” (“Bardo” is a Tibetan word meaning intermediate state between death and rebirth).

Seguing into the latter track, it becomes apparent that “It Ain’t All Flowers” owes a sonic debt to the Beatles’ epochal “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Guitars and vocals are phased, looped and delayed, playing backwards and forwards. As the melody fully emerges, the guitars get gritty and swampy. Simpson takes personal inventory and comes up wanting…”Been dancing with demons all my life, every time I find my groove they cut me like a knife/ Been a sin eater ever since I was born, tired of feeling weighed down from carrying around all the pain that keeps me torn” It’s a tour de force performance.

Confounding expectations yet again, the album closes with “Pan Bowl,” which actually cleaves to traditional Country a bit of a back porch guitar pull, full of shimmering mandolins and bucolic acoustic guitar. The lyrics offer a tender tribute to idyllic childhood summers Simpson spent with his Grandparents. A satisfying finish to a mind blowing album.

This is a solo album in name only.

Simpson relies on an adroit wolf pack of pickers and players to bring his musical vision to fruition. Laur Joametson electric and slide guitar, Kevin Black on bass, Miles Miller on drums and percussion, Mike Webb on Keys and Mellotron and producer Dave Cobb on Classical guitar and percussion.

Sturgill Simpson is the kind of guy who counts Radiohead, Beck and Tool as inspirations. He actually thanks Carl Sagan, Aldous Huxley and Stephen Hawking in the liner notes. It’s doubtful that he will ever conform to the narrow Nashville paradigm of cowboy boots and pick-up trucks. That’s okay, iconoclasts like Steve Earle John Prine, Greg Brown and Darrell Scott all seemed content to straddle the line between Country, Rock and Folk. Simpson is certainly in good company.

ucked away inside the stylish midcentury modern architecture that was once home to the CV Printing Company in downtown Indio, the Coachella Valley Art Center (CVAC) is taking the freedom of the (printing) press into a whole new direction of expression. The space supports artists (both in-residence and at-large) in all mediums and encourages creative exploration and collaboration. Executive Director, Bill Schinsky, says, “If you succeed, good. If you fail, good. Just try.” His simple philosophy for artists recalls the words of the great sage, Yoda, when he spoke to the young Jedi, Luke Skywalker. Luke, doubting his own abilities and not entrusting himself into the force or the guidance of his master received the wisdom: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” However, inside these walls, the act of trying transforms the cautious observer into a doer, a creator.

This process leads to artistic discovery, an unknown outcome, or an individual artistic expression and that is all that really matters at CVAC. The Coachella Valley Art Center’s website proclaims the place is designed to cultivate introductions- new concepts, new art, artists, community, history- all cross-pollinating in an atmosphere of inquiry and accomplishment.

“We are an innovative non-profit facility for the Arts developed by the Coachella Valley Arts Alliance to provide access to artists on all levels: the established professional, the beginner, as well as the student working towards a future in the Arts,” elaborates Mr. Schinsky, his voice tuned like a classical instrument. For over a decade, the mission of the CV Arts Alliance is to enhance the creative vitality of the Coachella Valley. CVAC’s 17,000 square foot facility is such a place where new intersections of art and culture are emerging out of “an atmosphere of inquiry and accomplishment.”

The Center is home to several diverse artists connected by their passion for enhancing the current state of the arts in Coachella Valley.

Resident artists include Patrick Blythe (glass sculpture, installation), Mike McLane (Fine Artist, Painter), Leila Namvar (Photography, Film) and Stacey Campbell (Fine Artist, Copper Patina). Ed de Roo (glass), Rich Lane (glass), Char Dimond (glass), Mary Foote (metal), Sal Moreno (wood and furniture), Lois Fausto (graphic design) and Bill Schinsky (mixedmedia).

Bill, once set on being a history teacher, took an art class and then advanced to earn an M.A. in museum and installation studies.

He’s traveled the Southeastern U.S. organizing several exhibits. “I’ve been blessed to work with the best! I’ve had coffee with Horowitz

in his underwear, wonderful conversations with John McLaughlin, the minimalist painter and sculptor Louise Nevelson. It has been interesting being me.” Now, he’s interested in discovering and encouraging the unknown artists, particularly in the Coachella Valley but would love to see a serious international exchange and artist-in-residence program at the Center.

The Art Center provides the Valley an opportunity to experiment, to be introduced to new artists, to introduce and highlight work that is not known and is always of high quality.

Recently, the space has evolved into a center for more hand-crafted work. “It’s powerful and humble…people are drawn to it. I want to maintain some of the traditions of the art in the valley. Take the traditional base and put individual spin on it.” Bill Schinsky says it is most important to give yourself permission to try. He doesn’t favor the predictable and encourages coloring outside the lines. His hope is that the space on Towne Street will be used however someone envisions it to be used. Bill reminds, “It’s also important for the building to be a place to learn a trade so you can take care of yourself financially, too.”

CVAC also works with Riverside County Mental Health clients on a weekly basis for art therapy classes. “It’s also an opportunity for their issues to go away for a couple of hours and let go,” Schinsky reflects. “I work with them to help teach them patience and allow themselves to not be perfect. No erasers or no rulers. Incorporate the mistake and move on.”

For more information on classes and workshops or to help support CVAC, go to: www.coachellavalleyartcenter.org

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE Animal Hoarding, and a Transformation H

oarding is a horrible form of animal cruelty, affecting about 250,000 animals every year. These cases sometimes involve hundreds of animals, and when discovered, overburden our public shelters. Animal hoarding is characterized by an obsessive collecting of animals, and the inability to provide minimal levels of nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care. Hoarders are in denial as to the lack of care for the animals.

Animal hoarding is covered implicitly under every state animal cruelty statute, but cases are often difficult to prosecute. During July, two shocking hoarding cases surfaced in the Inland Empire.

On the July 4th holiday, over 50 dogs and cats were seized from a property in the high desert city of Phelan as part of an ongoing animal neglect investigation. They were surrendered to San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control and taken to their shelter at Devore, already crowded with animals fleeing the holiday fireworks. The vast majority of them were Shih Tzus, a highly prized small breed of dogs. I was shocked when I went to see the dogs. They looked like little alien

green-eyed fellow

creatures, their fur in dreadlocks full of feces, debris and food, almost unrecognizable as canines. Their horrific odor permeated the facility. It was heartbreaking to see how they struggled to move about with their “helmet like” matting.

Cutie Pie’s Grooming in Redlands came out to groom the Shih Tzus at no charge, possibly the first time the dogs were bathed and groomed. Pam Morrisey, owner of Cutie Pie’s, recalls, “The first thing I wanted to do was just cry. It looked like fecal dreadlocks hanging down from their faces.”

Doug Smith, Supervising Animal Control Officer at the Devore shelter, describes the dogs, “They went through an amazing transformation once they were groomed.

Initially they barely moved. The dogs didn’t seem to like water, but after they were groomed they became engaged with each other and wanted to interact with people.”

The shelter staff worked diligently to promote their adoption.

Dramatic stories grab the attention of the media and the public. The holiday seizure story went viral on Facebook generating

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

F

This handsome 3-yr-old boy is dreaming of a “purrfect” home where he can play and entertain you. He’s cat ID#A1123843 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

(760) 343-3644.

sweetheart sheltie

This little Sweet Sheltie mix female will happily greet you at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. She’s Dog ID#0976497, 3 years old, and 12 pounds of doggie fun! Call (760)343-3644.

14

by Rick Riozza

Jeff’s Summer Picks at Total Wine

over 30,000 contacts. Media outlets covering this story included KCBC, KTLA, KABC, the Associated Press, the LA Times and the San Bernardino Sun. Adopters and private rescue groups responded to the call, and in a happy update all the dogs went to new homes or rescue partners.

