Coachella Valley Weekly - December 4 to December 10, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 37

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 4 to December 10, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 37

Street Life Project

pg 5

Desert Reggae

pg 9

Phillip Phillips

pg 10

The Hick-Ups

pg 11

Sean Wheeler

pg 13

Catalan

pg 20

December 4 to December 10, 2014

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

23rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

Coachella Valley Weekly

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

By amy blaisdell

More than 100,000 residents and visitors are expected in downtown Palm Springs on Sat. Dec. 6 for the City’s signature holiday event. Lisa Vanderpump Named Celebrity Grand Marshal.

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Alaina Majiros, Raymond Bill, Jorge Gutierrez, Edward L. Prichard III Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Sulkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, 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, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Scott Pam, Richard Noble, Karen Creasy, Monica Morones, Shawn Mafia, Phillip Carrillo, Rich Henrich Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

23rd PS Festival Of Lights Parade...........3 Christian Jelmberg-Street Life Project...5 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV.....................6 Theatre- Coyote Stageworks..................7 Events - El Paseo First Weekend..............7 Tamale Festival.........................................8 LMS - Desert Reggae Residency.............9 LMS - Phillip Phillips..............................10 LMS- The Hick-Ups.................................11 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Week 8..................11 LMS - Trini Lopez....................................12 LMS - Sean Wheeler ...............................13 Consider This - Alain Johannes.............14 Art- Matt Nelson “Manteca Electrica”..15 Pet Place..................................................16 The Vino Voice........................................17 Club Crawler Nightlife...........................18 Pamp. Palate- Catalan............................20 Screeners................................................22 Book Review...........................................23 The PS Local - Our Lady Of Solitude.....26 Local Business - Fulvo’s Foods..............26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local...................27 Dale Gribow............................................27 Safety Tips...............................................28 ShareKitchen..........................................28 Community - Social Security.................29 Sports......................................................29 Health & Fitness - LAFACE at Riviera....30 Free Will Astrology.................................31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................31 Life & Career Coach................................32 Ask The Doctor.......................................32

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he parade kicks off every year at 5:45 PM. on Palm Canyon Dr and Ramon Rd and every year brings includes magnificent marching bands and twinkling holiday floats adorned in thousands of magical colored lights. In addition, residents and visitors alike won’t want to miss the wildly popular Macy’sstyle holiday balloons along with Santa and his reindeer on the spectacular Jackie Lee Houston Santa Claus Express. Leading the procession down Palm Canyon Drive this year is Celebrity Grand Marshal Lisa Vanderpump, the former Queen of the Palm Springs White Party and one of the stars of Bravo-TV’s hit reality series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” In addition, 100-year-old resident and local restaurateur Dave Lyons, the former owner of Lyon’s English Grill, will serve as the parade’s Community Grand Marshal.

Presenting sponsor of this year’s parade is P.S. Resorts, a consortium of large hoteliers in the city charged with boosting tourism. Other major sponsors include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla and the Spa Resort Casino.

“The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is the biggest and best holiday parade in the entire Coachella Valley,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Bring the whole family and visit downtown on Saturday, Dec. 6 as we celebrate the spirit of the holiday season in Palm Springs, like no place else.”

For more information about this year’s parade and sponsorship opportunities, call Jasmine Waits at (760) 323-8276 or visit www.psfestivaloflights.com.

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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Community

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By lisa morgan

From Street Life to Sweet Life - The High Returns of Sharing Hope

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe oseph had served in Desert Storm.

Prior to deployment, he and four of his bothers in arms ceremoniously burned a cigar into each other’s shoulder, vowing to suffer another burn in honor of each one who returned. But there would be no need. Joseph would be the only one to return, his last brother being taken during a shift that they had swapped. That should have been him. Without the love and support of a single one of his friends, returning from war that riddled him with survivor’s guilt among other surreal events, Joseph didn’t make the transition to civilian life smoothly.

That monthly check he received from the government for serving, only reminded him of the men who no longer stood by his side. Turning his paycheck over to the Wounded Warrior Project to assuage his own condemnation, and his personal pain over to drugs in order to quiet the agony of his soul, Joseph made his home on the streets, under the bridges and trees of the Coachella Valley.

Christian Jelmberg, founder of the Street Life Project, had made many rounds to the places and people surrounding Joseph, delivering meals, clothes, toiletries, offering help, transportation and rehabilitation services. But on one fateful Sunday, unbeknownst to both of them, Christian showed up right on time, just for Joseph.

Joseph had gotten released from jail, and he knew he needed to change. He remembered Street Life Project, but couldn’t remember what time or where to get picked up, so he could go to church and start getting his life straight. He made his best guess, and was on the side of the road waiting. No one showed up. Finally he decided, he was done. Joseph’s drug of choice was meth, but today, he was going to take whatever money he had managed to pan-handle, meet his connect, and hopefully score enough heroine to disappear forever. No one would miss him. No one would even notice he was gone. As he walked down the street, Joseph said one last thing to a God he’d shaken his fists at plenty of times, “God, if you’re going to save me, now would be the time to do it.”

That’s when Jelmberg drove by, on his way to church.

You see, Jelmberg had a vision about a decade before. That vision caused him to see life through the eyes of a homeless man. That vision was detailed, and it mapped out a plan of action that could be taken world-wide. It was a vision so huge, it scared Christian. But it was also a vision that wouldn’t let him go. To better understand the people he was compelled to help, Jelmberg spent 10 days on the streets, homeless. He was dropped off in the desert, literally penniless with only the clothes on his back. His day was full just

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

trying to fulfill his own basic needs day to day. He found a fresh water source. He held up a sign, “Will Work for Food”. No work was ever offered, but he managed to eat.

Merely surviving, traveling on foot all day long, searching for his next meal and refuge left Jelmberg little free time. He tried to get some clean clothes from a thrift store chain that boasts supporting those less fortunate, and was denied. The clothes there were for sale only. He began to see and feel the condemnation that the homeless live under, and to understand more clearly, the sense of complacency that could keep someone from reaching out for help. And Jelmberg had one advantage over some of the other homeless: he wasn’t crippled by addiction.

On this fateful Sunday, with his outreach in progress and growing, Jelmberg was making his traditional rounds to pick up anyone who wanted to go to church, and buy them lunch at the nearby Taco Bell. As he drove past, he had thought maybe he recognized Joseph on the side of the road.

He was still unsure, trying to recognize him in his rearview mirror, when he saw the somewhat shaken young war veteran wave him down. He stopped the car and Joseph got in, and together, they headed for church.

They headed toward hope, instead of that bridge, that connection, and the dead end that awaited him there. God showed up in the form of Jelmberg and in every person that helped Joseph find his way back home.

The Street Life Project helped Joseph get treatment for his addiction. He began working with Street Life helping others the way he’d been helped. When he moved to Virginia, to reunite with family, Joseph founded Street Life Project, Virginia.

Jelmberg, having funded the Street Life Project in Coachella Valley basically on his own was already tapping all of his available resources, so Joseph had to find resources

on his own. Joseph did what he could do to help until he landed employment in his passion; he was hired on as head chef at a restaurant. Today, with what resources he can network and give, Street Life Project, Virginia has helped get several homeless off the streets and into a life of hope and promise.

Joseph is just one very special success story out of several. Daily, Jelmberg and the volunteers at Street Life Project are paving the way for more stories of courage and redemption. As you follow their website, you will read story after true life story of people being loved back into life, many whom in turn, become volunteers, paying it forward and encouraging others. One by one, the final chapters to these human stories are being re-scripted. While not every story is rooted in drugs or alcohol, those who struggle with addiction are finding the strength and hope to break the chains of addiction. Those who have hit hard times and have no family to turn to are finding a new family in the volunteers within Street Life. There is miraculous story after miraculous, redeeming story being lived out right under our noses. Not all of them are pretty or have found their way yet, but with Street Life Project, they have a loving chance.

Street Life Project is moving full steam ahead with specific goals in sight that will allow them to assist these people and more.

As they network with other charities and services around them, they themselves have specific needs to streamline an outreach that is truly our valley’s boots on the ground for getting people off the streets and back into life.

A Van A van would help Street Life Project get people at shelters or in transitional living places to and from job interviews, medical appointments and the like. Many of the volunteers use their own vehicles, making several trips to get those reaching out where they need to be in order to start building a new and healthy life. This would also create a job for a qualified candidate.

A Thrift Store Location Street Life Project has a few storage units that are costing hundreds of dollars a month, storing the necessary items (clothes, furniture etc.) to help the homeless

transition into life off the streets. The hope is to open a thrift store that would be available to those in need as well as for purchase, helping to subsidize the outreach’s expenses instead of costing them, and again, creating jobs.

The Website Jelmberg is documenting every story, struggle and success. Ultimately, he wants to establish an interactive website that will show their blueprint, and be a significant part of informing and supporting Street Life Projects across the country.

Transitional Housing Just this past weekend, immediately following his weekly roundup of the homeless to take them to church and lunch, Jelmberg had the daunting task of finding homes for 4 disabled individuals. Finding rooms for them to rent could end their cycle of homelessness. Living on monthly disability checks, these individuals stay as long as they can in cheap hotels until the money runs out, and then are forced back on the streets.

Helping them find an affordable room to rent can change everything for them.

Volunteers This growing outreach needs hearts with hands, the kind that don’t need to be seen and patted on the back, but can find the joy of helping others reward enough - volunteers like Deanna Arce, who every week, shows her beautiful little girls what love looks like as she prepares meals and delivers them, or simply offers a friendly, kind, compassionate ear. “Ever since I was a little girl, I felt a connection to the people I would see on the streets. I feel like this is what I am here for.

This is what I am supposed to do.”

Street Life Project is putting faces and names to our valley’s homeless. It serves as a living blueprint to solving homelessness where it can be solved. If you see our valley’s homeless population as a problem, you are absolutely right. It’s an even bigger problem for those on the streets who can’t see any way out. Street Life Project supplies the boots on the ground. They are the hands reaching back to those courageous enough to reach out for help, and the mouth of information and tireless encouragement to help them embrace change and the work that comes with. It supplies the hearts that are willing to hear their stories and get to know these individuals for the people they were, the people they are, and the people they have the potential to be. Not everybody wants to get off the streets. It’s all they know, and we all fear what we don’t know. Sometimes the streets can seem less treacherous. There are days I might agree.

Street Life Project is there to show them that it’s not. Street Life Project is here to show us ALL that it’s not.

To find out more about Street Life Project you can call Christian directly at (760) 7024944. Just be patient - Jelmberg also runs a real estate company. Information, photos and video can be found and donations can be made on their website: www.streetlifeproject.com

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

Saturday, December 6. 10 am. Squats 4 Tots Charity Fundraiser and toy Drive is only in its 2nd year, but its success is assured again as the Go-To event for the season.

Why? For its cute handle---Squat for Tots--and its benefits for all from Grand-Tots to Grand-Pops. Let us list the ways: Bring an unwrapped toy to Frances Stevens Park (N. Palm Canyon Dr/Alejo Rd), receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 10-pack of Pilates Classes at Encore Fitness, free entry for Jan. 17 “Healthy Planet Healthy You” Mayor’s Race, plus other great prizes, and start getting fit for 2015 by joining this annual squat challenge. You’ve got to see it to believe it! Host CBS 2’s Patrick Evans shows the way to celebrate the season and shape up in partnership with the City of Palm Springs to benefit Squat for Tots and DAP (Desert Aids Project). To register now, go to www.healthyplanethealthyyoups.com For details contact 760-333-0827.

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Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM. The Desert Winds Freedom Band presents their annual Holiday Concert “Joy, A Holiday Celebration” at their new home,

COYOTE STAGEWORKS PRESENTS “SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM” Star-Studded Cast to Perform in One-Night-Only

teachers, Jim McCormick and Edward Kahn.

Tickets:!$125/per person. Reservations now accepted for table sponsors at $1250.00 to seat 10 guests. Call: 760.323.8353 for more information and reservations.

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Give by Date: Thursday, December 18.

You’re guided by Sell-by Dates when grocery shopping. So, when you want to make sure our local foster kids find a gift under the tree just for them, you’ll want to play Santa when the Family Health and Support Network kicks off the 11th annual Holiday Toy Drive. FHSN is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for foster children in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Please do your part by donating an unwrapped toy or gift card, make an in-kind donation or offer a financial contribution no later than December 18, 2014. The gifts will be distributed at a private holiday celebration for children, youth, and families on Saturday, December 20. Volunteer Elves are also needed. Toys may be dropped off at FHSN, located at 74-410 Highway 111, Suite D in Palm Desert today until Dec. 18. Office hours are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. “Children in foster care are separated from family, and siblings may be placed in different foster homes, causing additional stress, anxiety and loneliness during the holidays,” explained Sandra Austin, Executive Director of FHSN. “We want to do whatever we can to alleviate their sadness and lift their spirits by providing them with an evening of dinner, entertainment, and gift giving from Santa Claus. The goal is to provide our children with one special night where they are celebrated, empowered, and given a measure of hope.”

theatre

December 4 to December 10, 2014

Celebrate the Holidays During events First Weekend Palm Desert, Dec. 5-7

Benefit for Award-Winning Company

GIVE, GIVE, GIVE! Smile, Smile, smile, you’re on a roll for the holidays.

erhaps a rich chocolate Yule Log jelly roll cake with calories-full of luxurious, luscious creamy filling!

(Be careful out there on the party circuit.)

Remember, Tis the season to ringa-sing out with the Fa-la-las, the Merry-Merrys, Num-num-nums and to quench the thirst of friends, family and strangers alike by pouring good cheer-worthy mugs filled to the rim with traditional eggnog, or whatever the pleasure of your holiday posse. However, keep in mind that Giving is a Great Gift. We don’t need to go into detail. That’s what the holidays are all about. Joy to the world!

Here are some events for your “nice” list to show to Santa. Read on.

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the Jewish Community Center of Palm Springs, Temple Isaiah, 332 W Alejo Rd., Bochner Auditorium, calling attendance “a must--- sure to get you into the holiday spirit for Christmas and Hanukah.” General Admission $30. Tickets may be purchased at www.desertwindsfb.org, or call 760-7762700. Email: desertwindsfb@yahoo.com Desert Winds Freedom Band, PO Box 4732, Palm Springs, CA 92263-4732. Want to toot your own horn? Or strum your violin The local group of musicians invite you to come “Join the Band,” call 760-776-2700. Send questions to info@desertwindsfb.org

Sunday, December 7, 6:00 – 9:00 PM. A special evening “For the Children, “a fundraiser presented by OperaArts and the Steinway Society of Riverside County to support music programs for students in the Coachella Valley, will showcase our very own talent before they are celebrated by the world! This wonderful evening includes a cash bar cocktail hour, special piano concert, dinner, and an “opera” dessert. Join us at the Classic Club/Bellatrix Restaurant for an evening of classical piano featuring some of the Steinway Society›s very youngest and most talented artists. The program continues as OperaArts features a delightful program of opera with soprano Jamie Chamberlin, and tenor Todd Strange, accompanied

by OperaArts Music Director Victoria Kirsch. The evening also includes a special awards program honoring mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman, Coachella Valley›s own pianist Gale Enger, and Steinway pianists/

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Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 PM. What’s Christmas without the celebratory charm, of Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker Suite on stage as performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet company with the composer’s heart-thrilling music, vivid costumes, spectacular sets, eternally beautiful dancing and fascinating story of young girl, Clara, her nutcracker doll, the Mouse King, a handsome prince (of course), and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a magical journey for all ages from the beginning of the fascinating fairy tale set at a festive party, to journeys through enchanted kingdoms and forests, to Clara’s awakening from her dream, the timeless story of friendship and love will delight the entire family. The McCallum Theatre offers tickets priced at $85, $55, $35 and $25 available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. The McCallum Theatre Box Office, its phone center and website, are the only authorized outlets for tickets to performances presented at the Theatre.

Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at consumer’s own risk and cannot be guaranteed as valid.

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

Thanks!

oyote StageWorks will present a star-studded performance of “Side

By Side By Sondheim” at 6:30 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center. The one-nightonly event will benefit Coyote StageWorks, a not-for-profit company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the Coachella Valley.

“Side By Side By Sondheim” pays tribute to the genius of composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, widely considered to be Broadway’s most innovative and influential artist. Featuring a dazzling array of many of Sondheim’s best-known songs, the musical revue includes numbers from landmark shows that revolutionized musical theatre.

An impressive roster of stars assembled

by Chuck Yates, Founding Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks, will also perform classic numbers co-written by Sondheim and legends such as Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, and Richard Rodgers.

Scheduled to perform in the highly anticipated benefit are stage and screen stars Gloria Loring and Sal Mistretta, who were cast in the 2014 Coyote StageWorks productions of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” and “The

Man Who Came To Dinner” respectively. Also appearing are Broadway veterans Alix Korey, David Engel and Bets Malone, famous actor/ directors Don Amendolia and Larry Raben, and the talented Alan Denny. Local favorites named to the growing cast list include singer and actress Julie Rosser, philanthropist and restaurateur Jerry Keller, the Company’s own Chuck Yates, and beloved actress, comedienne, and singer Kaye Ballard, who has agreed to come out of retirement for this performance.

“More gifted vocalists and popular Coachella Valley personalities are still being confirmed for this production, which promises to be a huge success,” exclaimed Yates. “We are excited to have such a talented line up for our sixth season, and I hope that having the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center stage filled with celebrities will be an inspiration to high school students planning acting or music careers.”

The benefit will be Coyote StageWorks’ first performance in its new home at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, a stateof-the-art theater at the recently opened Rancho Mirage High School. Tickets are $75 and $125 per person for the performance only; $250 per person ticket includes a VIP cast reception following the show. Artists are subject to change without notice.

Twice voted “Best Live Theater” by Desert Magazine in 2013 and 2014, Coyote StageWorks received fifteen Desert Star Awards from the Desert Theatre League in 2013, and was awarded twenty at this year’s gala on October 5, 2014.

The Coyote StageWorks 2015 season will also include performances of the most talked about comedy of the year, “Buyer & Cellar,” from March 27 through April 5, 2015. It was a huge coup for the young company to obtain rights to the hysterical show while it was still playing Off-Broadway.

The mission of Coyote StageWorks is to provide a forum for thought-provoking, entertaining, and culturally significant works in an environment that nurtures the creativity of the individual and the enrichment of the community.

For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2015 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions, call 760-202-6482 or visit hgpac.org.

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irst Weekend Palm Desert, held the first weekend of every month through May 2015, features art and culture along with dining specials and shopping fun.

This month First Weekend features specialty activities taking place with a backdrop of holiday light displays and décor.

The City of Palm Desert puts a special emphasis on this First Weekend woven into the magic of the season. From December 5 - 7, residents and visitors to the Valley have the opportunity to partake in PaintNite and art tours, enjoy a classic car display and live entertainment, visit the museum, and more.

There is so much to do this First Weekend of December - and the best part is most of these events are free!

Friday, December 5 El Paseo Cruise Night - 3:15 to 6 p.m.

(760)346-8965; elpaseocruisenight.com The cool, shiny, lovingly cared-for cars begin arriving around 3:15 p.m. at the upper level of parking structure behind The Gardens on El Paseo. Get a close-up look at these beauties and talk to the owners before 4:30 when they take over the street between Highway 74 and Portola until 6 p.m. Grab a spot (preferably at a patio table of one of El Paseo’s wonderful restaurants) and watch the polished chrome show!

El Paseo Art Walk - 4 to 8 p.m. elpaseoartwalk.com Art Galleries offer exhibit openings, artist receptions and more! There is so much to see, from the Palm Desert Art Museum in Pam Desert’s Free First Friday events, to each gallery and stops along the way, traveling in style on the El Paseo Courtesy Carts!

Cuistot - 72595 El Paseo (760)340-1000; cuistotrestaurant.com 4-10 p.m. Dinner and drink specials Melissa Morgan Fine Art- 73040 El Paseo (760)341-1056; melissamorganfineart.com 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. New works by artist Ashley Collins, teaser preview of Judith Kindler’s new body of work, “The View.” And an installation of Cathy Sarkowsky’s series: “In/Visible.” The exhibition also features a new series of works by Mike Weber.

El Paseo After Dark Extended Shopping Hours - El Paseo between Hwy 74 & Portola (877) 735-7273; elpaseocatalogue.com 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy extended hours at a world-class shopping and dining destination

with over 250 shops, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and more. Treasures every step of the way!

Free First Friday at the Galen Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, 72567 Hwy 111 (760) 346-5600; www.psmuseum.org 5 to 9 p.m. - Enjoy free admission to the museum, live music and award winning craft beer from Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, along with a screening of “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” at 5:30 and a live performance at 7:30 by Chris Kallmyer.

Venus Studios Art Supply The Art Place, 41801 Corporate Way Ste 7 (760)340-5085; venusstudiosartsupply. com 6 to 9 p.m. Artists’ reception for the “Small Image” art show; includes tastings from Da Kine Hawaiian Grill and music by DJ Habanero!

Saturday, December 6 Free Guided Public Art Tour - Palm Desert Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring Dr (760)837-1664; palm-desert.org/artsculture/public-art/art-tours-and-maps 9 to 10 a.m. - A trained docent provides insight into many of sculptures in the Library.

Reservations not required. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Saturday ArtVentures Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert 72567 Hwy 111 (760)346-5600; www.psmuseum.org /palm-desert/ special-event/december-artventures/ 11 a.m. to noon - Discover how different cultures celebrate Winter Solstice and listen to “Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World” by Heather Conrad.

Create a paper lantern to leave in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden and one to take home.

Sunday, December 7 PaintNite at Cuistot 72595 El Paseo (760)340-1000 $45; Reservations Required. www.paintnite.com/pages/events/view/ palmsprings/854870 4 to 5:45 p.m. - Painting and Happy Hour with artist Trish Dixon-Carpico on the heated patio. Everything you from canvas, paints, brushes and even a smock are provided as create your own masterpiece.

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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INDIO INTERNATIONAL TAMALE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF 23RD SEASON

Family Activities Include Parade, Car Show, Art, Wine and Beer Gardens, Carnival, Kiddieland, Live Entertainment, and Lots of Tamales he countdown is on for the 23rd annual TAMALE EATING CONTEST Indio International Tamale Festival, The annual tamale eating contest will be held presented by the City of Indio and Fantasy on Saturday, December 6th at 2:15pm at the Springs Resort Casino. The celebration will take Community Too! stage, which will be located in the place Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December Artisan’s Corner at the corner of Miles Avenue and 7, 2014 in Old Town Indio, from 10:00am to 6:00pm Smurr Street. with carnival rides starting the evening before, on Two divisions will be held: one for 18 and Friday, December 5 at 5:00pm and remaining open under, and one for 18 and above. Contestants must until late evening all three nights. Festival activities consume as many tamales as possible within two will be located between Hwy 111 and Indio Blvd, and a half minutes. winding through the streets of Miles, Towne, The reigning champ is Charles G. Bill, Jr. who Smurr and Requa. has won every year except 2009 since he first At least 125,000 people are again expected started participating in the Indio Festival in 2008. to attend the weekend long celebration. Live In past years, he has eaten as many as 12 tamales entertainment will be featured on five stages. within the time limit, and last year in 2013 he Admission into the Festival is FREE to the public. consumed 8 tamales to capture the trophy (and Over 60 tamale booths, a tamale-eating contest, likely some indigestion). food trucks, the opening parade, the 2nd annual Those wishing to enter the contest can sign Car Show, an art and wine garden, artisan’s up at any of the stages throughout the Festival corner (new), a beer garden, Kiddieland, over 200 grounds on Saturday or just be at the Community vendors, sponsor displays, a carnival with rides, Too! stage prior to 2:15pm. Tamales will be and family-friendly activities, and are geared for all supplied by Rincon Norteño Restaurant in Indio. ages and interests.

BEST TAMALE CONTEST Free parking is available on numerous streets Vendors will compete in the Best Tamale surrounding Old Town Indio, and free shuttle Contest at 12:30pm on Saturday, December 6th services are provided to all festival visitors from the on the Fiesta Stage. Well known tamale makers Larson Justice Center at Hwy 111 and Oasis Street. including Grandma Lupe will participate again. A The Festival has been ranked as one of the top panel of ten judges, including radio personality ten “All-American Food Festivals” in the nation by Victor Cruz of the Eagle 106.9, will select first and Food Network-TV. The traditional competition for second place winners for nonprofit and commercial best tamale recipe will be held, in addition to the vendors in “gourmet” and “traditional” categories tamale eating contest. in addition to “best overall.” Winners will each The Festival is produced by KevaWorks, Inc., in receive a prize ribbon and a commemorative “I partnership with the City of Indio. Fantasy Springs Love Tamales” tee-shirt.

Resort Casino will serve as the official presenting Judges include City of Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos, sponsor, as they have since 1999. Coachella Valley Victor Cruz (radio personality and host of “80’s To Buick GMC will serve as the premier festival Go” on Saturday nights on The Eagle 106.9FM), sponsor, and this year’s Car Show sponsor is Scott “Lugnut” Dwyer (programming director of O’Reilly Auto Parts. Additional primary sponsors kkuu 92.7), Jaime Torres (Coachella Valley Buick include IEHP, Budweiser, and Boost Mobile.

GMC), Dave Acosta (host of “Morning Drive” Complete Festival details and schedules may be on Jammin’ 99.5FM), and a lucky Jammin’ 99.5 found online at: tamalefestival.net or by contacting listener. info@tamalefestival.net or (760) 832-8620 ext. 46.

Last year’s overall winner, Texifornia Tamale Co. DETAILED FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES: from Blue Jay, California, will again be vying for the OPENING PARADE title.

The annual City of Indio / Tamale Festival 2nd ANNUAL CAR SHOW Parade will be held Saturday, December 6th at This year’s show will be sponsored by O’Reilly 10:00am, starting at Miles Avenue Park and will Auto Parts. Approximately 40 showcase cars will proceed down Miles Avenue to Oasis Street and take part in the opening parade and will then be Wilson Avenue. The Indio Police Department (IPD) displayed along Requa Street for spectator viewing will open the festivities by riding their motorcycles and judging all day Saturday through Sunday along the parade route. afternoon. The public will vote on the best in seven The Grand Marshal will be Randy Caballero, categories: Pre-War Restored, Post-War Restored, a.k.a. “El Matador”, the International Boxing Street Rod (up to 1959), Muscle Car, Sport, Truck, Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Champion and Low-Rider. To date, entries include low riders, and also a local resident of the Coachella Valley (for ’32 roadsters and sedans, and coupes, among more info on Randy, please visit: teamcaballero. others. com.

Awards trophies will be presented on Sunday, American Legion Post 793 will post our nation’s December 7th at 1:00pm on the Fiesta Stage. The colors. The parade will also feature cars from the final car cruise will leave the grounds at 5:30pm 2nd annual Car Show and dozens of other local following the awards ceremony. Those wishing to civic and community groups. enter the car show must register in advance by Members of the Indio City Council, led by new contacting Kevaworks at 760-832-8620 ext. 46 or Mayor Lupe Ramos, will ride in the parade, as will lhartley@kevaworks.com as soon as possible, as many local government officials. space is extremely limited.

Special participants will include several local ARTISAN’S CORNER - New this year! high school bands, color guards and tall flag Handmade crafters will display their works demonstrations, featuring Shadow Hills High of art, such as weaving, painting, Christmas School, Indio High School, La Quinta High School, decorations, Christmas trees made from tamale Coachella High School, and likely even more husks, decorative yard signs, pet collars and beds, involved. Several middle schools and numerous wood carvings, sculpture, blankets, photography, elementary schools will take part, to include dance and jewelry. Crafts will be available for purchase troupes, football teams and other organized school both full days of the Festival. groups.

“ART IN THE PARK” ART AND WINE GARDEN Santa will end the parade riding in an antique Original art work, including painting, fire truck. In all, approximately 45 groups will be photography, sculpture, and textiles from at least participating in the parade.

25 artists will be on display and for sale. Guests

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can enjoy wine tasting in the wine lounge, and beer from Coachella Valley Brewery will also be available in an adjoining beer garden. Those wishing to display and sell their art must complete an application form in advance; please contact Kevaworks at 760-832-8620-ext. 46 or lhartley@ kevaworks.com as soon as possible.

EL GRITO CONTEST- Mexican Independence yell CUMBIA DEMONSTRATIONS- Latin dance contest, including Cumbia star Melina Bojorquez.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – 5th stage added this year! Live music, dancing, singing, juggling, and other diverse performances will be held on the Fiesta, Amigo, Sunset, Community, and Community Too! stages.

HEADLINER-- R Buckle Road (Sunday, December 7th at 4:00pm-Fiesta stage): R Buckle Road is an 8- piece band from Palm Desert, California. Formed in the spring of 2011, RBR is influenced by classic rock, jazz, traditional country and punk, with an original sound that is full of infectious hooks and big guitars, as well as numerous original songs. Coachella Valley Weekly voted R Buckle Road the “Best Country Band for 2014”. (More info: vinman15@hotmail.com).

HEADLINER-- DAZZ Band (Saturday, December 6th at 4:15pm-Amigo stage): American funk music band that was very popular in the 1980s. Emerging from Cleveland, Ohio, the group’s biggest hit songs include the Grammy Award-winning “Let It Whip”, “Joystick”, and “Let It All Blow”. The name of the band is a portmanteau of the description “danceable jazz”.

HEADLINER-- Kevin Ortiz (Sunday, December 7th at 4:00pm-Amigo stage): This 18-year old Latin pop singing sensation has caught fire with his fans, having won an award at Univision’s Youth Awards in 2013 for his first single, “Un Minuto,” written by his older brother. Kevin’s debut album, Con la Misma Sangre, was released in November of 2013.

(More info: Juan Luiz Martinez, Jr. at jl@badsinent. com).

HEADLINER-- Tribe-O (Sunday, December 7th at 4:30pm-Sunset stage): This southern California based reggae band from the Coachella Valley, that has combined styles of roots reggae, rock steady and dancehall for the past 17 years. Led by vocals from Siah and Ann Nix, their music continues to promote positive lyrics and uplifting rhythms to demonstrate their mission of self-respect and unity to today’s youth. (More info: Mayra DuBose at mavpcm9884@gmail.com).

The YIP YOPS (Saturday, December 6th at 1:00pm-Sunset stage): They describe themselves as a “young, So Cal Indie Alt band”, whose members are from the Coachella Valley. The three artists, Addison Ross, and Jacob, have performed at numerous locations locally including Schmidy’s Tavern and were even tapped to play at last year’s Tachevah Block Party in Palm Springs. (More info: theyipyops@yahoo.com).

events IEHP Rad Rider Bike Show (Saturday, December 6th at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm-Bliss Avenue and Smurr Street): This popular bicycle stunt show will feature “superheroes” who will demonstrate fancy twists, turns and airborne flips off of a ramp (sponsored by IEHP-Inland Empire Health Plan). Stunt cyclists reenact the Motor City comic book scenes and demonstrate safety tips. The shows also feature BMX bike stunts and jumps to thrill the crowd and promote the ‘coolness’ of wearing helmets. (www.radrider.com/meet-rad/ safetyprog).

Gilbert the Juggler (daily performances): Juggling since the age of nine, Gilbert Figueroa has been showcasing his unique juggling skills at the Tamale Festival for ten years, making this his 11th year. After several years of self-taught juggling, in 1982 he joined the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA), and he currently performs at street fairs, variety shows, fundraisers, and corporate events. (More info: Gilbert or Lorraine at elgranchila@msn.com.

OGR Band (Sunday, December 7th at 10:30amSunset Stage): This classic rock band has played all over the desert since 2011 at The Hood, The Red Barn, Hamilton’s, The Tilted Kilt, The Tack Room, The Purple Room, and many others. Performing an exciting mix of cover rock from the 70’s to today, they have also written over 30 original songs which they are incorporating into their act. Original members Lonnie Castro and Raymond Palomino have been playing together for over 25 years.

(More info: Jackie at lonnsgal@aol.com).

Jexzi Guerrero (Sunday, December 7th at 2:15pm-Community Stage): Jexzi is a young (only 14) yet soulful artist who been singing and performing since she was in 3rd grade. Music is Jexzi’s passion, and she is currently a member of her high school marching band in Perris, Ca. Other performers will include: THE L.A. RHYTHM KINGS, Steve Justice “Rat Pack,” St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico, Tres Amigos, and many others.

SHOPPING AND VENDOR BOOTHS There will be at least 200 booths representing over 150 vendors offering and/or selling foods such as ethnic specialties, hot dogs, roasted corn, and desserts; and clothing and accessories; skincare products and aromatic oils, jewelry, music, and more. Several featured vendors include Kitchen Craft (demonstrates kitchen supplies and samples), Nature’s Select Pet Food (pet supplies including natural food), Auction Stalkers (“blinged out” accessories), and Jackalope Ranch restaurant.