Loving All Animals in Palm Desert rescued one of the Shih Tzu’s, a 3-yr-old pup we named Piper (pictured here). Dogs usually trust quickly, and have a remarkable resilience to overcome the worst of backgrounds. Piper proved that theory true, a bit timid at first, but soon transforming into a loving and happy creature. Her foster mom describes Piper, “I expected a dog from a hoarding situation to be shy, frightened and uncomfortable around humans. But when I first picked her up she was ready to be hugged and caressed.” Piper wants lots of human touch, perhaps making

tipsy & Ash Meet these precious 4-monthold fellows at our weekly Wednesday Cat & Kitten adoption event at Loving All Animals, 73550 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert. Maybe adopt two so they can play together? Adoption event every Wednesday in July, 11am-1pm. Call (760) 335-6767.

up for the unbearable years when she didn’t receive this.

More recently, 61 Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) were discovered during a home fire near Riverside. The residents relinquished custody of the dogs to Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Pictured here, most of the dogs are in good health, though some are a bit fearful. Many of these beautiful Shelties are now available for adoption at the shelter located at 6851 Van Buren in Riverside. You can view them on their website at www.rcdas.org or call (951) 358-7295.

It is estimated that 30% of shelter animals are pure breeds, and shelters often have Shih Tzus, Poodles and other popular breeds.

There may not be television cameras to record their plight, but they each have a story to tell and love to give. The San Bernardino county shelter at Devore is about one hour from Palm Springs, at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, call (909) 386-9820, or check their website at www.sbcounty.gov/acc. Our local Riverside county shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, is located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, in Thousand Palms. Call (760) 343-3644 or view their animals at www.rcdas. org.

Please contact your local animal control office if you suspect animal abuse or hoarding.

When you are looking for a new special friend, head out to the nearest shelter for a pet that is wise, loving, and “furever” grateful.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

July 31 to August 6, 2014

or any of you wine lovers who have somehow missed the behemoth of a liquor store, Total Wine & More in Palm Desert, you obviously need a pair of glasses or an atlas. The place is huge, has its own airport and can serve as an army base if need be.

Just to quote myself from my previous coverage of this liquid venue: There is so much wine, beer, and spirits in that place that if the big earthquake hits, we’re in for torrents of libations flowing through our neighborhood streets.

I always like to call on the sales team staff over at Total Wine because they are so knowledgeable and many have winery experience. The always affable Jeff Yeager fits the bill perfectly. Previously, Jeff was an assistant winemaker for 6 years at the Martin Brothers Winery in Paso Robles handling everything literally from the ground up to the wine out the door and everything in between.

And while it’s still very much summer outside, Jeff has put together a wonderful, refreshing and tasty list of wines to chill up and enjoy for the season.

But before we get into any of the wines, let’s first cover what Jeff has turned me on to for which I’m really indebted to him; it’s become my favorite Martini maker: G & J Greenall Gin. It is the Original London Dry Gin made in the oldest gin distillery in the UK dating back to1761. Go by and ask Jeff to show you the bottle.

It’s the classic approach to London dry gin in both their botanicals and their low key marketing. Delightful botanicals with classic flavors such as juniper, coriander, lemon, almonds and cassia bark. I just chill up the gin and add olives or cocktail onions for my complete Martini/Gibson; and, you gin n’ tonic fans, if you’re missing a lime, not to worry, the gin simply works great with the tonic and ice.

Inside Total Wine’s education & seminar room, which is used for many fun programs and tastings, Jeff had his wine picks comfortably chilled for us to taste and talk about.

We started with the 2012 La Pont Bandol Rosé from the south of France. It’s a fullbodied rosé and brings fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors. Great acidity—which means it’s perfect for most luncheons and light dinners you can think of. A very stylish treat at $19.99 a bottle.

For the next quaff, we go to northeast Italy with the Albino Armani Pinot Grigio Valdadige Vigneto Corvara. Quite a mouthful for sure and it’s a full flavor mouthful— with a rich feel and plenty of fresh fruit of apricot, pear & lime along with minerality, that I would not have guessed to be a Pinot Grige right off. It’s got the best attributes of a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc going for it in one bottle. Just delicious! I’m a fan again of the wine when it tastes like this. It’s the deal in town for $12.99.

As we would expect, Jeff provides one of the most famous wines of the world: a Sancerre. Produced in the Upper Loire, this is the quintessential Sauvignon Blanc. The 2013 Salmon Sancerre VieillesVignes (Old Vines) is true to its winery comments stating “refreshingly zesty with crisp notes of citrus and minerals, dry and complex.” This wine is on every wine lovers bucket list for the classic pairing with French chèvre. The wine’s a treat for $19.99.

So we figuratively return here to California to get a take on Sauvignon Blanc that is blended 50/50 with its own clone of Sauvignon Musque. That’s a fun one, referring to the “musky or muscat-like quality of the grape. And of course heading up this inventive ensemble is winemaker Joel Aiken at Amici who continues to make such good wine.

The 2012 Amici Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley is of course more complex than most Sauvignon Blancs with this “Musque” clone going on. The wine has fresh citrus, pineapple, honeysuckle and guava aromas with round tropical fruit, lemon flavors and a dash of wet stone on the finish. I found a touch of kerosene note, reminiscent of an Alsatian wine that added to the complexity of this wine. Also, the 2012 vintage in Napa Valley is considered stellar and no doubt contributed in the making of this a very elegant wine for only $23.99 The final wine of the tasting was the 2012 Rock View Reserve Chardonnay from Mendocino County. This is the wine for you fans of a full-on-flavor Chard. This wine tastes pineapple-sweet, with a rich, creamy mouthfeel to be served with similarly rich,

creamy food. Really chilled up, it’ll go great with Asian fusion cuisine as its mango, citrus and melon notes lead into a wellbalanced, buttery finish. A great bottle for the summertime dinner at $21.99.

Just writing about these tasty wine picks makes me thirsty and hungry all over again. Thanks to Jeff and the crew for the smacks. I’ll see that group again soon for their Autumn picks; but for now, why not get over to Total Wine & More to try the wines out. 72339 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 346-2029 Rick is your somm-about-town entertaining and conducting at wine events & tastings.

Contact winespectrum@aol.com

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Club Crawler Nightlife

340 N PALM CANYON DR. PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

Scan the QR Code to get the Club Crawler Nightlife on your Mobile Device via the Smartphone Phone Book!

THUR JULY 31

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 John Bolivar 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Rob Martinez & Todd Ashley 8:30pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Flirt” Hosted by Bella Da Ball Music from Disco to the 40’s,80’s and Funk 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Locals Night w/ Active Kissers, Numb Bats and Alfa Cologne 9pm

KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Nash with 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 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 King Buzzo (Melvins), w/ Emma Ruth Rundle 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Closed RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am TERRA LAGO GOLF CLUB; IND; 760-7752000 The Carmens 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Sharon Sills & Barney McClure 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Beach Party Thursdays 9pm

FRI AUGUST 1

16

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 Friends of Friends Weekend poolside noon and the amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Noches Azul Latin Night 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJs 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm 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 CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am

CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ Colourvision 9pm Lobby, THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The Pedestrians and Thr3 Strykes 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Reall Deall 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 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 T.B.A. 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Sour Mash Hug 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Closed RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Arnie Vilches & Friends Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Almost Famous and No Duh ( Tribute to No Doubt ) 7:30pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Voices Carry ( Pat Mahon, Carrie Wilson and Lisa Lynn Morgan ) 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The Hive Minds 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm 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 Trill 9pm 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 WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Closed WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT AUGUST 2

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 Friends of Friends Weekend poolside noon and the amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Chix Mix-LAW 7pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJs 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Music 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 T.B.A. 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Alyce Bowie 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 Rockabilly Night w/ The Deadbeat Daddies 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 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 Reall Deall 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 T.B.A. 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 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 T.B.A. 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, The Dustbowl Revival 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Pocket Yellow 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Closed RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Chiki Pool Party w/ DJ Sweet Brush noon poolside, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, Scott Carter Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Hunter & The Dirty Jacks and Aero Rocks ( Tribute to Aerosmith ) 7:30pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Voices Carry ( Pat Mahon, Carrie Wilson and Lisa Lynn Morgan ) 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 R Buckle Road w/ Wade Crawford 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm

July 31 to August 6, 2014

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Alyce Bowie 9pm 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; 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 Jeff 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Closed WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

continue to page 24

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

• 14 flat screen televisions • NTN Trivia and poker with QB1

While you are here you can try one of our ten tap beer selections from a frosty cold glass or choose one of our 30 tequilas or vodkas to make your favorite cocktail.

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 4PM - 2AM SUNDAY 6PM - 2AM

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 31 to August 6, 2014

By Raymond Bill

Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill

E

ach year, I cannot help but notice the number of year round residents continues to rise. The Coachella Valley is growing and the season is becoming increasingly harder to define. The line between where the summer ends and the tourist season begins is blurred and some restaurants have found success through typically slow months while others are forced to close their doors for up to 5 months out of the year. So when I visited Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill last week (in the middle of our off-season), I was pleased to see a packed restaurant that was still accommodating reservations and walk-ins at almost 10 o’clock at night! They must be doing something right and I was about to find out.

We arrived promptly for our 8pm reservation and were escorted to what seemed to be the only available table. The foyer was filled with guests whom I could only assume were without reservations and hoping for the opportunity to dine in the desert’s hottest Mexican restaurant! The dining room was filled with the soothing sound of a harpsichord playing traditional Latin favorites. After ordering our cocktails, we placed an order for fresh guacamole to be prepared tableside. The chips were warm and the dip was superb. While preparing our appetizer, we asked our server’s assistant to recommend some items from the dinner menu and when he began to rattle off his favorites, his eyes lit up with genuine delight.

Here was a man who was proud to be a part

of Fresh Agave!

We immediately followed our guacamole with their Chiles Agave; placed before us were 6 yellow peppers filled with diced shrimp, onions and tomatoes with a chipotle sauce for dipping. The dish was served with soy sauce and seemed comparable to an appetizer I have had in a couple other local restaurants… until I tasted them. Wow! This dish is spicy and full of flavor. What a treat!

Those other restaurants pale in comparison.

My entrée selection, a house specialty, included a cup of chicken tortilla soup that was just the right amount and a great addition to the meal. Clearly, everything is homemade. Finally, my date would enjoy a trio of tacos called, “Three Jimadores.”

Chicken, steak and carnitas tacos were generously portioned and served with beans and rice. I received the, “Filete Pescado Al Chipotle.” This is a piece of fresh Mexican Bass with savory chunks of shrimp and a drizzle of chipotle sauce, served with rice, vegetables and choice of beans. The fish was incredible and the rice was unlike any I have

had in all the other Mexican and Spanish restaurants in which I have dined. Every bite was the best bite of the meal!

With exceptional service and mouthwatering cuisine, this restaurant has soared to the top of my favorite list. We ended our meal with a classic Sopapillas dessert. These doughnut-like pieces of sweet bread were accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and sweet honey and cinnamon. This was a meal that will not soon be forgotten. I have often seen pictures and positive comments regarding this restaurant posted on social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram but now I get to make my own contributions!

Don’t wait for season to see what the buzz is all about; go before the flood gates are opened. I highly recommend reservations by calling 760-836-9028 and visit their website, freshagavemexicanbarandgrill.com to view their menus. Fresh Agave will undergo renovations to expand their bar but will remain open from 11am-9pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday.

A PIZZERIA THAT’S SO MUCH MORE Not only are we “one of the top pizza joints in the US”, as named by Zagat, we also have an amazing variety of cast-iron dishes, salads, house-made gelato, and a beautiful assortment of wines and craft beers.

Do yourself a favor and try pizza for the very first time.

CALL OR CLICK FOR RESERVATIONS:

760.341.4222 or www.michaelspizzeria.com

Located at The River at Rancho Mirage

*Free Margherita Pizza with the purchase of any pizza. Limit one per person, per visit.

Must present ad at time of sale. Dine-in only. Expires 8.31.14

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CVW

BRING IN THIS AD FOR

Where Bob Hope Drive meets HWY 111, next to Starbucks 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

ANOTHER LOOK AT “NOAH”

Screeners No.123

Ghidora are said to be included in this monster mash!

NOW PLAYING AND RECOMMENDED: LUCY

T

he home video release of Darren Aronofsky’s NOAH this week rekindled a soft wave of debate between those who were vexed that the movie strayed from a stricter interpretation of a slim passage in Genesis and this who wanted less “God stuff” than the movie actually implied.

The story of Noah and the Great Flood is probably our oldest myth. There are about 200 independent flood stories that are indigenous to almost all cultures. The movie was a global hit in spite of the early and harsh criticisms from some conservative religious camps.

I loved the movie as spectacle and thoughtful riff on our collective environmental concerns. I thought Russell Crowe was a terrific Noah who was caught in the terrible vice of madness and thinking he was obeying God’s command.

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On a personal note, several years ago I made RIDDLE OF ARARAT, a film that was featured in our local summer ShortFest. We shot footage in Turkey and interviewed an elderly man who claimed that during World War II, he saw the frozen remains of a huge, broken, ark-like structure in the high ice of Mt. Ararat, the Biblical landing region of the legendary vessel. I still get occasional calls and emails regarding the film. Obviously it touches a nerve of some kind. Did mankind barely survive a cataclysmic event at the edge of written history as a myriad of anecdotal tales suggest? And what would happen if the story were “proved” true with the discovery of a petrified barge-like structure at an impossible location in the permanent ice of Greater Ararat (see photo I took from a Russian chopper). As an Islamic scholar told me in Turkey, “it would be a bomb in the world.” (Oh, if you’re interested in in knowing where to dig on Ararat, try these coordinates 39°42’33.07” N / 44°18’1.26” E and get back to me.)

If you missed NOAH on the big screen, check out Aronofsky’s take on this old story and consider why we have not stopped telling it to ourselves after four millennia.

The disc includes interesting background featurettes. Paramount. Blu-ray.

Mad Max world. This one stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in a post-apocalyptic world of non-stop action. In development for a decade, Miller wanted his movie to be as visually potent as possible so he started with 3,500 storyboard illustrations with little if any dialogue. The hugely anticipated May 15, 2015 release is less than eleven months away. Mark your calendars.

Writer/director Luc Besson’s crazy thrill ride shows off a charismatic Scarlett Johansson as a drug currier who is “infected” with the product and develops superpowers that allow her to spectacularly turn the tables on some bad guys that hold her captive. This is not a movie that is bogged down by logic, so just sit back and go with the flow. Besson loves tough female action characters (LA FEMME NIKITA, THE PROFESSIONAL THE FIFTH ELEMENT) and Johansson does not disappoint.

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

MOVIE NEWS: Burning up the internet is the just-posted (as of this writing), eye-popping trailer for Dr. (yes, he’s an MD) George Miller’s MAD MAX FURY ROAD, the latest iteration of his

In other movie news, Legendary Pictures announced this week that on November 4, 2016, they will release a new King Kong movie based on fantasy artist Joe DeVito and writer Brad Strickland’s terrific illustrated novel “Kong, King of Skull Island” which Legendary optioned in 2009. The excellent story can best be described as a bit of prequel and sequel. No director or screenwriter is yet formally attached.