KIDDIELAND This special zone for children will feature rides, face painting, games, rock climbing, PGA golf, bounce houses, a slide, an obstacle course, Sphere Runner, Simulator Flying, and The Living Desert W.O.W. (Wildlife on Wheels) animal program.

CARNIVAL RIDES Schoeppner Shows is bringing an array of family and adult rides to the festival, including Zipper, Gravitron, Tilt-a-Whirl, Cyclone, and Giant Slide. They will also have games and a food trailer with popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, and candy apples.

The Carnival will be open Friday, December 5th from 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Saturday, December 6th from 10:00am - 11:00pm, and Sunday, December 7th from 10:00am - 9:00pm. A Pay One Price pass (POP) is available for $20 and is good for one day.

Ride prices are $1 per ticket and 24 tickets for $20.

For complete Festival details, schedules, event map, and entry forms, please contact KevaWorks, Inc. at 760-832-8620-ext. 46 or lhartley@ kevaworks.com or visit tamalefestival.net.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

December 4 to December 10, 2014

by noe gutierrez

Desert Reggae Residency Presented by Ronnie King Music & CV Weekly

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he first Reggae Residency show at Schmidy’s Tavern in June was a knockout. It included performance by the Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement, Higher Heights and Mozaiq. All three artists have increased in exposure and value after that summer night. It is now December and time for round 2. Hence we bring you Desert Reggae Residency. Even in the short time since the last show, there has been a large focus on desert reggae and its artists.

Ronnie King Music and Coachella Valley Weekly bring you Rasun, Vibes Up Strong, Irie Junctions and DJ Journee of Stronghold Reggae at Schmidy’s Tavern 72286 Highway 111 Palm Desert on Saturday, December 6.

Entry fee is $5.00 and well worth it.

Ronnie King The wizard behind the desert reggae curtain is Ronnie King. King has an allencompassing vision for Desert Reggae.

“We are in production of a Desert Reggae compilation record as we speak. The artists included are Irie Junctions featuring Mikey Reyes, Rasun featuring Irie Junctions, Higher Heights, Tribe-O and John Stanley King.” King admits that Desert Reggae is in its developing stages. “The local artists are raw and just need some information. I’m very focused on organizing the scene Jimmy Hoffa style.

When there’s three reggae shows on a Friday night that’s way too many shows for this demographic. We will unite the bands and bring everyone together then take it on the road.” The global view that King brings to the table allows the artists to see things through a different lens. “The level of talent is very high around the world so I’m really excited to bring my expertise and a great team to develop a higher understanding of how the recording business works.” With the degree of talent the valley holds and King’s leadership Desert Reggae has no ceiling.

King also brings a savvy to Desert Reggae through his previous experience in the genre.

“I love it! I’ve played on every Pepper record since Kona Town. I’ve also recorded with The Specials and Common Sense. In addition I’m involved with the New Reggae sound with bands like Seedless, The Originalites and all of the bands coming out of Lewis Richards’ 17th Street Recording Studio in Orange County.”

King has forged new bonds with established artists as well. “Quino and Big Mountain stay on my ranch on occasion. We are in talks to work together to elevate the Desert Reggae scene even further.”

King has the ability to hoist Desert Reggae on his shoulders. “We will create a sound and go through the proper channels and bring it to modern radio. We have had many success stories from people growing up in the desert; Desert Reggae is next, here and now.”

Rasun Rasun is an American Reggae artist with international status from the Bay Area who has embedded himself in the Coachella Valley. He melds R&B and Reggae into an uncommon sound rarely heard. He now aims to go over big in the desert and beyond. He is committed and has on numerous occasions relayed his love for this area. He and his brother, musician and producer Don Juan Cartel, can be found out and about if they are not working on new music at Ronnie King’s Chateau Relaxo studio. King consults with the brothers on numerous projects as well.

From an early age Rasun began singing with his father’s band Strictly Roots and by 14 years old he was playing drums for the group full time. Rasun will be releasing his new solo album Fight To Live Another Day in 2015. He has been featured on over 35 singles, including “Program Director” by OAR, “Independence Day” by Fiji, “Hard to Walk Away,” for TJ Records.

Vibes Up Strong James McWhinney makes his home in Hilo, Hawaii and San Diego, California. With those tranquil living situations it’s no wonder when you speak with McWhinney you get a sense of relaxation and of no worry. In actuality he is far from sitting back and relaxing. McWhinney is fronting the band Vibes Up Strong and creating a new path for himself and maintaining the integrity that goes along with his family name. McWhinney is the brother of Joaquin ‘Quino’ McWhinney, lead vocalist for the reggae behemoth Big Mountain. With Vibes Up Strong McWhinney is continuing the legacy of greatness.

Born of Mexican and Irish descent in the Honduras in 1973 and raised in San Diego, California, McWhinney was highly influenced by the Southern California reggae movement of the 1980’s. Raised by a Mexican mother and his African-American step-father, James was influenced early on to connect with

others regardless of their cultural differences.

As a youngster he was heavily involved with the performing arts. Naturally James was provided the opportunity to join Big Mountain in 1992. With dedication to the music and perseverance in 1993 Big Mountain had their first hit single “Touch My Light”.

In 1994 Big Mountain released the reggae version of Peter Frampton’s song “Baby I Love Your Way”. The song has continued to be the most played non-current hit song at radio worldwide daily. It reached number 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1994, number one on Mainstream Top 40 and was the number 2 song for the year in the United Kingdom.

Its follow-up, James performed percussion and vocals for Big Mountain. He has toured with Big Mountain to over 30 countries and sold more than 2 million albums and 6 million singles worldwide.

McWhinney moved to Hawaii in 1998.

James continued to be involved in reggae music while in Hawaii establishing a vibe that created a space where everyone could come together, as a family, to celebrate the human experience. This led to the forming of Vibes Up Strong in 2014.

As McWhinney puts it, “Vibes Up Strong is an experience created by the people, the energy and the love surrounding it. VUS’s intent of spreading conscious music is a voluntary choice and a positive reality that brings us together to create change today.

VUS is a time and space to connect to your consciousness on a level of oneness.”

McWhinney is looking forward to his first desert show as Vibes Up Strong. They are a multi-instrumental band and include dedicated artists from San Diego. McWhinney has this message for the crowd on Saturday night. “Vibes Up Strong is an opportunity to raise a confident and strong loving culture that is absolutely relative to all. Forward ever backward never.”

Irie Junctions Irie Junctions is Saul Ibarra on the drums, Rick Rodriguez on guitar, Raymond Serrano on lead vocals and Danny Cedeno on bass.

They are a roots reggae band formed in 2011

and are based out of the Coachella valley.

Their passion for dub reggae is what united the four. They combine old school roots reggae and new age reggae with the desert reggae moniker. They have completed their first single “Armageddon”, and are in the midst of their first full-length album.

Cedeno and Irie Junctions are thankful to the mentorship of King, “Ronnie King is the kingpin in the desert reggae movement. He is an awesome person, a great producer and a close friend of ours.”

With plans to tour the nation they have already put in some time on the road touring the California coast.

On Irie Junctions expectations, Cedeno states, “Irie Junctions plans for the future include spreading positivity and love by delivering excellent roots music. We have our tour coming up in February 2015. Our EP will be released in 2015.” Cedeno is confident in rallying all local reggae artists to form a coalition of sorts. “Our take on the desert reggae scene is unifying everyone who is involved in the reggae scene locally to create team “Desert Reggae.”

Irie Junctions goal is to bring people together at a junction in life with their irie vibes.

DJ Journee of Stronghold Reggae Stronghold Reggae is a campaign unto its own. Stronghold Reggae is held the second Saturday of every month at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. The next session is the evening of Saturday December 13th, 2014. DJs Journee and Dash Eye spin you the best Roots, Culture, Dance Hall and Lover’s Rock reggae. DJ Journee will be supplying the music for Desert Reggae Residency before, during and after sets. rasunmusic@yahoo.com contact@vibesupstrong.com www.iriejunctionsmusic.com

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

Phillip Phillips - Behind the Light

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latinum-selling singer-songwriter, and 11th Season, American Idol winner, Phillip La Don Phillips has made our desert part of his North American headline tour. The Georgia born pop-rock music artist will be at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, December 6th. This tour is in support of Phillips’ second album in two years, Behind the Light. This is the follow-up album to Phillips’ hugely successful debut album, The World from the Side of the Moon.

The single “Home” from that debut album was one of the biggest tracks of 2012 with more than 5 million copies sold. The World from the Side of the Moon sold more than 1 million copies and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and #1 on the Billboard Rock Album chart; successful tours both as a headliner and with Matchbox 20 and John Mayer followed.

I had the chance to talk with Phillips about his life and his music prior to his rocket launch to commercial success and now. We talked about what keeps him grounded, what other artist’s music inspires him, the Taylor Swift inspired streaming conversation and advice to those aspiring artists watching his every move, along with a few other things. This very genuine guy, with his Georgia drawl, will not only win your respect as a musician, but as a business man and an authentic human being.

CVW: Your rise to commercial success was fast enough to give a person whiplash.

How does it feel to get a Platinum album just under the wire of them potentially becoming a thing of the past? (Ref: The trend is that people are buying individual songs and not entire records, drastically decreasing the number of records reaching Platinum sales status) Phillips: “It’s unbelievable for sure. I’m incredibly grateful. I am so proud of that album. It truly represents me in so many ways musically and lyrically. It’s going to definitely get tougher and tougher depending on the future of Platinum albums. But to me, albums are what make an artist. Anybody can put out a single. All my favorite bands, I listen to their entire albums. That’s how you really get to

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know who an artist is.”

“My new album is receiving such a great vibe live. It has more of a rock feel. It’s definitely not Platinum (he chuckled) but I am very proud of it.”

CVW: You’ve said that you are always writing. How many of the songs on these albums are from before American Idol and how many were written after?

Phillips: “The first album had a lot of songs that were written before Idol, and the second one is all new songs and ideas, with the exception of the bonus track, “Grace”.

CVW: What is it that helps you stay grounded in all of this?

Phillips: “I’d say my family, friends and my girlfriend. They’ll slap me up against the face if I get crazy, which is good to have. I’m a real big family person. My sister just had her first little baby. It’s things like that, that make you appreciate life, where you are, what you’ve done and how much more you want to see and do.”

CVW: Now that you can do music full time, is it easier to find time to write or harder? Has the change in your circumstances changed your writing much?

Phillips: “To me, writing is always different.

The music comes first, then the lyrics. I have a darkness and a light. I think it’s good to express them both. Not everything can be so happy all the time. I think people want to feel that too. I think they’d be like, ‘Gol-lee another happy song?’ This has been a pretty crazy tour. I’ve written a little, but we’ve been going pretty hard and I get tired. I’ll get a week and a half to rest my mind and start getting in the mode again.”

(CVW note: Yes, he said gol-lee/golly. Not like Gomer Pile says “golly”, but how a really kind of sexy laid back southern Georgia boy says “Gol-lee”) CVW: Did you ever have to shlep around your songs, playing gigs at bars and such before American Idol?

Phillips: “Oh yeah! I was playing shows way before American Idol. I’d go jam with a band or get a band together and travel to shows, do weddings, parties, whatever there was. Every

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan artist/singer/song writer/whoever needs to know how it feels to suck - when nobody wants to hear you. That makes you appreciate when everyone wants to hear you.

CVW: What would you say one of the biggest surprises has been since you’ve gotten through the door in the music industry?

Phillips: That you’ve gotta watch out for yourself. When it all comes down to it, everybody wants you to be successful - your label, your management, but you always have to watch out for yourself, watch everything while you build your own career. You can’t just let somebody else do it.”

CVW: So you still feel like you have creative control?

Phillips: (Without hesitation) “Definitely, I do. For sure.”

CVW: Do you have any advice for young want-to-be artists who want to be part of the music industry?

Phillips: “Don’t do it!” (he laughed) You gotta know who you are as an artist and a musician. Know what you want to do. A lot of people can sing amazingly, but if you don’t know what you want from your career, this industry will eat you alive over it.”

CVW: Where did you learn to have that kind of integrity and self-awareness?

Phillips: “Growing up. Growing up where I did, I didn’t have everything. I was working when I was 14 years old. I worked for my brother-in-law’s landscaping business, making money. You learn what you can from everything. It may not be what you want to do...but I know how to cut grass!”

CVW: Well good. I guess you can fall back on that if this music gig doesn’t work out.

Who are you inspired by listening to right now?

Phillips: “Does it have to be a new artist?”

CVW: No, just whoever is inspiring you.

Phillips: “Radiohead. I listened to them a bit before, but I’m listening to them in a whole different way now. They are just so good.

Damien Rice too. He just came out with a new one... also, Peter Gabriel. Gol-lee, I don’t know, there’s just so many!”

CVW: It seems the big topic in the industry these days is about music streaming. Taylor Swift has pulled her songs from Spotify. Dave

by Lisa Morgan

Grohl says he doesn’t give a f----. Do you have anything you’d like to contribute to the conversation?

Phillips: Those two artists are so big, they can do what they want, and I think that’s amazing. I support what Taylor Swift is doing.

I think it’s amazing that she can go and just sell albums straight out. Things aren’t what they used to be, and it affects every artist.

There’s so much available to the public on YouTube and whatever...When I went down to South America with John Mayer last year, (I don’t even think my album was even out yet), 45,000 people were singing every song of mine - not just the singles. In that way you think, ‘I’m alright with that. It will help with the touring.’ But when it comes down to the big sales days, like first week sales, you think, ‘man, this is not good.’ You feel all this pressure. There are people looking at just the numbers. They don’t see your popularity at the concerts. If I was up against Taylor Swift’s numbers, I’d do the same thing. But right now, I’m not too worried. It’s not really all up to me anyway.

CVW: What can we expect from your show this weekend?

Phillips: “We play a different show every night. We’ll change something up with the jam, pull out an older song - we try and keep it fun and interesting for ourselves as much as for the fans.”

And there you have it. In my opinion, this 24 year old talent is just as genuine as he comes across on television. Not once did he act like he was uninterested, bored or in a hurry. He gave me a full 30 minutes of his time, when other artists allow 15 or decline the invitation all together.

I’ve heard fantastic things about the opening band as well. This could very well be the concert of the year for many in every age bracket. Get your tickets quickly before they’re gone.

Tickets for the 8 PM Phillip Phillips performance on December 6th are on sale for $69, $59 and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

December 4 to December 10, 2014

TILTED KILT OPEN MIC COMPETITION FALL EDITION WEEK 10 WINNERS

events

Take a Ride to the Trailer Side

The Hick-Ups CD Release Party & Cow Punk Party @ Schmidy’s Tavern, Friday, DEC 5 @ 9pm

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tep into Schmidy’s Tavern this Friday night, and you will be treading on some sonic trailer park territory the likes of a Quentin Tarantino movie.

Zack Huskey, one of our desert’s authentic originators of heavy desert, DIY rock has brought an old project from the 80’s to life, and it has come back swingin’! The Hick-Ups debut album will be released (or should I say, unleashed) at their show. Only 40 DVD copies will be available for sale ON THE PLANET, so you will want to get there early.

I’m convinced that 90% of anyone reading this article is going to fall in love with this rambunctious, desert guitar driven cowpunk-a-billy, and those performing it in full character.

“A lot of us grew up in the desert playing in punk or punk related bands in the 80’s,” shared Zach. “Some of us moved to L.A. (Hollywood) in the mid to late 80’s. Sean Wheeler was in L.A. (we had been in bands together as kids in the desert) and he was playing in his different projects. Joe Dillon, Mario Lalli, Scott Reeder, Laurel Stern, and more were all in and out of there. Robin Clewell was in the Phenobarbie Dolls, and I had a band at the time called Long, Dead and Gone. It was what we used to call CowPunk. It was a great time to be in Hollywood - before they “fixed” it.”

“A few years later, my wife, Erica, and I were living in South Orange County as was Sean Wheeler, Dino Dormizzi and other desert rats. So Erica, Sean and I started a band called The Hick-ups. I came up with

this wonderful name, and I was surprised to find it still available after all these years. We were part blues, part country and part punk n’ roll. We wrote some songs, rehearsed and played one show in O.C. After that, we just sort of broke up. It was a good sounding, fun band, while it lasted. Erica and I moved back to the desert and started Dali’s Llama.

Sean stayed in O.C. for a while and started Throw Rag. That was over twenty years ago.” Dali’s Llama and Throw Rag are still heavily followed bands to this day.

After recording 25 albums over the years, Zach reassembled players for The Hick-Ups at B@1 Studios in Brea, California.