And a GODZILLA sequel of sorts has been set in motion for director Gareth Edwards.

And here’s the kicker, rival prehistoric beasts Mothra, Rodan (my favorite) and

Matt Reeves directs a stunning conflict between a tribe of highly evolved apes who are threatened by a group of humans who have survived a deadly plague unleashed a decade earlier. Andy Serkis brings an astonishing humanity to Caesar, the super smart, charismatic leader of the apes. There’s a war pending that has metaphorical relevance about who will dominate the planet. This bar-breaking, visceral achievement is art and engineering at its best.

Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 31 to August 6, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

A Square Fits Into a Circle

E

ver wonder just how far this whole crazy internet idea will go? In Dave Eggers’ The Circle (Knopf, 504 pages), one social media corporation intends to rule the world.

The story begins with Mae Holland who gets a job on the massive campus of the country’s -- the world’s -- top internet search business called Circle. Annie is Mae’s best friend from college and one of the company’s top 40 most important people. Mae idolizes Annie and is incredibly grateful that she would get her a position in customer service, or as Circle refers to it, Customer Experience. Mae feels like the luckiest girl on earth.

Mae soon comes to understand that just working at Circle is not enough. She is expected to socialize both in person and online. In fact, there is a quota and a ranking system regarding socialization participation, in which they are required to share their personal experiences.

Every Circler voluntarily is micro chipped so their location can always be known.

The chip also monitors their vital signs and health. With over 10,000 employees, the campus is a world unto itself and Circle wants to be considered family. The mega complex has a store, dormitories,

The Circle

By Dave Eggers Fiction playgrounds, amphitheater, restaurants, a health center, everything one needs to do his or her job well -- and it’s all free. There are multiple events and clubs meeting everyday. Furthermore to shun an event hurts the Circle family.

Dominating the social media market, Circle has developed technology and streamlined the tools for internet users so everything can be done with one account, one password, one payment system and one identity. It’s called TruYou. Your real name is attached to all your devices. It is also linked to credit cards and banking. Using TruYou and all its user-friendly applications, requires only a free online account with Circle. Once you are a TruYou user, you can

see anything, buy anything, comment on anything, use anything on the web with one easy step. The system is all tied together, trackable and simplified.

Their newest invention is SeeChange.

Free-standing, lollypop-sized, wireless cameras that can be linked together and viewed by all TruYou users in real time. One Circle motto is: “All that happens must be known.” In ten years, Circle anticipates a billion cameras will be streaming live video only accessible on TruYou. They claim it is the ultimate transparency tool. The idea of transparency is so potent that politicians are using the SeeChange cameras in their offices so constituents can see, hear and know all that is happening.

Other Circle prototypes are TruYouth that microchip kids to know where they are and to prevent child abductions. YouthRank keeps a record of a child’s education and test scores, which can be linked to TruYouth.

SoulSearch can find criminals or friends by activating the TruYou network of users.

PastPerfect is a program that documents everything from the beginning of time for the sake of history and genealogy.

Everything recorded from audio, video and photos is put into the TruYou system.

Nothing is ever deleted!

Mae becomes a devotee in the TruYou cult and becomes a Transparent – she wears a camera 24/7 and documents her entire life and the working world of Circle.

On a typical day, she has no less than 20,000 watchers. On days when the three founders known as the Wise Men are together, there are tens of millions of watchers. As Mae’s own popularity grows, so does her ego and need for power. She is a true believer in the Circle philosophy and abides by its mottos: “Privacy is theft,” “Secrets are lies,” and “Sharing is caring.”

It is Mae who suggests to the Wise Men and her own followers that TruYou should have online voting as the “ultimate democracy.” Circle membership is so powerful it could make people vote. After all, it has more daily users than the sum of those who go to voting polls around the world. Circle agrees, and calls the prototype

program Demoxie for democracy and expressing your will with moxie.

Over Mae’s short tenure, Circle influence grows globally and transparency is gaining ground. No secret is good. When Mae discovers her lover is a Circle insider who wants her to break the Circle and stop its take over and completion, she turns against him to protect the new world order Circle has installed. She believes he is an anarchist and personal privacy is an old way of life no longer relevant or important to society.

We all use the internet and it’s nearly impossible to imagine living without it. It is hard not to see Circle’s TruYou as Google, but it really doesn’t matter because the finger author Eggers is pointing, is not at a company, but at its users. The way users are so willing to give up personal information, voluntarily share the most intimate details of their lives, criticize others with an illformed mob mentality is much more disconcerting.

If a corporation can make a profit from selling information they will. But what happens when a corporation manufactures, manages and manipulates the information itself? In The Circle, Eggers weaves a compelling tale of what may be just around the corner.

The character of Mae is not interesting or dynamic. She is hardly a candidate for a power take over. She’s a square and not that bright. Certainly she is being used.

But I would have liked to understand her better and know why she turned into such a minion.

The first 150 pages are rather dull, but keep with it because the moral arguments about where we might be headed with this whole internet thing is very thoughtprovoking and more than a tad frightening.

It makes one wonder: Can we ever go back and are we already part of the Circle?

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July 31 to August 6, 2014 continued from page 19

SUN AUGUST 3

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ DJ Patrick Melcher 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm 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 DJ Colourvision w/ Kid Wonder 11am poolside JOHNNY ROCKETS; RM; 760-674-3120 Pocket Yellow 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Closed RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Will Donato’s Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Rodney 11am, The Carmens 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 6pm

MON AUGUST 4 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Shake” Classic Rock Night 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Hot as Hell Pool Party 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 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Barney McClure 6:30pm

TUE AUGUST 5

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Mikole Karr’s Jazz Quartet 6pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522

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Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/ songwriter night. All acts welcome.

Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Closed RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar 6pm

WED AUGUST 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Mikole Carr AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:30-12:30am HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Shine” Karaoke 7pm

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm 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 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Closed RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Open Mic w/ Esjay Jones, Sidebar 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted Kilt’s Open Mic Competition hosted by Morgan James 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova Trio 6pm

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

July 31 to August 6, 2014

THE VEGANIZATION OF MEAT

D

id you know that 80% of the world’s farmland is used to support the meat and poultry industries?

According to Popular Science, a single pound of beef requires 298 square feet of land, 27 pounds of feed and 211 gallons of water. The creation and delivery of all meats consume nearly 50% of all fossil fuel usage.

It should be no surprise then that some of the smartest minds are focused on finding ways to replace milk, egg and meat production with sustainably grown plant proteins.

You have probably noticed the proliferation of milk substitutes in the grocery aisle from an assortment of plants such as soy, rice, almonds and hemp. Cow’s milk is still cheaper in most countries due to subsidies and tax breaks. Expect this to change in future years as the taste, cost and nutritional benefits of alternatives milk products surpass that of animal milks.

Josh Tetrick, CEO of Hampton Creek Foods, is on the verge of setting the chicken egg industry on its beak. His company is working on an egg substitute that is half the price of chicken eggs with all of the nutritional benefits of the egg. His work has attracted investments from some of the world’s smartest and wealthiest including China’s richest man, Li Ka-Shing, Bill Gates, Yahoo’s Jerry Yang and others.

His idea uses plants. His team have examined 3,000 plants and identified eleven that are good for making food. Tetrick says this about his team, “These people know nothing about food. They know about protein structure. They come from a lab (and) analyze the molecular structure.”

Their first product is a mayonnaise substitute called Just Mayo that can be found at Whole Foods Market. Their next product that is nearly ready for launch is Just Scramble, a scrambled egg substitute.

Hampton Creek uses the seeds of an undisclosed crop that is grown and eaten around the world. The seeds are then ground into a powder and mixed with water to create a paste. At this point, this mush is spun in order to separate the proteins from the plant materials. These liquid proteins are rinsed to remove bad tasting impurities

before being converted into a liquid protein product that can be cooked in an identical fashion to an egg.

Tetrick, who is a vegan, states that only a small percentage of all eggs come from humanly treated free-range chickens.

He points out how most eggs come from chickens raised in “rusty cages” covered in feces. “The model of intensive agriculture is bizarre (and) not appropriate to the 21st century.”

Ethan Brown, CEO of Beyond Meat manufactures a meat substitute from

soy and pea proteins. What sets Brown’s mock chicken apart from the competition is that these ‘chicken’ strips have a fibrous structure that looks and tastes like the real thing. Brown believes that factory-farm raised chickens are not treated as animals but as machines that convert vegetables to chicken meat. To create one pound of real chicken breast takes 30 liters of water and 7.5 pounds of dry chicken feed. Beyond Meat ‘chicken’ requires only 2 liters of water and 1.1 pound of ingredients to create a pound.

Beyond Meat and others continue working on these chicken, beef and pork replacements.

As the populations of the world crave higher quality protein as living standards increase, the cost of animal proteins will continue to soar. In order to reduce starvation while providing an ever growing population with the sustenance that it needs and demands, this evolution in agriculture is the only way to avoid widespread starvation.

Not only will more people be fed higher quality food but these advancements will eliminate the cruelty endemic to the factory farming process.

the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated in other states. It is similar to a Hurricane being called a Typhoon or Cyclone in other parts of the world. A .08 is the guideline in most states, no matter what it is called, and it is not just how many drinks you had but how much alcohol was in each drink.

There are about 1.5 Million DUI arrests in the USA each year and here in the Coachella Valley we have more DUI deaths per capita, than any other place in California. Thus the Indio Court is tougher on these cases than most other places in California. In addition checkpoints and penalties are on the rise. The DA in Indio asks for jail time on ALL DUI’S and thus it is important you handle the matter correctly from the beginning. There are also recent Federal incentives for law enforcement to make more DUI arrests in the form of GRANT money. In addition there is lucrative overtime pay for officers going to court and DMV hearings during their off days.

The bottom is line is DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI. IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME. Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER for DUI’s by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2011-2015 and has a Superb AVVO Legal Rating by his fellow attorneys. Dale Gribow has been Man of the Year 7 times including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope and Dale Gribow Day has been declared 4 times.

He is the only attorney appointed in December 2013 to the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Public Safety Ad Hoc Blue Ribbon Committee addressing Drunk Driving. This group consists of the police chiefs from every city and the mayor of each city as well as the Sheriff of Riverside County and the head of the CHP and Border Patrol. In addition Gribow is the only attorney asked to be part of the Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Health Matters Committee addressing Drunk Driving. Gribow is also one of the founders of Shutdown Drunk Driving formed upon the death of his client who was recently killed by a drunk driver while jogging.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

1st DUI? Now What?

W

ith temperatures hitting 118 last week many of our neighbors drank too much beer and foolishly got behind the wheel of a car OR GOLF CART? The driver probably did not know that the breath test at the scene is Optional as are the Field Sobriety Tests and that they should have asked for a blood test at the station or hospital.

If you are one of the many “locals” that encountered this challenge you have a multitude of decisions to make that you are not aware of yet. Your first decision is, do I hire an attorney, try to handle it myself or do I qualify for a public defender? My recommendation is to hire an attorney as these cases can be complicated and sometimes more complex than a murder case. A murder involves who done it and did the police get the right person?

With a DUI we know that information. A DUI involves opinion testimony , cross examination of the officer, scientific and forensic issues regarding the breath testing, blood testing and inferences drawn from a chemical sample or refusing to provide a sample. A lawyer who handles your business matters is normally not the right person to understand all this and to protect your civil liberties.

If you hire a lawyer the attorney can have you sign a 977 Waiver form that allows

the attorney to appear for you without your ever having to go to court yourself. There is a substantial cost no matter what you do.

Lawyer will cost you $2500-$10,000 with the better ones around $7500. Insurance rates will also go up and cost you at least that amount.

If you decide to handle it yourself or use a public defender remember that a DMV hearing must be requested within 10 days of the arrest. A public defender cannot be appointed until you appear in court for the arraignment which is probably 2 months after your arrest. Unfortunately a public defender is not allowed to represent you at the DMV hearing because it is not considered criminal and is termed an administrative hearing called an Administrative Per Se hearing.

This administrative hearing presumes the driver is per se GUILTY/Under the Influence if the DUI CHEMICAL RESULTS (PAS Test aka Preliminary Alcohol Screening or Blood test), show the driver to be .08 or higher. If you are stopped for a possible DUI, in order to save your California Driver’s License or driving privileges, remember you must request a DMV hearing within TEN (10) DAYS. You should also go to DMV and pay $6 to get a copy of your DMV record and at the same time REQUEST A DMV IDENTIFICATION CARD. You will need some ID with a picture during this process and for travel etc.!

In California it is referred to as a DUI whereas it is also called an Operating Under

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July is dedicated as National Grilling Safety Month

S

end the Right Smoke Signal: SAFETY! “July, August and right into Labor Day we use our barbeques than any other months. Firefighters respond to many structure and wild-land fires that involve barbeques this time of year. We also treat many victims for injuries related to barbeques says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety means sending the right smoke signal and that signal is Safety!”

While gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires than their charcoal counterparts, all grills pose a risk for fires and burns. Grills should be placed well away from the home, decks, from under eaves and overhanging branches and vegetation says reminds Chief DiGiovanna.

Other grilling safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association are: Propane and char grills should only be used outdoors. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting it. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away

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from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting it.

When using a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Remember, half of the burn injuries are from thermal burns. Use common sense and grill it safely!

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/ grilling or contact your local fire department.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ShareKitchen

Sharing SOme Educational, Fun, and Delicious Events Nearly everyone has thought of writing a book. Have you? How about a friend?

The Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (which is for men, too) is having a two-hour workshop for those interested in writing and publishing a book. Here are the specifics: Date: Thursday, July 31st Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm Cost: $20 with online registration Location: 44-199 Monroe Street, Indio Facilitated by Edward Lopatin, this workshop will help you to become more organized and focused while learning what it takes to move from idea to publication.

For more information, visit www.cvwbc. org or call 760.345.9200.

PS Underground just announced their very first road trip - an excursion to the Hollywood Bowl for a sing-along version of The Sound of Music!

Your evening will include shuttle service to and from The Hollywood Bowl, tickets, snacks and libations while en route followed by a signature PS Underground gourmet picnic dinner once at The Hollywood Bowl.

travel

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 31 to August 6, 2014

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Desert Heat Escape: Partying on the Pen

Date: September 20th Cost: $125 For tickets or more information, visit, www.psunderground.com.

Don’t forget to try some of the best barbeque in the Coachella Valley.

It is made by CV BBQ and can be found every Thursday at Palm Springs VillageFest.

CVBBQ serves their signature tri-tip cooked over seasoned red oak for a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.

If you are looking for a healthy organic molé sauce, red enchilada sauce or roasted tomatillo salsa, visit Que Mami Organics at the weekly Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta Farmer’s Markets or stop in Harvest Health Foods at 73910 Hwy 111 in Palm Desert. All are made by hand using old world family recipes.

W

hen the sun goes down in the OC the party scene lights up, especially in the Newport Beach neighborhood of the Balboa Peninsula, known to locals as the Pen. To party on the Pen is standard weekend procedure for OC locals, and for all of you desert nightlife enthusiasts, a new and different way to party while escaping the desert summertime heat.