The musicians recorded the entire 14 song album in two days, LIVE. Vocals were dubbed in later, but this entire album was recorded the old school punk rock way with all the members in one room, playing and recording all their parts together. Zach describes the band as “the new, older and grumpier band with a good batch of songs and some old friends to play them.” The album? Well, all I can say is it is absolutely stellar. You truly feel the energy they were trying to capture by recording this the way they did. All 14 songs are written

by Zach. These sometimes rebellious, at times serious, but mostly tongue and cheek themes truly come together through the individual parts. They work together seamlessly to recapture the tone and vision that brought the Hollywood club scene to life in the 80’s. Considering the amount of satire involved, if each of these individual players weren’t all on the same page, this music might not have worked for many. But that is not the case. In my opinion, this is a record and a band that everyone but the “hoity-toity” will blast loudly (and even they will probably listen to it when no one’s watching). The blend of male and female vocals that Zach and Robin add, finesse the entire project. And Dali’s Llama fans, do not “fret”, so to speak. Zach still delivers those heavy, badass licks he’s known for, but this time, he gets to show off his skill and flair for Chuck Berry. I can some up this band and this album perfectly, in the words of Zach Huskey: “YEE-FUCK’N-HAW!”

eek 10 of the Fall/Winter edition of the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition brought a great time for the musicians and audience members.

Giveaways to rowdy audience members like new movie release t-shirts from the Mary Pickford Theatre got the crowd warmed up to cheer on their favorite performer. At nights end, after a very close competition and a revote, it was The BrosQuitos who won 1st place a a gift certificate to Record Alley. So James, Hamilton, Max, Hugo and Oscar of The BrosQuitos will now compete in the finals for a shot at the grand prizes of a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center, a 3 day trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka and an entire weekend recording session with producer, Ronnie King at his Chateau Relaxo (valued at $10,000)! 2nd place was awarded to Ideation, consisting of John Marek, Justin Wilkinson and Ari Hozman, all new to the Open Mic Competition took home a Dinner Gift Certificate for $25. Talented musicians, The Classy Mother Fu?kers (Jasyn Smith and Joseph Vaughan) and hip hip artist and competition newcomer, CooBoy tied for 3rd place and took home movie tickets to the Mary Pickford Theatre.

What talented musicians and singers we have perform for us each week! THANK YOU for sharing your passion for music: Kyle Paras, Damian De Leon, Shy L and Ty, Tanya Nunez, Tyler LaSalle, Wonderwench, Ethan Sky Vega from 10Fold, Austin Lawrence aka Skatt Pilgrim,James Velasquez, Paul Gihren, Miri Hunter and Will Kelly. Look for coverage of this week’s event in Coachella Valley Weekly.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors: Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Vodka, Guitar Center, EstheticX.Obsession Massage & Wax Bar, Mary Pickford Theater, CV Weekly, Skitzo Kitty, Abe’s Brand and Happy Sushi, Riccio’s Seak Seafood and Pasta.

Remember, the competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week! Sign in at 7pm. The show runs from 8pm – 11pm. The audience votes by applause so BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and make sure they stay until voting time!!! See you there. For questions or information about sign-up, please contact your competition host, Morgan James at (714) 651-1911 or OpenMicContact@gmail.com. facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

MR. LA BAMBA TRINI LOPEZ TO HOST ‘DINNER WITH’ AT MELVYN’S RESTAURANT PALM SPRINGS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10TH AT 6 PM - Reservations Required

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he classically charming, historical restaurant, who’s dining room has welcomed some of Hollywood’s classiest and best, is celebrating their 7th season of their speaker series, “Dinner With”. Wednesday, December 10th, they will be hosting “Dinner With Trini Lopez”, also adoringly known as “Mr. La Bamba”.

This special occasion will give Trini a chance to address dinner guests as well as answer questions from diners in attendance. This is going to be an incredible opportunity to get to know America’s first Latin Pop Star whose life in music and movies included a 37 year friendship with Frank Sinatra as well as other artists like Buddy Holly, Johnny Carson and Fats Domino (just to name a few).

His life in music and movies is still going strong, and this instantly likable “star” has a magnanimous way that makes everyone else in the room feel equally important and interesting. When I asked Trini what he would be willing to talk about during the Q & A, he said to tell my readers, to “feel free” to ask him anything. Mr. La Bamba is

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a man very comfortable in his own skin who is as dynamic and engaging as ever. But be aware- he means what he says. He is truly an open book and will answer ANY of your questions.

This incredibly down to earth gentleman has much credited to his name. His background as a singer, movie and television personality, producer of Gibson Guitars and a noted ambassador for the United States of America should lead to interesting questions.

Trini is most noted for his hit rock and roll singles, “If I Had a Hammer” “Lemon Tree” and of course “La Bamba”. Other hits include “America”, “Michael” and Kansas City”. He has over 70 albums to his credit.

Trini was featured in such movies as Dirty Dozen starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and many more. Trini shared with me, “You know Frank (Sinatra) called me away from that movie or I would have had a bigger part.” He explained, “I had been in Europe for over 6 months and we were only about half way through. Frank said, ‘Trini, I think you should leave the movie. The public is fickle. If you are out of the public eye for too long, they’ll forget.’ So I left. It took me three lawyers, but I left.” Trini also starred with his friend and adviser in Marriage on the Rocks. He was also featured on the popular TV series, Adam 12.

Having lived in his home in Palm Springs since 1967, he has been awarded a star on the Palm Springs “Walk of Stars” as well as the Las Vegas Walk. He has produced two guitars for Gibson, the standard and the deluxe model, “Trini Lopez”, guitars that are widely used in the industry by lead guitarists everywhere. You can see him with that original guitar in his newly released video, “Fly Like an Eagle”, where the artist shows where his true heart and soul live, delivering a beautiful, soulful and vivacious rendition of the classic rock single.

Trini has been seen on occasion performing locally, most recently at The Purple Room in support of the charity organization, “Well of the Desert”. He has just recorded an album entitled, “Triple Play”. Trini swaps recordings on the album with fellow music great Maurice Williams (formerly of the Zodiacs, and original artist of the song “Stay” later recorded by the Four Seasons), and David Somerville (formerly of the Diamonds who recorded “Little Darlin’”). He is contemplating an offer for a year long world tour, but isn’t sure he wants to leave his beautiful Palm Springs home for that long. Meanwhile, PBS is in the writing process for a special entitled, “Trini Lopez and Friends”, a show that is bound to capture an amazing life surrounded by beautiful, talented friends.

So there you go! There are plenty of conversation starters inside this short article, and much more I would never have the room to write. This is an exceptional opportunity to get first hand reflections from a first class entertainer.

The cost of the Melvyn’s “Dinner With” is 65.00 prepaid. Reservations are required.

Tax and tip are included in the 3-course

The Evolution of Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss @ The Hood Bar and Pizza, Friday, December 5th

meal. Call Brian Ellis at 760 325-2323.

Future “Dinners With” include appearances by Hal Linden, Jack Jones, Kaye Ballard and Tab Hunter.

Melvyn’s is located at the Historic Ingleside Inn at 200 West Ramon in Palm Springs.

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ean Wheeler and Zander Schloss both fell on the troubadour’s sword long ago. For them, there is no other product or service they are built to deliver other than music. Both of these musicians forged their own separate, noteworthy sonic footprints for almost a decade before Wheeler’s band, Throw Rag, and Schloss’ Circle Jerks, shared the same venue. Mutually fluid in the lifestyle and legend of the punk rock genre, something special and unexpected happened when they found themselves sharing a stage together, sans any other band members.

Zander Schloss: Multi-instrumentalist, Zander Schloss, is a musician, actor and composer. Bass player for The Circle Jerks and The Weirdos, he is also well known for his contributions to a number of independent, cult status feature films such as “Kevin the Nerd”, a number of Alex Cox films, as well as significant musical contributions to Sid and Nancy (1986), Straight to Hell (1987), Walker (1987), El Patrullero (1991) and The Winner (1996).

Schloss joined the Circle Jerks in ‘84 after a two year stint with funk band “The Juicy Bananas”. He left the Jerks after two albums to join up with former Clash front man Joe Strummer in London as musical director and multi-instrumentalist on several tours, solo

albums and sound tracks. Schloss re-joined the Circle Jerks for their 1990 U.S. tour and their final studio album, Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities on their major label debut with Mercury Records. He continued to tour and record with Circle Jerks until 2010.

Schloss also found time to work with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver in The Magnificent Bastards, The Weirdos, Too Free Stooges and Thelonious Monster. He was called to tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers after guitarist John Frusciante left, but decided not to join. He worked on Latin projects El Patrullero in 1991 as composer and recorded with Robi Draco Rosa on his album Frio in 1994. He formed the group Low and Sweet Orchestra with Thelonious Monster friend, Mike Martt, The Pogues accordionist James Fearnley, and brothers Dermot and Kieran Mulroney. In 1996, they released their debut record, Goodbye to All That on Interscope Records. In late 2007, Schloss appeared with his 14-piece band, The Wilderness Years, at The Key Club in tribute to friend and collaborator Joe Strummer.

Schloss also currently works as a studio session player and composer on various film and commercial projects. In 2010, Schloss released the Gus Seyffert produced album, Walk Thee Invisible with musical partner and collaborator Sean Wheeler.

Sean Wheeler: Wheeler, or Captain Sean Doe, co-founded Throw Rag in ‘93 with Roger “Chino” Smith (drums), and Dan “Scorcho” Lapham (rhythm guitar). Bassist Danny “Talmadge” Black and guitarist Michael “The Outlaw” McCartney rounded out the original lineup. Throw Rag played regularly at Rhythm and Brews, operated by renowned desert musician Mario Lalli. Other members were Scott “Barfly” Brooks (bass) and Tom “Colonel Riptide Tenmen” Lynn (banjo and vibes), Francis “Franco” Cronin (bass fiddle), Patrick “Dino” Bostrom (lead guitar), Craig “Jacko” Jackman “Lord of Scum”, John Summers aka “Johnny Bloodstreak” (washboard and vocals), Louis Bluefeather (harmonica and didgeridoo), and Dr. Brittle Bones (tambourine and “onstage medical assistance”).

In 1999, their debut album, Tee-Tot, was

December 4 to December 10, 2014

by Lisa Morgan released on Hellnote Records. Sean Doe, donning a signature captain’s hat and 70s double-knit suit, and Jacko in a wife beater and double knit pants, were known to strip down on stage. Their music and antics, and growing reputation, led them to open for bands like Supersuckers, Green Day, Wesley Willis and Willie Nelson. In 2001, the band released a CD split with Supersuckers which featured a song that would later appear on a Warped Tour 2002 Tour Compilation and their follow up album. That follow up album, Desert Shores, was released in ‘03 on BYO Records, and was compared by critics to The Damned. “Throw Rag’s approach to punk rock is refreshing and yet still time-honored. “Space Hump Me” has a lot of early-’70s punk in it, particularly with the sneering vocals and simple arrangement such as the Damned.” - Billboard 13 Feet and Rising released in ‘05 featured guest vocals by Keith Morris and Jello Biafra. A cover of Merle Haggard’s “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down” featured guest vocalist Lemmy.

Their fourth full length album, 2nd Place, was released in ‘08, and was produced by Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Motorhead).

Today, Sean Wheeler will be the first to tell you that he couldn’t have done anything without overcoming his addiction to drugs and alcohol. In ‘89, he sought treatment at The Ranch Recovery Center in Desert Hot Springs, and now celebrates 17 years in recovery. “I couldn’t do anything until I quit running in circles and got clean and sober,” he shared. “As kids growing up here in the desert in the 80s, we were always drinking.

We were smoking weed in 5th grade, doing acid in junior high, and shooting up speed and heroine in high school. Some of us came out ok, others didn’t. I think for me, the voices in my head were so loud. Alcohol and drugs were the only ways I knew to quiet them, but they just came back even louder. It got to the point for me, where what I was doing wasn’t taking away the pain as much as it was creating it, and probably for a lot longer than I even realize. I went through a time where I’d tell myself I could have one beer. But all it took was one beer, and I was right back into all of it.

It was the 12 Steps and the rooms (of Alcohol Anonymous) that got me through it. I’m one of the lucky ones. I have people I know out there suffering...just hopeless and lost. If they only knew how good their life could be.”

Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss: Considering their deep rock-ous foundation in the music, life and styles of the 80’s cow-punk scene, one might assume that the joining of these two forces of musical nature would result in more of the same cacophonous, clamorous, raw rock rebellion. Somehow without losing a single bit of their edge and authenticity, these two artists bring their incredibly developed sense of musicianship to their well-crafted lyrics. Leaning a bit heavier on the roots of rockabilly than its progression, the two create a jambalaya of folk rock that plays out in an electrocuted combination of ragtime, bluegrass, blues and jazz, depending on what song you’re listening to. Like a seductive traveling medicine man, Wheeler

preaches his sermon in his crusty, signature style, atop a virtual choir of string and wood that Schloss produces singlehandedly. The only thing missing from the “old days” of Throw Rag and Circle Jerks is a whole lot of angst, some signature loud production and recklessness. But it’s by no means, any less passionate.

“Zander still practices his instruments every day,” Wheeler shared. “When I first met him, he told me, ‘If you want to be great, if you want to make it, you have to practice.’ I love that about him. Sometimes, when I get asked advice on the music business, it seems like people want to know a short cut, but that’s the real answer - you have to practice your craft.”

The two have been working together for years now, touring rigorously and sharing tight quarters as they travel. They have opened for The Pogues, Mark Lanegan, Masters of Reality, Flogging Molly, Mariachi El Bronx and X (American band). They have a steady three months booked in Europe, playing everywhere from Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and more, followed by a trip to Miami to join Flogging Molly on a cruise. “It’s very much like a marriage. You can let the little things get to you, especially when you’re tired or hungry. I just always look at the big picture...what we’re able to accomplish together is pretty great.”

Their newest album, And Other Desert Cities is reflective and soulful. Every single song seems to take you on a train ride through thought and geography. It brings you everything from a little bit of Zydeco to Texas Swing to Latin folk to pure heart-grabbing Americana. It is pretty stunning the amount of music that pours out of just two men. In an industry that is leaning hard on production techniques and AutoTune to basically photoshop shallow songs, Other Desert Cities, and pretty much all the music coming from this duo of authenticity, is like water on a parched soul.

Don’t miss these two at The Hood Bar & Pizza this Friday night, December 4th. It could very possibly be summer before you will have another opportunity.

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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by Eleni P. Austin

ALAIN JOHANNES “Fragments And Wholes Vol. 1”

Consider This

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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lain Johannes has music in his blood.

His mother, Rommi, was part of an international ‘60s pop trio, with her brothers, Alex and Peter. They opened for bands like the Animals and the Rolling Stones.

Johannes is also a citizen of the world.

Born in Santiago, Chile in 1962, he spent his childhood in Mexico City. He became obsessed with the Beatles at an early age, buying all their 45’s. It wasn’t until he bought Rubber Soul that he began to understand the power of the full-length album.

By age 12, Alain had relocated to Los Angeles with his mother, younger sister, Karina and beloved grandmother. The Beatles were still a favorite, but his passion for scary movies and World Cup soccer had been supplanted by his new obsessions, Queen, Led Zeppelin and Yes. Once he started attending Fairfax High School, Alain hooked up with Hillel Slovak. The duo formed their first band with drummer Jack Irons and bassist Todd Strassman. They cycled through a series of names, Chain Reaction, Anthem and Anthym, before settling on What Is This?

Unsatisfied with Strassman’s skills, Slovak recruited another high school pal, Michael “Flea” Balzary. Although he was an accomplished trumpet player, Slovak had to teach Flea the rudiments of the bass.

An enthusiastic audience member named Anthony Kiedis became their roadie.

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

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After graduating high school, What Is This? found success playing the L.A. club scene.

They released their first EP, entitled Squeezed.

Slovak and Irons had also begun a side project with Kiedis, originally known as Tony Flow and the Majestic Masters of Mayhem. Of course, they morphed into the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What Is This? signed with MCA Records, while RHCP received a recording contract from Enigma, an indie imprint of EMI/America.

In 1985, Hillel Slovak left What Is This? and joined RHCP full time. That same year, What Is This? released their eponymous, full-length debut along with another EP, 3 Out Of 5 Live before calling it quits. By this time Alain had met the love of his life, Natasha Schneider.

Natasha had grown up in Russia, behind the Iron Curtain. She began playing music at an early age, but the Soviet Union had such a tight grip on art and culture, that she defected to the United States in 1976. Three years later she was signed to Motown with her band, Black Russian. Theirs was the first Russian band signed to a major American label. They released their debut in 1980, but quickly disbanded.

Alain and Natasha’s first project was Walk The Moon. Although Jack Irons had joined RHCP full time, he played drums on the duo’s one and only album. Through the years he would continue to ping pong between the Peppers and Alain and Natasha’s next project, Eleven.

Between 1991 and 2003, Eleven released five albums. The trio always seemed on the cusp of stardom. The Rock cognoscenti embraced Eleven’s sophisticated sound: A blend of soulful harmonies, intricate melodies and instrumental prowess. Although commercial success eluded the band, their peers took notice.

In 1993, Eleven was the opening band at Pearl Jam’s historic concert at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. (Really, the impetus for the Coachella Festival.) Five years later Alain and Natasha produced the solo debut from Chris Cornell, lead singer for Soundgarden. Their deft production revealed the Grunge God’s inner Beatle.

After recording and touring with Cornell, Alain and Natasha became a secret weapon for discerning L.A. musicians. A chance encounter with Josh Homme led to mixing duties for Queens Of The Stone Age’s Rated R album. Suddenly everyone needed Alain’s magic touch.

In the ensuing years his musicianship and his skills behind the boards enhanced albums from No Doubt, Mondo Generator, Mark Lanegan, Masters Of Reality and Eagles Of Death Metal.

When Nick Oliveri left QOTSA, Alain stepped in on bass and Natasha was added on keys. They added their signature sounds to three albums, Lullabies To Paralyze, Over The Years And Through The Woods and Era Vulgaris.

Their success was bittersweet when first Alain’s mom and then Natasha were diagnosed with cancer in 2007. Natasha lost her fight a year later, while Rommi would battle valiantly until the beginning of 2014.

Alain channeled his grief by throwing himself into his work. He produced and played on Brody Dalle’s post-Distillers project, Spinnerette and engineered the Arctic Monkeys third effort, Humbug.

When Josh Homme, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and legendary Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones came together to form the super group Them Crooked Vultures, Alain was an integral part of the production. Following the release of their self-titled debut, TCV went on tour, headlining at the 2010 Coachella. Alain was right there, providing rhythm guitar.

2010 also saw the release of Alain’s solo debut, Spark. Literally a one-man band, he played all the instruments for every track. An overt and oblique tribute to Natasha, it was shot through with moments of beauty and sadness.

In the ensuing years, Alain retreated behind the scenes, working with Mark Lanegan, Brody Dalle and most notably on Dave Grohl’s documentary project, Sound City. Now he has returned with his second solo effort, Fragments and Wholes Vol. 1.

The album’s first for tracks, “All The Way,” “Whispering Fields,” “Saturn Wheel” and “Swan And Crow” offer glimpses of Alain’s musical dexterity. “All The Way Down” is a buoyant Magical Mystery ride. Powered by sugar rush acoustic arpeggios, soaring synths and tumbling drums, the lyrics focus on the fifth of the five stages of grief, “acceptance.”

There’s an understated elegance to “Whispering Fields.” Cloaked in plucked acoustic guitar notes, the yearning to reconnect feels palpable. “She asks to be healed, time has taken all she was/Now a specter that living forgot.”

“Saturn Wheel” dirties up the pretty. Whip-

crack percussion boomerangs through the instrumentation, colliding with Hammer Of The Gods guitar riff-age. Alain rips a scorching solo that is guaranteed to singe eyebrows.

Finally on “Swan And Crow,” filigreed fretwork blends with punishing percussion. The lyrics offer a metaphor for life, equal parts beautiful and cruel.

Natasha’s presence is felt on both “It Is,” and “Pebble Tears.” The former is brief, but piercing. Anchored by a see-saw rhythm and swooping guitar, Alain pledges eternal fealty.

“Don’t you know it’s true, I belong to you/ Don’t you know it’s just how it is.”

The jaunty melody of the latter, propelled by quaver-y guitar and sprightly banjo, belies the lyrics’ loneliness and grief. “The clouds in her eyes will storm his heart again/Memory’s bliss singes and scars with a kiss.”

Despite the inherent sadness, this album is suffused with beauty. “Welcome” is an intoxicating ode to freedom, accented by glassy guitar notes gently weeping. “Petal’s Wish” is propelled by stately synths: A desolate tone poem that echoes the epochal heartbreak of Santo & Johnny’s “Sleepwalk.”

“Where Angels Crawl” is an aching cri de couer. Spare and delicate, it’s just Alain and an amplified acoustic guitar, pondering “the weight of hope.”

Other interesting tracks include the majestic “Kaleidoscope” and the brooding “Jack Of Wands.” The album closes with “Let It Gnaw.” Here Alain’s sepulchral vocals crest over layers of skronky guitar. His solo sparks and pinwheels over the controlled chaos. It’s a combative end to a mostly contemplative record.

Once again, Alain plays all the instruments here. It would be faster to catalog the contents of the Guitar Center, than list the myriad instruments Alain Johannes has mastered.

The album title “Fragments And Wholes” came about because all of these songs began as scraps of melody or skeletal sketches that Alain would record on his phone. He then allowed himself one day to flesh out the each song and record it.

For nearly 30 years, Alain Johannes has been the best kept secret in Rock & Roll. With the release of this album, the cat is out of the bag. His protean talent cannot be ignored. It’s time to spread the word.

The Coachella Valley Art Scene proudly presents A solo exhibition by breakthrough “Manteca Electrica” artist Matthew Nelson. elson is a fabric and graphic design exhibition

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artist originally from Virginia who now resides in Palm Springs. His work ever-so-delicately expresses the intricacy of creating traditional folk art in a modern man’s world.

His fabric art explores ancient art practices while his graphic design work parallels in representing what our modern tools of today are. Topics of his work touch upon pop culture to fine art icons and size of pieces span from small scale to 10ft wide. There is no limit to Nelson’s imagination, no matter the material.

Matthew Nelson is a family man who also is a ska music enthusiast. His Opening Reception is Saturday, December 6th. He also curated a live music show on Saturday, December 13th at The CVAS. All works will be for sale via The Coachella Valley Art Scene’s in-store gallery and online store come December 6, 2014.

Vital Event Info: Who: Matthew Nelson What: “Manteca Electrica” - a solo art

When: Saturday, December 6th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Where: The Coachella Valley Art Scene Address: 68571 East Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City, CA 92234 (Cross Streets: Cathedral Canyon & Buddy Rogers Dr) Age: All Ages

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

Cassie, From Fear to Love!

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he vast majority of dogs adopted from shelters are happy, well adjusted, tail wagging canines, instinctively looking forward to their new lives with optimism. They adjust quickly to their new homes, bond with family members, and are grateful for this second chance. Dogs live in the moment trusting that things will go well.

Then there are those dogs that are fearful, with broken spirits and unloved souls. You can see the sadness in their frozen stares and stiff bodies which are unresponsive to touch. These are the dogs who have suffered massive neglect and abuse. I can tell within minutes if a dog has been abused, and he may communicate the type of abuse suffered with his body language.

The small cream colored terrier was frozen, as if imbedded in the concrete, on a kennel floor at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, our county shelter in Thousand Palms. She was shaking and hyperventilating laboriously. A small black puppy scurried around the cream colored terrier. They were

Precious Pips

Pips longs for a loving home this Christmas under a real tree with some doggie treats in Her stocking. This 2-yr-od Angel in Fur is dog ID#A1150277 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Pl, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

Tabby Treasure

This striking regal fellow is a holiday treasure! Just 6 months old, he promises to liven up your Christmas with fun kitten frolicking. Cat ID#A1153439 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

(760) 343-3644.

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kennelmates in the isolation area in the back of the shelter, labeled “rescue only”. Lindi Biggi and I rescued both dogs for Loving All Animals, vowing they would have a better home the next time.

We named the frightened pup Cassie.

We bathed her stiff shaking body, had her microchipped, and readied her for a foster home. It broke my heart seeing how she continued to tremble.

Foster parent Brigit Hartop recalls, “Cassie entered my home as a shaking, hyperventilating little mound of curly fur, a little soul who first refused to leave her cage. She wouldn’t move or stop panting, and her big brown eyes were constantly glazed over...Soon she began to wag her tail ever so slightly, and wink with her eyes, each time I waved to her or blew a kiss. On the second day, she stopped panting and ate some softened food I placed in front of her.”

Soon, Cassie quietly joined Brigit, tiptoeing carefully, and her eyes began to show emotion and even sparkle. Brigit coaxed her up onto the bed, and she came alive,

up on the couch.

If you would like to be part of a happy ending for a shelter dog like Cassie, contact the Coachella Valley Animal Campus at (760) 343-3644 for their hours and directions.

Head out to the shelter at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms and meet the wonderful animals posted on this page along with hundreds of others. Check out their adoptable dogs and cats at www.rcdas.com.

The modern building is welcoming, unlike the dark dingy shelters of past decades.

Are you feeling lonely or blue during this holiday season? Maybe you lost a beloved family member this past year, and feel like skipping the decorations and festivities.

Why not save a shelter pet and you might end up realizing you are the one who was rescued by a “fur angel”.

running and exploring, experiencing the joy of being a dog.

Ed Marrujo saw Cassie’s photo, heard her story, and saw the potential she had to become a wonderful canine companion.

Ed is pictured here with Cassie, the dog he renamed Emma. He reports, “She’s come a long way since she first arrived. At first Emma wouldn’t cross the threshold to enter the house, or go from room to room, and she would not go up the stairs. Now she follows me everywhere. It’s all a matter of getting a dog to the point of trust so they realize they are loved. They absolutely know whether someone loves them or not.”

Love conquered Cassie’s fears. Just as a dog can fill the hole in a human’s heart, a loving human can heal the wounds in a dog’s soul. Cassie is home at last. Ed reports Cassie is the perfect little dog, enjoying a life filled with long walks, out of town excursions to the dog beach, and quiet evenings curled

Narobi Narobi’s letter to Santa has just one request, a home with a loving family! This 3-yr-old Pit Bull mix girl prefers a home with a fenced in yard for playtime, and special time inside to bond with her humans. Dog ID #A1153442 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, call (760) 343-3644.

December 4 to December 10, 2014

by Rick Riozza

Cold Duck Today--Hot Tamale!

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just can’t believe all the urgency plastered on many of my in-coming emails this week as to what wine to pair and match with the right tamale!

For sure, The Indio International Tamale Festival that is being held this up-coming weekend, December 6-7, 2014 may have something to do with it; but really—it’s a crazy foodie thing to have “to be in the know” as to the most sacred of pairings: that greatest match-up in tamale heaven.

Recently, the Food Network-TV ranked the Indio International Tamale Festival in the top 10 “All-American Food Festivals” in the nation! And I hear that more than 125,000 people will be attending with probably most of them toting a tamale or two. So that’s a lot of tamales being prepared and served.

Of course, any good thinking gourmand, will quickly ask, what’s drinking fine with tamales? André’s Cold Duck Sparkling Wine?!

Ay! Caramba! Well—if the spicy tamale you are eating registers over 300 on the Richter Scale, I say, “Yeah”, drink all you can now!!

(Of course you foodies already know, there’s indeed a “scale” of hot pepper spiciness—those Scoville units assigned to the average chili pepper: New Mexico peppers at 1,000; Jalapeño at 5,000; Serrano at 23,000; Thai at 100,000; Habenero at 350,00; and the valley’s latest craze, the “Ghost Pepper” that clocks in around half a million. I know there’s the Naga Viper and the Trinidadian Scorpion out there that go even way beyond, but anyone preparing tamales with those chilies will become persons of interest—so let’s not go there.)

But, an iced cold beer traditionally downs that stodgy masa stuck in your throat and tapers down the spicy sauced meat, cheese, and/or fruit content. And it’s a cold Mexican beer, of course: Here you are in the Corona Camp squeezing limes, or the Dos Equis enclave with that most envied and interesting Mexican champion of all as your leader, or the

Bohemia bunch, that beer, light, full flavored, slightly bitter, is the best result of a GermanMexican collaboration since Raquel Welch.

To us wine enthusiasts, you no doubt recoiled in disgust when André’s Cold Duck was mentioned (and hiding the shame of when you enjoyed a glass or two back in the day). It was the purple stuff that made housewives giddy at five o’clock back in the 80s. The recipe was based on a sparkling German sweet wine known as “Sekt”. (And I know you readers just can’t wait for my upcoming article titled, “the Joys of Sekts”).

Anyway, the stuff was a cheap high that made for great headaches, thusly, we’re crossing that one off the list.

Entering the progressive year 2015, we know there are now more tamales recipes and versions that we can dream about—or maybe not. I understand that tamales are a fabulous blank canvas for the creative cook’s culinary adventure, but strawberry marshmallow tamales—really?

My wine pairing suggestions for the following traditional tamales are: Cheese and Jalapeno Tamales: Rioja Crianza—it’s the youngest of the aged Riojas, inexpensive but with tasty fruit that matches perfectly with soft cheeses and has its own green note to match the pepper.

Beef Tamale with Red Sauce: California Central Coast Pinot Noir/young light Merlot, or, go the other way with a chilled-up Fino Sherry. The Pinot and Merlot fit like a soft shoe with this tamale. The dry fino Sherry is the sexy choice and puts you at the head of the class.

Pork Salsa Verde Tamale: A MâconVillages or red Malbec. The MaconV is a Chardonnay from Burgundy. The famed Pouilly-Fuissé is very good one with the tamale-salsa combo and you can have fun at the table by mispronouncing the name.

Malbec always goes with leaner-type meats and is a good red wine surprise with pork tamales.

Sweet Tamales: A sweet Oloroso Sherry.

This sweet Sherry adds rich flavors of caramel and cocoa and a holiday nutty note to the dish.

These are pairings in a perfect world.

However, if you only have the time to make a mad dash to the market, by all means, grab

a really chilled bottle of Brut Champagne or a decent dry sparkling wine. Cold, cleansing, bubbly, and satisfying, it’s the go-to drink for the holidays and for hot tamales.

For real wine snobs, party kids and every interested vino lover around, perhaps the quintessential wine to go with the “real hot tamale” is the German Riesling, which include the Kabinett—this can be dry or off dry and goes with everything!; Spatlese for the spicy tamale; and, Auslese for extremely spicy.

German Riesling is amazing with spicy foods because the sugar in the wine helps to counteract the spice. The wine’s fruit flavors are set off by the corn and meat filling of the tamale. The pairing is a beautiful contrast between savory/spicy and sweet. The wine

also has incredible acidity that helps to wash the food off your tongue and refresh the palate.

Now the serious drinking folk among us will no doubt assent to the cold beer—but perhaps only as a chaser: The authentic drink for those Mexicans and Gringos alike, who eat their tamales with an attitude—an agave attitude that is—is Tequila.

Now that everyone seemingly has a Mexican grandma somewhere, while eating her tamales, one might OD on her Mexican Hot Chocolate—which is pretty good.

And lastly, my own mother with her Italian roots, chimes in on this tamale pairing and states, “Dry Lambrusco, is the definitive choice!” Ok—well that settles that.

Buen Provecho!! Salud!

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 4 to December 10, 2014

Club Club Crawler Crawler Nightlife Nightlife

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

­­THUR DECEMBER 4

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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm 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; 760-992-0002 Courtney Chambers 5pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Chad Freeman & Redline 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-

999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Jazz and Supper Club Night 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Arroyo Rogers 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Game Night w/ The Deep Ones 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Kal David Unplugged 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm 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; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 3:305:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 5

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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 Katie Burden 10pm 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 T.B.A. 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 J Patron Presents “Puro Oro Tour” 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 The Hive Minds 9pm 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 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss, Waxy acoustic set and Ideation 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Michael D’Angelo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Chris Houchin 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Radio 60 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Grammatical B, Ted Washington and Bartender’s Bible 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Sharon McKnight’s Twisted X-Mas 5:30pm, The Gand Band’s Tiki Chic Tribute & Fashion Show 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Arnie Vilches and Friends Sidebar 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 T.B.A. 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The Hick Ups CD Release Party w/ Herbert, The Hellions and Big Pig 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 SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 212 Band 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Ron & Peggy “Heart to Heart” 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Tom Kinglyside 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 6 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Frosty 12pm, Fleetmac Wood 10pm 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 T.B.A. 9pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Blu Saturdays 9:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Karaoke 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 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HACIENDA CANTINA BEACH CLUB; PS; 760-778-8954 World Famous Party w/ DJ Alf Alpha 9pm 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 and The Midnight Boys 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Venus Rising 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; 760-3274080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Moot Davis 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Broken Souls 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext230 Sharon McKnight’s Twisted X-Mas 5:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Arnie Vilches and Friends Sidebar 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Ronnie King Music and CV Weekly Present: Desert Reggae Residency w/ Rasun, Vibes Up Strong, Irie Junctions and DJ Journee 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 SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Bonethumpers 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Salsa Night, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Scott Carter 7:30pm

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

The PamperedPalate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 4 to December 10, 2014

By Raymond Bill

Catalan in Rancho Mirage Our server shared with us a few featured items for the evening and we began with a glass of wine. There were several wine selections by the glass, both red and white.