The Balboa area is actually made up of three artificial islands. It was originally a landing for exports in the late 1800’s. Then, the brothers McFadden (James and Robert) utilized the landing as a successful commercial and shipping business before selling most of the area to William Collins, who then developed the islands by dredging the silt and sand forming what is today the Balboa Islands. He basically made Newport Beach the popular wealthy oceanfront that millions enjoy today…some with their millions.

There are two ways to get to Balboa, one is through the two lane bridge that connects the mainland to the islands and the other is from the quaint ferry that deposits visitors and locals to the islands popular village only steps away from the historic Pavilion which is adjacent to the “Fun Zone”, a sea side year round carnival.

There are many things to enjoy on the islands, including the infamous surfing spot “The Wedge’. But we are not talking about surfing in this article; we are talking about partying on the Pen…so let’s get to it!

One of the best things about partying in this area is that you can do it all in walking distance, avoiding driving and those pesky DUI’s. If you’re looking to start your weekend off by checking out some sports, then Rudy’s is the place to be. With a huge selection of TV’s to watch your favorite sports from, you will be ready for any of the day’s games (www. rudyspubandgrill.com). From there, try your luck with the Irish at the Pens authentic Irish Pub, Malarky’s. Open since 1977, this bar has the largest sit down bar on the Pen and will delight you with good ole Irish hospitality… just beware of those flirty leprechauns (www. marlarkysirishpub.com).

After a couple of Irish Car Bombs (it’s just a shot of Irish whiskey, Baileys and Guinness), it’s time to grab some grub at the Pens favorite dive bar Cassidy’s. This thinly shaped bar boasts the area’s best burgers, huge cheap pours and tightest quarters. It’s easy to get cozy with the locals at Cassidy’s when

the party gets started. You can even play some good natured pool…just be careful where your pool cue lands when pushed through the crowd…ouch!

Feeling your feet bumping to the music?

Well, that means you could be at a couple of different places….actually, let’s make it three. First let’s peek inside Woody’s Wharf.

This notorious hotspot has been causing mayhem on the Pen since 1965, making it Balboa’s number one nightlife offender with lively DJ music and a who’s who of patrons…a Pen must (www.woodyswharf. com)! From Woody’s Wharf, make sure to stop by American Junkie (my fave). It is a spacious well thought out night spot with an awesome view of the harbor from its upstairs patio. The all-around vibe at American Junkie is a fabulous, sure to make visiting Coachella Valley partyers feel welcome. And don’t forget their bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for only $15…bonus (www.americanjunkienb.com)!

Now it’s time to get close to the water. That means getting close to Baja Sharkeez. This newly spruced up cantina will get you going with its wide selection of tequilas, beer and tasty tacos as you dance to the rhythms of the night with some muy bonito chicas and chicos (www.sharkeez.net)!

But to get the surfer and true down to earth beachy texture of the Pen, try out Blackies. This no nonsense local’s favorite will give you ice cold beer and a warm Pen welcome (www.blackiesbythesea.com).

Well it’s that time of night already. And there are many more bars to hang out in… but if you’re ready to call it a night and your stomach is making that “I want some drinking food” sound, then it means that it’s time for Laventinas Pizza. For over two decades, this hole in the wall pizza joint has been slinging out pizza to the Pens party patrons with cheesy enthusiasm. Hang out with the best of the Pen’s partyers street side as they cram pizza goodness into their exuberantly intoxicated faces at this take out only pizza haven (www.laventinasbigcheese.com).

That rounds out the best of the Pen. There are many more places to enjoy, but these are some of the most popular on the circuit. The Balboa Island area is a beautiful and charming place to visit, even if you don’t want to party the night away. But party or not, it makes for a fantastic desert heat summertime escape!

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

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sports scene

By julie buehler

There’s A New Captain At Clippers’ Helm

I

t’s easy to make fun of the guy who is running around a stage screaming and yelling, jumping up and down and making Bill Gramatica’s celebratory hamstring pull look graceful.

If you search “Steve Ballmer” on YouTube there is a plethora of videos featuring his goofy, fast-paced sales pitches, teary speeches or downright absurdness on full display. And for most major sports owners who like to remain in the background writing huge checks while cashing their huger checks, these displays might seem outlandish, embarrassing or questionable.

But for a sports fan, when it’s the team you’re most passionate about, THIS IS YOUR GUY. Ballmer is going to make anyone who is NOT a Clippers fan wish he were their owner. He’s not graceful, not tactful, not experienced and he’s certainly not shy.

This is a man who helped Microsoft become a global juggernaut with his irreverent humor and revolutionary marketing tactics.

In the business world there were questions swirling around his tenure as Microsoft CEO: a) He reorganized the company and that left some engineers to seek employment elsewhere. b) He overpaid for Nokia, a dying company that never proved to be a profitable deal. c) He was extraordinarily vocal about brainwashing his children to disavow Apple and Google products and even more vocal about his disdain for his competitors’ leadership.

But don’t let those reported misgivings dissuade your evaluations of his capabilities in the sports world. Those same knocks in the business world are evidence he’ll make a fantastic NBA owner: a) He’ll actually organize the Clippers.

Donald Sterling was notoriously absent as an owner and communication through the organization struggled mightily. It will likely take some getting use to, but a refreshing reorganization could invigorate employees who’ve been with the Clippers for years

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trying to make sense of senselessness. Or Ballmer will simply bring in fresh, innovative minds to make the Clippers a marketing machine. b) He’s overpaid for the Clippers. By about 4 times. This is a man who gets what he wants and will fork over the dough to secure it. Know who LOVES to hear that?

NBA free agents. Get a new owner who’s signing blank checks and talent will flock to the blue and red side of Staples Center while the purple and gold locker room remains a sad cellar for B-level talent. c) As vocal as he is about his disdain for the competition in tech, that is a world that has it’s own intellectual spats, but sports are all about competition and exerting your will over the opponent. Ballmer already has the mindset oozing from every pore. He’ll insure the mental toughness the Clippers had been lacking for years under Donald Sterling is apparent and celebrated appropriately.

When Ballmer first became the front runner to the Clippers ownership, after watching the YouTube videos, I said on my radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off”, that Ballmer was just a rich nerd trying to be one of the cool guys and using his money to buy his way to being cool. And maybe some of that is still true. But the more I learn about his, the more I believe I was wrong.

He’s a unique, eccentric, enthusiastic individual who is flawed, passionate, irreverent and reckless at times. And he’s exactly the type of owner every passionate sports fan would love to have running their team.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 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 3-6 pst at www.team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

Health&Fitness

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, RANCHO MIRAGE BRINGS LUXURY WELLNESS TO PALM SPRINGS AREA

W

ith a stunning two-story setting on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, North America’s newest Ritz-Carlton Spa has become a desert sanctuary like no other. The 25,000-squarefoot facility opened on May 15, 2014 and has unveiled a full menu of treatments and fitness offerings, with a signature focus on indooroutdoor wellness.

The newly-built destination spa offers treatments for hotel guests as well as area residents and visitors. It is highlighted by 15 treatment rooms featuring private outdoor showers and terraces, an al fresco co-ed whirlpool and relaxation area with waterfall and mountain vistas, an outdoor cold plunge for gentlemen, and a wide array of desert specialty experience encouraging guests to feel at-one with the environment.

Leading the way is the spa’s Spirit of the Mountains body ritual, presenting a soothing sequence of indoor and outdoor experiences designed to relax and renew. The 100-minute offering is inspired by ancient healing traditions of the desert and includes a body exfoliation using natural mineral salts and healing desert botanicals, followed by a luxuriant visit to the treatment room’s private terrace shower. A relaxing massage with lavender oil and warm desert healing stones follows, to be completed by a renewing body wrap and scalp massage.