What was unique was that every selection was equal in price. This took much of the guess work out of ordering. It was easy to decide which varietal would best suit each course without the distraction of prices.

We ordered an appetizer to share. Chef’s Mixed Tapa Plate offers a choice of three small plates to be prepared together for sharing. This was perfect since we could not decide on just one appetizer. Shortly after our order, we received a combination plate

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that would include Piquillo peppers, roasted and stuffed with creamy goat cheese, tender shrimp sautéed in a bold garlic oil, and three crisp fish cakes with a zesty smoked chili aioli and pickled vegetables. The dish was one of a kind and we were excited for our main course.

Though we passed on a salad course, we would not leave hungry. For the main course, my guest would have the Pan Seared Eastern Diver Scallops. These four scallops were perfectly seared and accompanied by a velvety smooth butternut squash puree, shaved endive and a smoky vinaigrette. The dish was colorful and beautifully plated. It was impressive but not quite as delectable as my entrée.

Placed before me was the best veal dish one will find in the desert. That is my guarantee, so long as it is prepared to perfection as it was for me this past week. The Grilled Veal Skirt Steak was seared to a perfect medium and bursting with flavor. It was presented coiled and topped with shaved Brussels sprouts with a smoked bacon and tomato jam, all over a creamy cauliflower puree, finished with a salsa verde. Oh my, was that incredible! The quality of flavor and presentation was superb!

Not only did we enjoy an amazing entrée, our server was engaging and attentive. We were truly receiving the full experience.

We finished our meal with some homemade Limoncello that I would argue is better than the finest Italian restaurants in our valley, and I say this having worked at a few of them. A six month process, the house made Limoncello is a perfect digestif and introduction to our dessert. Upon recommendation, not that we needed it as this selection certainly stood out, we ordered the Apple and Fresh Berry Empenadas. The warm crispy dough and the sweet filling were a match made in heaven. These little bites were the perfect end to a perfect meal.

Catalan is located in Rancho Mirage on Restaurant Row on Hwy 111. The father and son duo behind this successful restaurant have a passion for providing true farm to table dining. The menu is fresh and ever changing to accommodate seasonal ingredients. The staff is warm and welcoming, bright with smiles that say, “we love what we do” and it shows. I definitely recommend everyone visit www.catalanrestaurant.com and view their menu and read their story. You will be inspired to try some of the best Mediterranean food in our valley!

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s often as I dine out in the desert, I still manage to find many restaurants that I have yet to visit. As the season is upon us, I am making every effort to check them all off my list. This week, I finally made it to Catalan Restaurant with a dear friend of mine and we were so impressed, we are already planning our return. There are so many intriguing selections on the menu that it may take several meals until I can try them all.

Catalan boasts authentic Mediterranean cuisine with most notable influences of Italy and Spain. As we entered the restaurant, the décor reflected the menu in color and style.

The European feel carried over to the central courtyard and we immediately felt swept away from the busy streets of the Coachella Valley to enjoy a night abroad.

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

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SWEET ANTICIPATION

his time of year is wonderful for movies lovers. We get some of the very best of cinema’s potent magic to explore issues and stories both intimate and universal. Whether comic, tragic or fantastical, the quality and craftsmanship in all areas is often of the highest caliber.

Consider these recommended December treats.

FOXCATCHER loss of her marriage and death of her mom by trekking the thousand plus mile Pacific Crest Trail. Alone. It’s a crazy, sometimes terrifying but ultimately healing journey.

INHERENT VICE

Steve Carrell is unrecognizable as unbalanced, obsessed, insecure but wealthy madman John Du Pont who seeks acceptance from his mom by attempting to coach a vulnerable wrestler (Channing Tatum) into a world champ. A true, psychological crime thriller of the highest order. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or. THE IMITATION GAME

A great cast enlivens Paul Thomas Anderson’s seventh feature that’s also the first film adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel. Set in late 60’s and early 70’s LA, it’s about drug addled detective “Doc” Sportello’s twisty investigation of an exgirlfriend and her billionaire boyfriend.

It’s can also be accurately described as a psychedelic surf noir time trip to an era that is mostly remembered in a haze. Can’t wait for this one.

Screeners No.141

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (EXTENDED)

let’s us see the personal price paid for being a superbly skilled messenger of death, who believed he was fighting evil in what we now widely consider an unnecessary war. Cooper is astonishing as Kyle in this heart-breaking, non-political film that hints at the deep ambiguity of American valor. Eastwood and Cooper will likely be nominated for Oscars.

UNBROKEN Angelina Jolie directs and produces this incredible drama about Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who survives a horrific WWII plane crash in the Pacific for 47 days in a raft only to be caught by the Japanese who imprison and torture him. A different kind of American war than Chris Kyle, Zamperpini’s story is about survival, forgiveness and ultimately redemption. Oscar buzz abounds.

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

MR. TURNER The extraordinary visual wizardry infuses director Ridley Scott’s reboot of the Biblical epic that just won’t go away. An at times unsettling contemporary sensibility informs the characters, especially Christian Bale’s Moses. But it’s the undeniably jaw-dropping grand design that is the biggest draw for this highly anticipated film.

Benedict Cumberbatch is WWII hero Alan Turning in this “fact-based” account of the homosexual genius who cracked the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s Enigma Machine but was arrested in 1952 for “gross indecency.” Although the film is kind of loose with the actual historical facts, the story of this complex man’s private drama makes it Cumberbatch’s game all the way. And that alone makes it worth seeing.

WILD Reese Witherspoon further sheds her exhausted romcom image in director JeanMarc Vallée’s emotional adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s powerful autobiography.

After years of reckless behavior, Cheryl (Witherspoon) comes to terms with the

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Mike Leigh’s already acclaimed biopic of British artist J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) and his times has earned actor Timothy Spall a Best Actor award in Cannes. The film covers the last 25 years of the renowned eccentric’s creative life and difficult loves. Turner once had himself strapped to the mast of a ship so he could better paint a snowstorm. He was loved and hated by the public for his magnificent paintings and his bawdy, anarchic life. Leigh is widely assumed to be on the Oscar road.

AMERICAN SNIPER Bradley Cooper bulks up with almost 50 pounds of muscle to portray U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American history. Director Clint Eastwood

Peter Jackson’s massive adaptation of Tolkien’s beloved mythic fantasy adventure always gets a bigger home theater version just prior to the next theatrical release of the series. With the final chapter of THE HOBBIT looming, the extended edit is already a huge hit for home viewers everywhere. Running at least 25 minutes longer -- for a total of nearly three hours -- the fun of dwelling in the richly realized fantasy world is the real attraction here.

Bilbo Baggins continues his journey with wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on the grueling quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. The little company travels East, encountering skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant spiders in the deadly forest of Mirkwood.

After escaping capture by the deadly Woodelves, the Dwarves trek to Lake-town, and to the Lonely Mountain where they face the greatest danger of all that will test their courage, friendship and wisdom. And the Dragon Smaug.

At least nine hours of terrific extras and a fulsome director/writer commentary, further flesh out this state-of-the-art home video. A 3D version adds an almost too uncanny verisimilitude to the flow of already astonishing images. Submitting to this longer version only primes the pump for the December 17 release of THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES, which is expected to conquer the world with its almost unimaginable scale. Jackson is a cinemagician of the highest order and this title is one for the digital library. Lionsgate.

Blu-ray/3D. robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 4 to December 10, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

The Lure of the Dark Continent

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new world has emerged since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the Great Recession. These events have not only impacted the US but also the world. African countries have become destabilized and some have fallen into chaos. In Denis Johnson’s The Laughing Monsters (Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, 228 pages), two men make the most of the Dark Continent.

Roland Nair, a Danish American, is on a mission. His day job is intelligence for NATO. He is a Captain in the Danish military but travels with an American passport. He is heading back to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to meet up with Michael Adriko, an old friend and soldier of fortune.

A decade earlier, Roland and Michael made a killing on the African continent by exploiting the madness of the civil wars.

They made money and trouble, enjoying every moment.

A charming and handsome guy, Michael was born on the Uganda/Congo border – he thinks. His parents, siblings and tribe were all killed. His past unclear, Warlords might have raised him and missionaries might have saved him. But for the last several years, Michael has been in the US Army

The laughing Monsters

By Dennis Johnson Fiction serving as an instructor in hand-to-hand combat and guerilla warfare.

But when the US Army failed to give Michael a promised citizenship, rank and money, he went AWOL. Not only did he leave the army, he took Davidia, the commanding officer’s beautiful daughter with him.

When Roland meets up with Michael, it’s like old times. Michael has a big plan to make quick money. But Michael claims his real purpose is to marry Davidia. He wants a tribal wedding in the presence of his kin and Roland. Davidia seems game for

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the adventure. Roland doesn’t believe it because Davidia is his fifth fiancée.

Things have changed in Freetown. The quality of life has deteriorated: electricity is intermittent and a wireless connection is rare. Old intelligence officers and shady characters roam the bars looking for information and moneymaking schemes.

Roland is at home with the conniving crowd. His intentions are certainly not pure. Besides aiding in Michael’s plan, he has a plan of his own. He wants to sell information about America’s secret global communication centers to the highest bidder – the Chinese. His NATO mission is to find out and report on Michael’s plan, but Roland chooses to ignore his superiors.

The three travel across Africa. It is an arduous journey: They fly in an old Russian transport plane; steal a UN vehicle and sneak around border check points. Davidia loses respect (and love) for Michael after he runs down a woman on the road and won’t go back because “It’s Africa.” As they make their way to Michael’s village, there are shootings, fistfights and explosions.

They are chased down, imprisoned and interrogated.

Davidia’s father comes to her rescue.

Michael eludes capture and Roland escapes.

But Roland won’t leave the area without his pal Michael – besides, it is his mission to notify authorities of Michael’s dubious intentions (he’s trying to sell uranium.)

Roland finds Michael hiding out in the village of his relatives – or what Michael thinks are his relatives. But they are all crazy. The tribe’s queen is hideous and lives in a tree. Their water supply is polluted with toxins from the exploitation of their land for minerals by foreign mining companies.

The water has poisoned the people of the New Water Mountains making them look grotesque and go insane. Locals describe it as the place of “laughing monsters.”

Even the missionaries are leaving the God forsaken region.

With the aid of American missionaries, Roland and Michael get out of the area and make it back to Freeland where they complete their transactions, make some

cash and consider what African country they should go to next.

The one thing Roland and Michael know is that Africa is a new frontier filled with nefarious opportunities ripe for exploitation.

That is, as long as you can survive. But they welcome the challenge.

The Laughing Monsters is about a world gone mad. It is filled with flawed and questionable characters who want to be in control and discover they thrive in the chaos they generate. Roland and Michael certainly are not heroes. Nor are they particularly likeable, but each has a tainted charisma. It may be the singular quality that keeps them alive in their self-made hostile playground.

Author Johnson does not hold back in his descriptions of people or places. The world is filthy and smelly. It is corrupted beyond repair. There is more bad than good, more sorrow than happiness and more shame than pride. These narcissistic men give the reader a look at the countries that allow Roland and Michael to prosper. It is a world where the weak, the innocent and the earth are exploited and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

This novel is not a spy thriller; rather, it is about the thrill of embracing life where there is no hope. Roland and Michael only operate like they do because the world lets them. They would make fantastic heroes if the world wanted heroes – but it doesn’t.

Johnson is a genius when it comes to creating characters. Roland and Michael are colorful and memorable. And the pages have interesting ideas about the condition of the world and the role of mankind in its care and keeping. Don’t look for a perfect plot or a tidy narrative. The Laughing Monsters is about men behaving badly and those who do nothing to stop them. So, if you can’t be a hero, why not be a villain?

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December 4 to December 10, 2014 continued from page 19 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN DECEMBER 7 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ Matt Harris 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; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside, Mix 100.5 Acoustic Palooza 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, 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; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND

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COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Smooth Brothers THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Michael Bolivar 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON DECEMBER 8 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 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 PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Spencer Day 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi

Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE DECEMBER 9 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.; 760-202-1111 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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 4080 Acoustic & Electric Guitar Challenge sign up at 7pm, Show at 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The David Ring Duo 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Marty Lloyd ( Freddy Jones Band ) and Scott “Kooze” ( Gin Blossoms ) 6-8pm Open Mic 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Andrea Marcovicci 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED DECEMBER 10 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Carr AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:3012:30am HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Shine” Karaoke 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm

December 4 to December 10, 2014

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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; 760-288-1199 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 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Open Mic w/ Esjay Jones, Sidebar 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted Kilt’s Open Mic Competition hosted by Morgan James 8pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 T.B.A. 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-8744 Chris Houchin 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6pm

California Woman 411 with your host Dee Jae Cox

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

760-404-6325 ‘Talking to women who lead and inspire’ Saturday’s from 10 – 11 a.m.

KPTR 1450 AM Palm Springs, CA California

CA-WMN-411

(760) 340-2840 www.triabike.com

www.CaliforniaWoman411.com

Produced by The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project:

www.lawtp.org www.californiawoman411.com

24

Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 - 5pm 44841 San Pablo (West Side of Street), Palm Desert, CA 92260

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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the palm springs Local

Our Lady of Solitude

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truly believe that there is somewhere that everyone goes to re-group, rethink, re-charge, let go and let be.

For some, it may be a stroll in a park or a garden, or a long drive might do the trick. I personally take a short trip to Palm Springs and release myself to Our Lady of Solitude Church. It is not something that I schedule out, which makes it so special, because it is always there for me, waiting to help and encourage. It is my sanctuary.

Perhaps it is the old world smell that exudes from the walls of the church, reminding me of the grand cathedrals that I used to visit in Europe…maybe that’s what draws me to this quaint little church in Palm Springs. Or maybe it’s just the quiet temperament that embodies the church that attracts me, how it is never in a hurry, exempt from the blind rush of life around it.

Whatever the reason is, I am grateful for the churches existence and a place that I can be calm.

Our Lady of Solitude Church is a Class 1 Historical Site and located on West Alejo Road near the heart of downtown. It has serious historical significance in Palm Springs as it is one of the first Catholic Churches built in the city. The church was started by Father Philip LaVies in 1926 and finally completed in 1930 through the fundraising efforts of other religious leaders and religious minded citizens.

It amazes me that the church has been around for over eighty years, and even more amazing is the growth that has happened around it.

For the past eighty years plus, the faithful have been flocking to the church for help with their illnesses, finances, their souls,

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By Denise Ortuno Neil

Local Business

Fulvio’s Foods

by kira golden

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their lives and those of their families and friends. There has been countless weddings, baptisms and funerals (Liberace’s memorial took place there in 1987) that have taken place in the church. The comfortable silence of the church is inviting, and the ghostly memories of those who have prayed before only add to the antiquity of the ambience.

Today the church holds Mass regularly in English and Spanish, with special holiday services. It is old school to the core, complete with confessionals and Votive Candles.

I don’t remember when I first started going to the church, and I did experience some hesitation in writing about it: Kind of like telling people about your favorite restaurant and then not being able to get a table because of its new found popularity.

But I believe that Our Lady of Solitude Church is a very special place and deserves to be shared….I’m sure that I will still find some space on a pew.

Please note that my praise of this church comes without any religious recruitment in mind. But it really doesn’t matter what you choose to believe in the religious or non-religious realm…upon entering the church you will feel an undeniable feeling of something bigger, a feeling of history and the belief that you have found a true Palm Springs treasure.

Our Lady of Solitude Church is located at 151 West Alejo Road in Palm Springs. Call 760-325-3816 for Mass times.

atrick Evans has been the Chief Meteorologist for CBS Local News here in the desert for the last twelve years. But last year, he decided to turn his family hobby--making sausage--into a business. “I grew up in an Italian household, and this was something my father and I did together and something he and his father did together,” Evans explained over the phone last week. “When I moved here to the desert, I was actually auctioned off as a guest chef and I had to cater a gig for around ten or twelve people. I chose to do some of my traditional family recipes, and the Italian sausage, which I make myself. And everyone was like, ‘Wow, this is fantastic! Where did you get the sausage?’ And I said, ‘Well...I make it.’ And they said, ‘You know, you really have to sell this.’”