With its calming use of indigenous prickly pear, arnica and fresh lavender, Spirit of The Mountains is part of the destination spa’s comprehensive menu of facial, body and massage treatments. Further signature choices include a unique black diamond-dust Rat Pack Facial for gentlemen; the carefully personalized Ritz-Carlton Tailored Facial; and the Quirogolf Massage -- an exclusive deep-body massage performed with heated golf balls and designed to deeply treat individual stress points.

Guests interested in fitness will also find their ultimate destination at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage, as the first-ever hotel installation of the OMNIA – Move, Train, Play experience offers multiple training modalities which can address group guests’ individual goals for strength, endurance, stability, flexibility, coordination and speed.

Additionally, highly-advanced TechnoGym cardio equipment offers sophisticated display technology which allows guests to virtually run or ride at a city, scenic or trail location of their choosing. The fitness center also offers personal training, movement studios and

classes, spinning bikes, Pilates, yoga and oneon-one assisted stretching.

The spa’s spectacularly visual design celebrates the surrounding landscape and uninterrupted California skies and is accented by high-ceilinged white interiors, one-of-a-kind water and fire features, and a foyer chandelier featuring 222 suspended quartz crystals.

Added features of the inviting sanctuary include a spacious beauty boutique, private whirlpools, rain showers and treatments, and eucalyptus-infused steam and sauna facilities.

Treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage may be reserved by resort guests as well as those living or visiting in the area, with access to the spa facilities available to those purchasing services. Additionally, a very limited number of exclusive spa memberships is being made available for purchase by area residents.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is located at 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr at the top of the bluff in Rancho Mirage, CA – located in the heart of the popular Coachella Valley. The spa is open daily except Tuesdays during the summer season.

The fitness center is open seven days a week, with 24/7 keyed access available to members and registered guests of the resort. For spa reservations, call 760-202-6170. For further information and the full treatment menu, visit the spa website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ Properties/RanchoMirage/Spa. About The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage Located on a majestic 650-foot bluff overlooking greater Palm Springs, the new Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage features 244 stylish guest rooms and suites, many with balconies, terraces and/or private fire pits, as well as spectacular views. Guests enjoy three swimming pools, a 25,000-square-foot free-standing luxury spa and wellness center, and a relaxing indoor/outdoor environment which restores and inspires. At the heart of the property, State Fare Bar Kitchen pays tribute to California’s prized harvest and ingredients.

The resort’s expansive Ritz Kids facilities offer ample space for interactive learning about local wildlife, nature and culture, as well a dedicated children’s movie screening room.

Memorable hiking and mountain biking can be enjoyed directly from the resort, while exclusive arrangements with leading local golf and tennis clubs also provide access to the area’s renowned and coveted sports offerings. For details, see www.ritzcarlton. com/ranchomirage.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of July 31

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If a farmer plants the same crop in the same field year after year, the earth’s nutrients get exhausted. For instance, lettuce sucks up a lot of nitrogen. It’s better to plant beans or peas in that location the next season, since they add nitrogen back into the soil.

Meanwhile, lettuce will do well in the field where the beans or peas grew last time. This strategy is called crop rotation. I nominate it as your operative metaphor for the next ten months, Aries. Your creative output will be abundant if you keep sowing each new “crop” in a fertile situation where it is most likely to thrive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Maybe your grandparents are dead, or maybe they’re still alive. Whatever the case may be, do you have a meaningful or interesting connection with them?

Is there anything about their souls or destinies that inspires you as you face your own challenges? Or is your link with them based more on sentimentality and nostalgia? In the near future, I urge you to dig deeper in search of the power they might have to offer you. Proceed on the hypothesis that you have not yet deciphered some of the useful messages you can derive from how they lived their lives.

Explore the possibility that their mysteries are relevant to yours.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The prolific American author James Fenimore Cooper (17891851) wrote 32 novels. In those pages, he crammed in almost 1,100 quotations from Shakespeare.

What motivated such extreme homage? I suspect he regarded Shakespeare as a mentor, and wanted to blend the Bard’s intelligence with his own. I invite you to do something similar, Gemini. What heroes have moved you the most? What teachers have stirred you the deepest? It’s a perfect time to pay tribute in a way that feels self-empowering.

I suspect you will benefit from revivifying their influence on you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Was there an actual poet named Homer who wrote the ancient Greek epics the Iliad and the Odyssey? Or was “Homer” a fictitious name given to several authors who created those two master works? Whatever the case may be, we know that Homer plagiarized himself. The opening line of Book XI in the Iliad is identical to the opening line of Book V in the Odyssey: “Now Dawn arose from her couch beside the lordly Tithonos, to bear light to the immortals and to mortal men.” So should we be critical of Homer? Nah. Nor will I hold it against you if, in the coming days, you imitate some fine action or brilliant move you did in the past. It was great the first time. I’m sure it will be nearly as great this time, but in a different way.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Earth has been around for almost 4.6 billion years. But according to scientists who study the fossil records, fire didn’t make its first appearance on our planet until 470 million years ago. Only then were there enough land-based plants and oxygen to allow the possibility of fires arising naturally. Do the math and you will see that for 90 percent of the Earth’s history, fire was absent. In evolutionary terms, it’s a newcomer. As I study your astrological omens for the next ten months, I foresee the arrival of an almost equally monumental addition to your life, Leo. You can’t imagine what it is yet, but by this time next year, you won’t fathom how you could have lived without it for so long.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the nights to come, I expect you will dream of creatures like fiery monsters, robot warriors, extraterrestrial ghosts, and zombie vampires. But here’s the weird twist: They will be your helpers and friends. They will protect you and fight on your behalf as you defeat your real enemies, who are smiling pretenders wearing white hats. Dreams like this will prepare you well for events in your waking life, where you will get the chance to gain an advantage over fake nice guys who have hurt you or thwarted you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It’s fine if you want to turn the volume all the way up on your charisma

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

and socialize like a party animal. I won’t protest if you gleefully blend business and pleasure as you nurture your web of human connections. But I hope you will also find time to commune with the earth and sky and rivers and winds. Why? You are scheduled to take a big, fun spiritual test in the not-too-distant future. An excellent way to prepare for this rite of passage will be to deepen your relationship with Mother Nature.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You are hereby excused from doing household chores and busywork, Scorpio. Feel free to cancel boring appointments. Avoid tasks that are not sufficiently epic, majestic, and fantastic to engage your heroic imagination. As I see it, this is your time to think really big. You have cosmic authorization to give your full intensity to exploring the amazing maze where the treasure is hidden. I urge you to pay attention to your dreams for clues. I encourage you to ignore all fears except the one that evokes your most brilliant courage. Abandon all trivial worries, you curious warrior, as you go in quest of your equivalent of the Holy Grail.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Broadway is one of New York City’s main streets. It runs the length of the island of Manhattan. But hundreds of years ago it was known by the indigenous Lenape people as the Wickquasgeck Trail. It was a passageway that cut through stands of chestnut, poplar, and pine trees. Strawberries grew wild in fields along the route. Is there a metaphorical equivalent in your own life, Sagittarius? I think there is: a modest, natural path that you will ultimately build into a major thoroughfare buzzing with activity. Part of you will feel sad at the loss of innocence that results. But mostly you’ll be proud of the visionary strength you will have summoned to create such an important conduit.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The heavenly body known as 1986 DA is a near-Earth asteroid that’s 1.4 miles in diameter. It’s packed with 10,000 tons of gold and 100,000 tons of platinum, meaning it’s worth over five trillion dollars. Can we humans get to it and mine its riches? Not yet. That project is beyond our current technology. But one day, I’m sure we will find a way. I’m thinking there’s a smaller-scale version of this scenario in your life, Capricorn. You know about or will soon find out about a source of wealth that’s beyond your grasp.

But I’m betting that in the next ten months you will figure out a way to tap into it, and begin the process.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I just sort of drifted into it.” According to author Gore Vidal, “That’s almost always the explanation for everything.” But I hope this won’t be true for you anytime soon, Aquarius. You can’t afford to be unconscious or lazy or careless about what you’re getting yourself into. You must formulate a clear, strong intention, and stick to it. I don’t mean that you should be overly cautious or ultra-skeptical. To make the correct decisions, all you have to do is be wide awake and stay in intimate touch with what’s best for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Members of the industrial band Skinny Puppy are upset with the U.S. military. They discovered that an interrogation team at America’s Guantanamo Bay detention camp tortured prisoners by playing their music at deafening volumes for extended periods.

That’s why they sent an invoice to the Defense Department for $666,000, and are threatening to sue. Now would be a good time for you to take comparable action, Pisces. Are others distorting your creations or misrepresenting your meaning?

Could your reputation benefit from repair? Is there anything you can do to correct people’s misunderstandings about who you are and what you stand for?

Homework. Finish this sentence: “The one thing that really keeps me from being myself is _______.” Testify to Truthrooster@gmail.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

July 31 to August 6, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

SIMPLIFY BY LETTING GO

T

ake a look around your office, house, closets, kitchen cupboards and especially your garage. What do you see? An environment organized or in disarray? If you are like many it is likely you are not organized and you are looking at clutter.

Recognize how this may make you feel. When it comes to tangible items less may be more.

The good news is that you are not alone when it comes to possessing to much. If you crave peace, calmness and an organized space… it is time to discard unnecessary items. The mere thought of this task may be daunting. For many, the process of letting go is overwhelming. Releasing excess possessions such as shoes, clothes, furniture or supplies can also mean letting go of your past. One has to be ready to move forward. Yet, it may be that one simply does not know how to streamline the tendency to hoard.

A key component to letting go and desiring more organization in your life is to visualize your space minus the clutter. Try this; write down a few answers to some simple questions. How do you envision your environment? What do you need to change too become and stay organized? Are you making space for something else? How will the space look, feel and function when the task is complete? How will you benefit with organizing your space? It is important to be comprehensive.

Reflect on the last time you organized

your space. Perhaps it was when you moved to a new home or office space. Contemplate how it felt to be in control of your space. Did you feel rejuvenated? Were you calm and relaxed? Did you feel more motivated about life? When our space is clear we can think with a level head. The clutter is dismissed and one can function positively.

As you let go you must prioritize what needs to be released. Which belongings are the most important? Do you need more space for your activities? Decide how much is enough? For example, before you attack your closet, set a realistic goal. How many t-shirts is enough? 5, 10, 15 or 50? If you have space for it and you have a good answer as to why you need so many t’s, strive and meet your goal.

Work past obstacles such as, I may need it someday and it was expensive. Decide on your “someday” and accept the money has been spent. Designate the “someday” and date the box. If the date comes and goes then it is time to release. Hanging onto an item is not going to bring your money back. If you decide to sell it, you must accept the loss of your original investment.

Relinquishing your possessions will be liberating. Just think someone else will enjoy something that was once yours. It’s charitable and will foster a feeling of giving back.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com or (760) 564-YOGA (9642)

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July 31 to August 6, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Seven Ways to Manage Monsoon Season

I

t is a fact that weather affects our moods. Individuals living in harsh climates may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. Due to our abundance of sunshine, desert dwellers are exempt from SAD, however, as we move into August the waves of humidity may take a toll on our sunny dispositions. Scientific studies reveal that high humidity can result in decreased concentration and sleepiness leaving us feeling out of sorts.

If the subtropical moisture being pumped into the Coachella Valley is messing with your happiness barometer, here are seven ways to get back in the groove: Focus on your diet. You can benefit from a boost in tryptophan which produces serotonin, the happiness chemical.

Incorporate milk, nuts and chicken into your menus. Eat fava beans. These legumes have a significant degree of the amino acid L-dopa (dopamine) which is a mood booster.

Get more shut-eye. According to Web MD, besides making you a grumpy Gus, sleep deprivation impairs alertness, reasoning, problem solving and may even prevent you from losing weight.

Unlock your pent-up happiness and experience a “helper’s high” by performing a good deed. Crank up the air, blast your favorite upbeat playlist and clean out your closet. When the task is completed, drop your gently used items at one of the many donation bins scattered around town.

Bathe in Epson salts. This age-old remedy will replenish the magnesium that stress drains from your body. Magnesium helps to produce serotonin that wonderful feel good chemical mentioned earlier.

How about a little music therapy? Can anyone resist singing and dancing along to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” song? Watch the official music video on YouTube for guaranteed euphoria.

Ask The Doctor

July 31 to August 6, 2014

by dr peter kadile

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

Be conscious of what you ingest

Doc, I’ve been having a lot of heartburn lately. I don’t want to take medication for it, what can I do? -Matthew, La Quinta

Humidity responsible for your third bad hair day in a row? Round up the gang and go hat shopping. Enlist their help in finding the best looking bonnet in the city. Then head to your favorite haunt for an adult beverage or other feel good drink. Toast your friends wearing your new chapeau.

Lose yourself in a good book. If you need help in general about leading a happier life my go-to book is The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin. Visit her website for “Tips and Quizzes.”

One last thought. Don’t let the climbing dew point depress you. Embrace the fact that humidity is your skin’s best friend.

Humid air is not only easier on your sinuses; it can transform your dry flakey skin into a glowing sheen.

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Matthew, heartburn is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The discomfort of reflux is caused by the upward backflow of stomach acid, bile, ingested liquids and foods into the esophagus.

GERD symptoms commonly manifest as a burning type pain or discomfort that moves up from your stomach to the middle of your chest. The pain can also move into your throat.

Other symptoms can be nausea after eating, frequent belching or burping, and bloating.

Constantly having to clear your throat or persistent coughing can also be due to GERD. While there are effective over the counter medications out there, they should only be for short term use only. Long term use of proton pump inhibitor medications, such as, Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, can adversely affect the stomach’s absorption of vitamins and minerals. Anemia and increased risk of bone fractures may result from long term use of these medications. Along with another class of medications called H2 blockers (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid), chronic long term use of these heartburn or reflux meds interferes

with the stomach’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. Just think, the stomach needs an acid environment to break down proteins for digestion.

Lifestyle modifications are an important component in treating GERD and can decrease dependence on medications that have potential adverse side effects.

- Maintain a reasonable weight.

- Avoid eating tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Also refrain from chocolate, peppermint, citrus fruits and fatty or oily foods.

- Avoid coffee, tea alcohol and soft drinks - Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of three large meals a day. Do not lie down after meals.

- Do not eat for at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Elevate the head of the bed about 6 inches.( It’s usually better to elevate the head of the bed instead of just laying on an extra pillow) - Get plenty of exercise and rest.

- Do not smoke.

- Try not to take any aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naprosyn (Aleve).

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Dr. K., is it okay to reuse the plastic water bottles used for bottled water or soda? -Tracy, Palm Springs Tracy, one time re-use of a plastic water bottle after rinsing it out with soap and water should be okay, but I would throw it away after that. Repeated usage of these types of bottles, which can get damaged from repeated washings, increases the chance that chemicals will leak out of the plastic and into the liquid.

You should also never drink from a plastic water bottle that you left in the car in the summer heat. The heat can melt the plastic and the chemicals used to make the bottle could leach into the liquid and introduce toxins into your system.

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