Apparently, he and his father, Fulvio Antonio “Tony” Iachetta, had talked about doing just that years prior. After some deliberation, Evans decided to track down the means to mass produce his family’s recipes. “We found somebody in the business, called a co-packer--somebody who can make sausage, but who will make your sausage to your specifications,” Evans said, which resulted in the first batch of Fulvio’s Foods Italian Sausage--named for his father--at the beginning of this year. “I select what cuts of pork go into my sausage, I select the spices.” Evans went on to explain the process. “You take your home recipe and you break it down into a 1 lb batch of sausage and you figure out the amount of each spice, down to the gram, everything that goes into it, and break it down so you have a stable recipe. And now, they can make it in about 800 lb batches. The company is located in Orange County, and they have my proprietary recipes, and I call, tell them how much I need, and four days later, it’s ready.”

Currently, Fulvio’s Foods has two varieties of Italian Sausage on the market, a mild and a spicy--both very traditional Italian recipes, with no fillers or preservatives and allnatural ingredients, Evans assured me, but he also said they are working on a couple other flavor profiles that can be expected sometime next year. There are about 25 different restaurants in the Coachella Valley who are incorporating his sausage into their menu. Among those are Babe’s BBQ & Brew

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

THE BEST CREDIT CARDS

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ith the holidays upon us, more people are using their credit cards than any other time of

House, the La Quinta Cliffhouse, and Sirocco inside of the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells. There are also a few retail locations, where people can buy the sausage by the pound and take it home, such as The Deli on Miles in Indio and The Real Italian Deli in Palm Desert, which, Evans informed me, will be opening a second location in Palm Springs this very week.

When asked if there were any plans to expand beyond the Coachella Valley, Evans was enthusiastic. “We’re talking with a couple of different distribution companies.... The companies I’m talking to have a presence, not just in Riverside County, but also in San Diego, Orange, and LA counties. Over the next six months, I’d like to make this much more of a regional product. It’s very local right now. I’d like to build on the success we have.” Evans went on to say that given how much the chef at Sirocco, which is owned by Marriott, loves the product--they make three different dishes featuring the sausage, moving about 50 lbs per week--he hopes that having his foot in the door in such a global company will open up opportunities for further expansion as well.

For more information and for a full list of where you can enjoy or purchase Fulvio’s Foods Italian Sausage, visit the company’s website at www.fulviosfoods.com.

the year.

Which is the best credit card for you?

While I’m not a fan of the cash back cards that rotate from category to category and require the user to sign-up for the enhanced cash back rewards, the Discover it Card is the best in this category. With the highest customer satisfaction scores as ranked by JD Power, the Discover it Card has a 0% introductory rate and up to 5% cash back for the first three months.

Citibank has the Double Cash Card where you earn 1% cash back on each purchase and another 1% cash back when you make payments. With no annual fee, carrying balances can be expensive with an interest rate that can be as high as 22.99%.

College students looking to build credit might want to consider the Discover it Card for Students. What is nice about this card is that it has no annual or overlimit fees.

The first late payment does not incur a late payment fee and will not result in an

interest rate increase. The card has 5% cash back on some online purchases as well as a free FICO Credit Score which is a great way to keep track of your credit condition which will be important when buying a car or home.

Seniors have a great credit card available through AARP. Called the AARP Rewards Card and issued by Chase, the cardholder gets 3% cash back at restaurants and gas stations and 1% cash back everywhere else.

All new purchases are protected against damage or theft for 120 days while many purchases can be returned for up to 90 days.

The best travel rewards card goes to Capital One and its Venture Rewards Card.

You get the equivalent of $400 for travel rewards so long as you spend $3,000 in the

first three months. After that, you earn 2 miles for every $1 spent. Miles don’t expire, there are no expiration dates and the miles can be used with any airline. While the first year has no annual fee, there is a $59 fee in subsequent years.

If you own a business, consider using Chase Bank’s Ink Cash Business Card. When you sign up for this card, you receive $200 in cash back points that can be used to pay for purchases so long as you spend $3,000 during the first three months that you hold the card. Additionally, you earn 5% or up to $1,250 on office supplies, cable and telecom services and 2% on gas and restaurant purchases. Other benefits include warranty extensions on purchases, no annual fee and a 13.24% interest rate.

One of my favorite cards is the Barclaycard Apple Card where you get a $25 iTunes Card every time you spend no more than $2,500. I personally use this to pay for my Hulu, Netflix and Spotify accounts.

For people with bad credit, the Credit One Gas Rewards Card has an interest rate of no more that 23.9% and 1% cash back on gas purchases. Primor has a secured VISA card with a 9.99% rate.

December 4 to December 10, 2014

The most exclusive credit card in the world is the invitation only, American Express Centurion Card. The card itself is made of titanium. To get this, you must charge at least $250,000 annually and pay a first year fee of $5,000 and $2,500 in subsequent years. Perks include a 24 hour phone concierge, flight upgrades, complimentary airfare tickets for companions, complimentary hotel rooms as well as the ability to have a high-end luxury store shut down and be open to only you so that you can shop in privacy.

Dale Gribow On The Law Did You Blow It Over The Holidays?

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ith holiday parties looming, many of you may have already been stopped and offered a breath or blood test while returning from dinner or a party. IF you took a breath test and BLEW and did not follow my suggestion of a Blood test you may have a challenging DUI case pending.

I have discussed DUI’s and the need for education so that everyone realizes it is not the number of drinks consumed. It is the amount of alcohol in the drinks. If you are stopped and you have consumed more than two drinks of alcohol when stopped, you should be courteous and explain to the officer “that upon the advice of my attorney, Dale Gribow, I exercise my right to remain silent until you call him at (760) 837-7500 and he Okays it (Of course they will not call me). My attorney has advised me that the VOLUNTARY FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS AND BREATH TESTS at the scene are OPTIONAL (unless I am on probation). Thus I elect not to take them. I want to cooperate and am happy to take a BLOOD TEST”.

Though I am sometimes referred to as a criminal defense lawyer, I choose to not view my DUI clients as “criminals”. I prefer to view them, and more importantly to treat, them as good, honest people that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation and not treat them as criminals, but rather someone that screwed up.

I look upon my job as protecting the

Constitutional rights of every American who drinks and drives and thereafter gets arrested for Drunk Driving. I change “hats” when as a lawyer I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages on behalf of my clients.

If you drink and drive you are not making an intelligent decision. If you then don’t know what you should do when you are stopped for a possible DUI, you are screwing up again.

IF you then hire an attorney from out town you have hit the Trifecta. They do not know the local DMV Hearing Officers, the DA’s and the Judges. On top of that, if you do not take down your social media you hit the Trifecta with a star. The DA’s investigators will use this information to learn about you, your friends and your drinking issues.

The issues presented by a DUI are confusing to the uninitiated. An arrest kicks in two separate proceedings with the court and DMV. One does not affect the other.

DMV suspends your license for 4 months.

However, after a 30 day suspension, you can get a Restricted License by filing an SR22 showing you are insured, pay a reissuance fee and show proof of enrollment in a DUI class. If not requested your license is gone for 4 months.

In order to save your Driver’s License you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days.

Go to DMV and request a DMV Identification Card as your CDL was taken during the STOP and SNATCH. While at DMV get a record printout for $6 that you show the Riverside

County Drinking Driving Program if/when you are ordered to attend a DUI class.

DMV is not as organized as one would expect. Do not rely on a telephone call alone when you request the hearing. DMV employees will say you will be contacted later but that often does not happen and then it is too late and they claim there is no record of your requesting a hearing. When we request your hearing, we ask for a STAY which freezes the 4 month suspension that occurs 30 days after the citation/arrest. Then we send a letter to DMV memorializing our request and you receive a Temporary License.

The 10 days starts from the date of the stop and includes weekends. The issuance date is on the Pink Order of Suspension/Temporary Driver’s License Endorsement which is the Administrative Per Se form. The DMV hearing is an administrative per se hearing where you are technically presumed guilty unless you can prove the contrary.

If you have a few drinks and are stopped, remember that Cops and DA’s are not your

friends. No matter what they tell you, they are just trying to make a case and doing their job. If you are stopped and arrested do yourself a favor and do not talk to anyone and call a lawyer.

Since my legal radio show, I have preached that People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan. Hopefully this article will allow you to intelligently plan for the worst and NOT BLOW IT! During the Holidays DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME! Dale Gribow has been selected every year as a “TOP LAWYER” by Palm Springs Life, and is also AVVO PEER rated SUPERB by fellow attorneys. Gribow has been named Man of the Year 7 times by both The City of Hope and the City of Palm Desert.

For more than 30 years, Dale Gribow Attorney at Law has been committed to protecting client’s civil and constitutional rights. Regardless of whether the matter concerns a Serious Accident, DUI, Business, Real Estate or Estate Planning issue every case is diligently handled with the utmost of respect and care. The Gribow firm offers clients decades of experience and success, thus making Gribow the attorney of choice for thousands of clients.

To contact Dale 760 837 7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Slippery When Wet!

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he roads are slippery from much needed rain, which means you could slide more if you brake too quickly. Over time, engine oil and other substances build up on streets, and when rainwater gets added to the mix, a very slippery combination results.

Always give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. There’s also a chance that you could get water in your brakes, which will cause them to lose their stopping power. Never rush when it’s raining heavily: accidents are even more likely when weather conditions are poor.

Even if it’s only lightly sprinkling, your headlights will help you see the road better.

Having your headlights on allows other drivers to see you.

Staying away from standing water (like large puddles) is the best-case scenario, but if you approach it on the roadway and must drive through it, be sure you slow down. If you don’t, you risk hydroplaning and losing control of your car. Passing through deep water could spell trouble for your car’s engine and brakes.

If you can stay off the road, do so.

There’s no sense risking an accident if you don’t have to.

Have your mechanic check your windshield wipers, brakes and tires.

Did I mention stay off the cell phone?

Get off it and exercise good common sense at all times!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

sharekitchen

Want to Start a Food Business?

H

ave you ever wanted to see what we do at ShareKitchen or start your own food business? Come join us on Monday, December 8th from 6pm to 7:30pm to learn what it takes to start or grow a food business. At this monthly event, you will learn the steps necessary to get your business off the ground in 2015. Our team of experts can help you take your idea and turn it into reality. Reserve your seat for this important workshop online at www.ShareKitchen.org.

Ever Wonder What Makes for a Successful Entrepreneur?

The Potential of Women Entrepreneurs is a networking event coming to ShareKitchen on Thursday, December 11th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Hosted by the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC), the evening will give you a chance to meet many of CVWBC’s favorite speakers and

entrepreneurs. Starting with hor d’oeuvres and refreshments, Debbie Frazer and a panel of entrepreneurs will start a conversation on what motivates some women to succeed, what helped each find success and what keeps each on top once success has been attained. To reserve your seat, call 760-3459200 or register online at www.CVWBC.org.

The evening is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Cal State University - San Bernardino and ShareKitchen.

Are You Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience?

If you are looking for something unique to do with friends and family this holiday season, sign-up for a PS Underground dinner.

As highlighted on CNN, this wandering supper club combines theatre, art and great food in a one-of-a-kind evening that you will not find anywhere else. Their current offering is “Light - An Avart Garde Dining Experience.” To purchase seats, go to www.LightPS.net.

Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Maria M. Miranda

THE TWELVE SITES OF SOCIAL SECURITY

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ack by popular demand is our holiday favorite, “The Twelve Sites of Social Security.” It’s inspired by the popular traditional holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a holiday favorite since 1780. Play it again, Santa!

For the first site of Social Security, we give to you: our home page, www.socialsecurity. gov. It’s the place to go for all things Social Security. Everything you could want— from online services and benefit screening tools to publications and frequently asked questions—you can find easily on this site.

For the second site of Social Security, we give to you: answers to all of your Social Security related questions at our Frequently Asked Questions page at socialsecurity.gov/faq.

December 4 to December 10, 2014

For the third site of Social Security, we give to you: an easy way to learn how to replace your Social Security card at socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

For the fourth site of Social Security, we give to you: an online application for retirement benefits that you can complete and submit in as little as 15 minutes, at socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire.

For the fifth site of Social Security, we give to you: five estimates of your future Social Security benefits! Or one, or as many estimates as you would like using different scenarios. Get instant, personalized estimates of your future benefits at socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

For the sixth site of Social Security, we give to you: a convenient way to apply for disability benefits at socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.

For the seventh site of Social Security, we give to you: an online application for Medicare that you can complete in as little as 10 minutes, at socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

For the eighth site of Social Security, we give to you: Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. You can learn more and apply online at socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

sports

For the ninth site of Social Security, we give to you: our convenient publication library with online booklets and pamphlets on numerous subjects at socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

For the tenth site of Social Security, we give to you: services for people who are currently receiving benefits, such as the ability to replace your Medicare card, request a proof of benefits letter, or check your Social Security information or benefits.

You can do these and other things at socialsecurity.gov/pgm/getserviceschange.htm.

For the eleventh site of Social Security, we give to you: a way to get your Social Security forms online at socialsecurity.gov/online.

On the twelfth site of Social Security, (and

we saved the best for last): open your own personal my Social Security account, which will enable you to verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain instant benefit verification letters, update your Social Security information, and more at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

And a partridge in a pear tree. Find it all (except the partridge and pear tree) at socialsecurity.gov or simply ssa.gov.

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

by Flint Wheeler

Patriots vs Packers pre-quill to a Super Bowl..

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ow in the world could this have been the first Brady vs. Rodgers battle?

What was billed as a Heavy Weight bout, turned out to be just that when the Packers pulled out a close victory on Frozen Lambuea Field. If not for a Gronk nearmiss, late touchdown catch the result could have easily gone the other way.

A closer look into the connection and chemistry of these two locker rooms only magnifies the anticipation of these two teams meeting again in the post season with far more then bragging rights on the line.

Belichick is the NFL’s version of a mad scientist, a strategist who’s willing to overhaul his game plan from week to week, in part because he has quarterback Tom Brady to anchor the offense and enough mix-andmatch defenders to play a variety of schemes.

McCarthy, too, has proved plenty adaptable during his nine seasons in charge at Green Bay. But his coaching philosophy was formed early in his career, and with Aaron Rodgers, an equally smart, adaptable and accurate quarterback in his corner, he’s more likely to take a nip-and-tuck approach to change rather than a face-lift.

McCarthy learned the virtue of patience nearly 30 years ago, as a skilled but undersized Pittsburgh prep star looking to play tight end in college. He wound up at tiny

Baker University (enrollment: 3,200 students) outside of Kansas City, a football powerhouse in NAIA play. What McCarthy didn’t know at the time was that the Wildcats’ dominance was built on an option running game.

“It could be third-and-15, third-and-16, third-and-whatever and we’d almost always run. Poor Mike,” said Scott Rampy, who played quarterback at Baker during McCarthy’s time there and remains a good friend. “I’m pretty sure he wound up blocking a lot more than he ever imagined.”

“That’s not what they told me before I went there,” McCarthy recalled with a chuckle Wednesday. “That’s good recruiting.”

It turned out to be, though, since in addition to patience, Baker is where McCarthy first became a student of the game.

He learned the value of preparation from the late Charlie Richard, a Hall of Fame coach.

But his first real hands-on experience came when then-assistant Dan Harris turned over responsibility for the line calls to McCarthy in his senior year.

“That was the first sign of his coaching potential,” Harris said. “He began to analyze the game in more detail.”

Both Harris and Rampy said McCarthy was an instant hit at Baker, regaling the mostly small-town recruits with tales of the big city, showing the kind of leadership that got him

elected captain his last two seasons. The Wildcats finished second and fourth in the NAIA playoffs, but those around him sensed McCarthy’s football days were just beginning “After graduation, we worked to get Mike a graduate assistantship in college and the rest,” Harris said, “is history.”

Not quite. McCarthy went from Baker to Fort Hays State and coached linebackers there. After two years seeing the game from the other side of the ball, he went back on offense at Pitt under Coach Mike Gottfried and quarterback guru Paul Hackett. Stints as an NFL assistant in Kansas City, Green Bay, New Orleans and San Francisco followed before McCarthy returned to Green Bay as the boss in 2006.

Given the chance to draw up his own game plans, McCarthy went back to his Baker roots.

“The way Charlie Richard went about a football game ... one thing you knew when you stepped on a field, you were extremely confident,” McCarthy said. “You felt like you were better prepared than your opponent.

Charlie was an aggressive, offensive play-

caller, because not only did we have our bread-and-butter option package, there were always deceptions and big-play opportunities that he would create.”

Preparing for a Belichick-coached team is particularly tricky, as New England’s seven straight wins attest. The three-time Super Bowl winner found a way to disarm such luminaries as Denver’s Peyton Manning and Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck during the run, and would love to shut down Rodgers for the trifecta.

Belichick won both previous meetings and while he and McCarthy approach the game differently, there are some important similarities.

Asked to compare the two quarterbacks early in the week, Belichick replied tersely, “They both wear No. 12,” before ending his session with the media. I predict a Belicheck/ McCarthy rematch for this year’s Super bowl.

Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic.

PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760409-4612 flintwheeler.com

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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Health&Fitness

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By Denise Ortuno Neil

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kincare is important for all us, men and women alike. We spend untold amounts on products every year, hoping that they will provide the desired effect. But most times, the product is a disappointment, and we are left with a graveyard of bottles, jars and tubes in our midst. But Lisa Alexander, creator of LAFACE skincare, has worked hard to address these concerns and has come up with a product line with a 95% reorder rate….and it is available here in the Coachella Valley exclusively at the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs.

Alexander started creating the LAFACE skincare line nine years ago. She worked with leading scientists to develop a product that utilizes all natural ingredients with cutting edge technology, a serious approach in the natural and organic arena. LAFACE products are free of harsh chemicals and animal based products. They are also vegan, hypoallergenic and never tested on animals.

The products have active ingredients such as peptides, hydrolyzed collagen and plant apple stem cells, just to scratch the surface. “We don’t skimp on the quality of our ingredients,” said Alexander. The result has been a product line that has surpassed mainstream lines, exceeding customer expectation, “Everyone who tries LAFACE stays with LAFACE,” said Alexander. And the 95% reorder rate is proof that they do.

Alexander comes from a long line of California agriculturalists, and understands that it takes time to cultivate a healthy crop, a work ethic that she integrated in creating her skincare line. She has also been a fashion designer and model…always being surrounded by the beauty scene.

Robert Seivel, SpaTerre Director at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa has been enormously pleased with LAFACE products, and is the only spa in the Coachella Valley that carries the luxurious line. “He has been loyal to our line,” said Alexander. SpaTerre even integrates LAFACE products into some of their services.

Alexander explains that one of Seivel’s

favorite products is the Hydrating and Purifying Serum. The serum stimulates the skins own natural hydrators and works against acne, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Revealing an even toned, youthful, balanced complexion. The serum contains Japanese time-released vitamin C. Another one of the stars of the line is the C-Cell Regeneration Serum. It is aggressive in battling fine lines and wrinkles. “It produces instant fabulous skin,” said Alexander.

The LAFACE skincare line has other outstanding products, from an astonishing cleanser, to eye cream. The line offers products for women and men.

LAFACE product line has accumulated many accolades and has been featured in product praising articles in the New York Times and Marie Claire, among other publications.

Alexander plans on expanding her line to different areas in the Coachella Valley in the future, but for now the products can only be found at the SpaTerre spa at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, and of course online.

With a myriad of skincare lines on the market, it is refreshing to have one that actually works, to no longer be swimming in a sea of bottles and jars. But to come to shore with beautiful skin…putting our best LAFACE forward.

For more information and to order product visit www.lafacelaboratories.com For a the Riviera SpaTerre in Palm Springs visit www.psriviera.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of December 4

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The National Science Foundation estimates that we each think at least 12,000 thoughts per day. The vast majority of them, however, are reruns of impressions that have passed through our minds many times before. But I am pleased to report that in the coming weeks, you Aries folks are primed to be far less repetitive than normal. You have the potential to churn out a profusion of original ideas, fresh perceptions, novel fantasies, and pertinent questions. Take full advantage of this opportunity. Brainstorm like a genius.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I enjoy getting spam emails with outrageous declarations that are at odds with common sense. “Eating salads makes you sick” is one of my favorites, along with “Water is worse for you than vodka” and “Smoking is healthier than exercising.” Why do I love reading these laughable claims? Well, they remind me that every day I am barraged by nonsense and delusion from the news media, the Internet, politicians, celebrities, and a host of fanatics. “Smoking is healthier than exercising” is just a more extreme and obvious lie than many others that are better disguised. The moral of the story for you in the coming week: Be alert for exaggerations that clue you in to what’s going on discreetly below the surface. Watch carefully for glitches in the Matrix.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Every one of us, including me, has blind spots about the arts of intimacy and collaboration. Every one of us suffers from unconscious habits that interfere with our ability to get and give the love we want. What are your bind spots and unconscious habits, Gemini.

Ha! Trick question! They wouldn’t be blind spots and unconscious habits if you already knew about them. That’s the bad news. The good news is that in the next six weeks you can catch glimpses of these blocks, and make a good start toward reducing their power to distort your relationships.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Now and then, it is in fact possible to fix malfunctioning machines by giving them a few swift kicks or authoritative whacks. This strategy is called “percussive maintenance.” In the coming days, you might be inclined to use it a lot.

That’s probably OK. I suspect it’ll work even better than it usually does. There will be problems, though, if you adopt a similar approach as you try to correct glitches that are more psychological, interpersonal, and spiritual in nature. For those, I recommend sensitivity and finesse.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): What feelings or subjects have you been wanting to talk about, but have not yet been able to? Are there messages you are aching to convey to certain people, but can’t summon the courage to be as candid as you need to be? Can you think of any secrets you’ve been keeping for reasons that used to be good but aren’t good any more? The time has come to relieve at least some of that tension, Leo. I suggest you smash your excuses, break down barriers, and let the revelations flow. If you do, you will unleash unforeseen blessings.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1662, Dutch painter Rembrandt finished The Oath of Claudius Civilis. It was 18 feet by 18 feet, the largest painting he ever made. For a short time, it hung on a wall in Amsterdam’s Town Hall. But local burgomasters soon decided it was offensive, and returned it to the artist to be reworked. Rembrandt ultimately chopped off three-fourths of the original. What’s left is now hanging in a Stockholm museum, and the rest has been lost. Art critic Svetlana Alpers wishes the entire painting still existed, but nevertheless raves about the remaining portion, calling it “a magnificent fragment.” I urge you to think like Alpers. It’s time to celebrate your own magnificent fragments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You now have a special talent for connecting things that have never been connected. You also have a magic touch at uniting things that should be united but can’t manage to do so under their own power. In fact, I’m inclined to believe that in the next three weeks you will be

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

unusually lucky and adept at forging links, brokering truces, building bridges, and getting opposites to attract. I won’t be surprised if you’re able to compare apples and oranges in ways that make good sense and calm everyone down.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1989, Amy Tan birthed her first novel, The Joy Luck Club. Her next, The Kitchen God’s Wife, came out in 1991. Both were bestsellers. Within a few years, the student study guide publisher CliffsNotes did with them what it has done with many masterpieces of world literature: produced condensed summaries for use by students too lazy to read all of the originals. “In spite of my initial shock,” Tan said, “I admit that I am perversely honored to be in CliffsNotes.” It was a sign of success to get the same treatment as superstar authors like Shakespeare and James Joyce. The CliffsNotes approach is currently an operative metaphor in your life, Scorpio. Try to find it in your heart to be honored, even if it’s perversely so. For the most part, trimming and shortening and compressing will be beneficial.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): With both symbolic and practical actions, Sagittarius-born Pope Francis has tried to reframe the message of the Catholic Church. He’s having public showers installed for the homeless in Vatican City. He has made moves to dismantle the Church’s bigotry toward gays. He regularly criticizes growing economic inequality, and keeps reminding politicians that there can be no peace and justice unless they take care of poor and marginalized people. He even invited iconic punk poet Patti Smith to perform at the Vatican Christmas Concert. You now have extra power to exert this kind of initiative in your own sphere, Sagittarius. Be proactive as you push for constructive transformations that will benefit all.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The limpet is an aquatic snail. When it’s scared, it escapes at a rate approaching two inches per hour. If you get flustered in the coming week, Capricorn, I suggest you flee at a speed no faster than the limpet’s. I’m making a little joke here. The truth is, if you do get into a situation that provokes anxiety, I don’t think you should leave the scene at all. Why? There are two possibilities. First, you may be under the influence of mistaken ideas or habitual responses that are causing you to be nervous about something there’s no need to be nervous about. Or second, if you are indeed in an authentic bind, you really do need to deal with it, not run away.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Science-fiction novelist Philip K. Dick has been one of my favorite authors since I discovered his work years ago. I love how he reconfigured my mind with his metaphysical riffs about politics and his prophetic questions about what’s real and what’s not. Recently I discovered he once lived in a house that’s a few blocks from where I now live. While he was there, he wrote two of his best books. I went to the place and found it was unoccupied. That night I slept in a sleeping bag on the back porch, hoping to soak up inspiration.

It worked! Afterwards, I had amazing creative breakthroughs for days. I recommend a comparable ritual for you, Aquarius. Go in quest of greatness that you want to rub off on you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do you enjoy telling people what to do? Are you always scheming to increase your influence over everyone whose life you touch? If you are a typical Pisces, the answer to those questions is no. The kind of power you are interested in is power over yourself. You mostly want to be the boss of you. Right now is a favorable time to intensify your efforts to succeed in this glorious cause. I suggest you make aggressive plans to increase your control over your own destiny.

Homework: What gifts do you want for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Yule, and the winter solstice? Write to Buddha Claus at uaregod@ comcast.net.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

December 4 to December 10, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

CHOOSE HAPPINESS

T

his is the time of year to express gratitude and happiness. Did you know your attitude is germane to your happiness? I am perplexed and cannot seem to shake how very happy I am in my own life. Therefore, I want to continue to share this ebullient feeling and free gift with you.

The holidays can be daunting for many.

Memories of the past that may not be fond, agitate within and render you sad, depressed or angry. Negative memories can be debilitating. If you recognized a negative pattern in your behavior during the holidays it may be time to make a change. I understand change is intimidating. Remember change is constant. You need change for growth. Vacate your mundane rut. You control the reigns of your own greatness and happiness.

Did you know choosing to be happy is one the smartest choices you can make? Happiness is a catalyst to your health, relationships and business to flourish. Yes, I am telling you that all you have to do is be happy to live happy.

Everyday you have a choice when you get out of bed. You can choose to be happy or display a sour attitude. It seems rather comical to me that someone would choose to commence the day negatively. Ouch, this sounds painful!

This is a recipe for self-sabotage and I would not want to cross paths with you.

I recall as a child my mother would say, “It’s another happy day.” I will admit there were days I did not want to hear those words. My thought, “How does she know

is it’s another happy day?” I am fortunate she instilled this happy mindset each day.

My daughters gain the pleasure of hearing me each and everyday… “It’s another happy day!” I love that I can share my joy with them.

In the month of December, I challenge you to create a gratitude list. Write down one to two words a day pertaining to something or someone that makes you feel happy.

Remember you are in complete control of your feelings. Do you rejoice when you are with a certain person? Does a certain activity make you feel good? Here are a few ideas. Be thankful and happy for your health, spouse, significant other, children, siblings and friends. This may barely scratch the surface of your long list. Commit to doing this for yourself. Invite your spouse or friend to share the challenge with you. Exchange your happy thoughts with each other. This will ensure a smile.

Above all… LOVE! Love is powerful.

Genuinely loving those around you will reap you great joy and happiness. It is important to invest in yourself and others. When you are able to do accomplish such goals, you will receive the ultimate gift… a life of true happiness and love.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is to great a burden to bear.”

-Martin Luther King Jr. Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com or (760) 564-YOGA 50-991 Washington St, La Quinta 92253

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

’Tis the Season to Be Memorable

I

spent the first hour of the ornament swap party painfully ignoring the vast array of plated sweets and listening to one friend after another. I’m really good at listening and everything that goes along with it. I’m attentive, polite, always making good eye contact, and adept at showing a sincere interest in others. No doubt that is why I chose life coaching as a profession.

Quite frankly after about sixty minutes of absorbing everyone’s news, woes and updates I began bordering on input overload. In a fortuitous turn of events, an unknown woman with a deep throaty laugh crossed my path. She was new to the area and after explaining a bit about herself she began peppering me with a few deep rooted questions. Talk about showing an interest, this woman could hold court with Barbara Walters! She had an amazing knack for engaging me in a conversation that rapidly surpassed small talk. My new friend gracefully conversed without dominating the dialogue allowing me to walk away from our meeting feeling refreshed and content. At the end of our discussion we exchanged business cards, and I excused myself so she could continue meeting new people and assimilating into the group.

The holiday season is loaded with opportunities to socialize. It is a joyous time of reuniting with old friends and meeting new

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people. If you want to be remembered at an event long after the partiers have gone home, understand the guest list of any social function is composed of extroverts and introverts. If you’re extremely extroverted you may want to monitor the amount of air time normally captured by your outgoing nature. Try asking more questions and doing more listening.

Challenge yourself to make it easy for the other person to be heard. Showing an interest in someone else has a boomerang effect, eventually the conversation bounces back to you.

If you are a bit on the shy side and worried about attending a party where you only know the host, build your confidence by preparing in advance. Get in a party mood by playing your favorite music as you travel to your destination.

Brush up on being a master conversationalist by making a list of interesting topics such as a recent movie you liked or trading information about family holiday traditions. Experts say arriving early also helps qualm your nerves.

Whether you are a party animal, a Toastmaster extraordinaire or as bashful as that cute little dwarf in Snow White, plan to have fun. Share the air time, ask interesting questions and smile.

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

Ask The Doctor

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December 4 to December 10, 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.

Cold, FLu & Vitamins

Hello Dr. Kadile, what is the difference between a cold and the flu? -John, Desert Hot Springs John, a cold is a milder respiratory illness when compared to the flu. A cold typically starts out with a sore throat and then leads to sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing and a cough.

Fevers rarely occur in a cold. Of course you just don’t feel good with a cold, but a cold will generally resolve in less than a week. The flu may make you feel quite ill for a few days to weeks.

Flu symptoms generally develop quite quickly and can manifest with severe sore throat, fevers, headaches/body aches, congestion, cough, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea.

A cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, thus they will not respond to antibiotics, so don’t go running to the urgent care for a Zpack. In severe cases of the flu, a secondary bacterial pneumonia may develop that would require the use of antibiotics.

Dr. Kadile, why all the hype about taking extra vitamin D, when everyone can get it from sunlight? -Sally, Palm Springs Sally, your body does make its own vitamin D from sunlight. Exposing your bare skin is the best way for your body to produce the vitamin.

But, if you wear sunscreen or keep yourself covered with a hat or long sleeves or pants, you may not have adequate exposure to produce vitamin D. The same goes for people who live in areas where it is mostly cloudy or overcast. So if you don’t get enough, then you will need to supplement. You can get vitamin D from over the counter supplements and a very small amount comes from diet.

Vitamin D is important for good overall health and strong and healthy bones. It is also important in making sure your muscles, hearts, lungs and brain work well and that your body can fight infection. It may even have some anticancer effects. With cold and flu season just around the corner, optimal vitamin D levels are

crucial in preventing these illnesses.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, asthma, diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

I have been routinely checking my patient’s vitamin D levels with a simple blood test for the past 6 years and I am no longer surprised to find that a majority of my patients are vitamin D deficient. You would think that since our desert climate is mostly sunny for the majority of the year, vitamin D deficiency would be rare, but it is not. We spend most of our time indoors and you can’t absorb the sunlight through a window.

We have also been taught to wear sunscreen to protect against skin cancer if we spend a lot of time outdoors.

So, if you would like to know if you have enough vitamin D, ask your doctor to order a simple lab test (called the vitamin D, 25 - hydroxy level). If you don’t spend enough time outside, you can supplement with vitamin D3 to achieve optimum vitamin D levels. Different organizations recommend different daily intakes of vitamin D, so work with your doctor in determining which dose to start with depending on your lab results.

Dr. Kadile, what is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? -Charlie, La Quinta Well Charlie, if the supplement simply says, “Vitamin D”, you will have to look closer at the label to see if it specifies either vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).

There is a difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is manufactured by plants or fungus and is fortified in foods, such as juices, milk or cereals. Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that is produced when the body’s skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 is considered the more ‘natural form” of vitamin D. It can also be obtained when eating animal products.

Vitamin D3 is more potent than D2. Vitamin D3 has been shown to raise and maintain serum D levels greater than vitamin D2. Clearly vitamin D3 is the preferable form of vitamin D.

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December 4 to December 10, 2014

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