Coachella Valley Weekly - December 6 to December 12, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 38

Photos By Robert Chance

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 6 to December 12, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 38

CV Music Showcase: Empty Seat

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Se7en4

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Gethen Jenkins

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Rick Shelley

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Cactus Jacks

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS

AMP Fall 2018 Final Showcase.............. 3 Breaking The 4th Wall - Hairspray........ 5 College Of The Desert Family Night ..... 5 CV Music Showcase - Round 1............... 6 Se7en 4 ................................................... 7 Music Heals at Venus De Fido ............... 7 Gethen Jenkins ...................................... 8 Rick Shelley ............................................ 9 Valley Rhythms - Peter Alden: Elvis...... 9 Consider This - Roseanne Cash........... 10 Art Scene - Elaine Sigwald................... 11 Pet Place ............................................... 12 The Vino Voice ...................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife ................... 14-15 The Pampered Palate - Cactus Jacks... 16 Brewtality............................................. 17 Screeners ............................................. 18 Book Review........................................ 19 Safety Tips ............................................ 19 Haddon Libby ...................................... 21 Dale Gribow.......................................... 21 Sports Scene......................................... 22 Ask The Doctor ..................................... 22 Travel Tips 4 U....................................... 23 Cannabis Corner................................... 23 Free Will Astrology.............................. 24 Life & Career Coach............................. 24 Cannabis Corner.................................. 26

December 6 to December 12, 2018

ACADEMY OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCE (AMP) FALL SHOWCASE AT BIG ROCK PUB

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here is so much homegrown musical talent in the Coachella Valley and there are so many unique venues to listen to it. This Saturday, December 8, you can see that talent at its genesis as the musically gifted kids from the Academy of Musical Performance take the stage at Big Rock Pub for their Fall Showcase. This showcase is a culmination of twelve weeks of rehearsals featuring 3 AMP Fall 2018 bands (Nosense, Aesthetic, and Fall Until May) along with two acoustic acts. The young musicians will perform both original original and cover songs in this daytime performance from 1 – 3 pm. This great afternoon of music made by young people is a free event to all ages.

Big Rock Pub serves delicious food and cold beverages, so attendees can enjoy lunch, listen to music, and support the program.

In this contemporary music education program, the students get to choose songs they play and generally choose from their favorite songs and songs they’re listening to. A small sampling: The Smiths, Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Tears for Fears, RHCP, Harry Styles, and The Killers. Each band plays five songs (or 20 min worth of songs), while acoustic musicians play three songs.

Says Executive Director, Will Sturgeon, “25% of this session’s students are new students, which means that for some of them, this will be one of their first times performing with or without a band – which is impressive when you see them because they are already performing at a professional level. You’ll see students who are seasoned veterans at the age of fifteen. This is a program that benefits individuals that maybe aren’t into sports, or they aren’t a fit for orchestra or the marching band in school - they have been alone in their rooms, teaching themselves how to play music. For many, they had never played music together with another person until joining AMP, so this program is transformative and essential by giving young people a safe

space in which to create, communicate, and collaborate.”

Will is also a successful and talented singer-songwriter in his own right, as lead for his band brightener (which had the distinct honor of being chosen to play at Coachella Music Fest in 2016.) If anybody is interested in learning more about AMP or getting involved as a volunteer, instructor, or student, Will Sturgeon will be on hand and happy to chat with anyone about all things AMP. In three short years, AMP has become wellknown and well-respected for its fantastic summer music camp, where the valley’s top musicians use small rock band format to teach the young musicians performance and concert production skills through rehearsals, workshops, individual instruction, and live performances. A year-round after school program was added after the 2016 summer camp to provide instruction and performance opportunities all year round at a variety of events in our community. The AMP program was seed funded with a 3-year grant from Goldenvoice to get the organization up and running. “Without the support from Goldenvoice, there is no way we could have launched this incredibly valuable program to our Valley’s youth.” states Kate Spates, AMP Volunteer CEO and co-founder. “Now we are looking to our community to continue to support the goals of the organization.”

The AMP mission is to enrich the lives of young musicians by fostering productivity and social responsibility through creativity, communication and collaboration in the development and enhancement of musical performance and concert production skills through participation in a “rock band” style educational setting.

This is the first session since AMP moved into its new space in downtown Indio in September, which the City of Indio helped with. They held an Open House on November 8 to show the space to the community and

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CHANCE

Will Sturgeon to share music. This event was a smashing success. After this showcase, they are preparing for their spring session which starts up end of January. Auditions are in mid January and interested potential students can sign up for those on their website: www. ampcv.org AMP students have been enthusiastically embraced by the community. Students from this session were invited by Jimi Fitz to attend a fantastic event last weekend at the McCallum Theater to see jazz singer/songwriter Peter Cincotti. The AMP students also performed at the Tamale Festival this past weekend. The weekend after the showcase, the kids will perform at CAM Fest (Children Arts Music Fest) at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens on December 15.

There are a lot of exciting performance opportunities coming up next spring for their spring session as well. The kids will be playing at Swing ‘N Hops Street Party on El Paseo on Saturday, February 2 from 1-5. Some cool AMP facts: AMP alumni bands, or AMPlumni bands, have done some great things since their session. The band Traveler made it to the semifinals of Alice Cooper’s Proof Is In the Pudding competition in Arizona. Another AMPlumni band, Sol Suns, played at Tamale Fest. Alumni band, UU, played at Sticky Fest (which a lot of CV Weekly Music Award winning bands played). Current and former AMP students take what they’ve learned and apply it to their own bands, carrying on their AMP legacy. To fundraise, AMP’s logoed merchandise will be for sale and they are also accepting donations to their non-profit program, as always. All proceeds help fund scholarships and buy equipment for students who may not have been able to participate in this program otherwise.

Join us this Saturday from 1-3 pm. The event is free, but donations to this worthy program are always welcome and very much appreciated. Big Rock Pub located at 79-940 Westward Ho Drive in Indio. To find out more info, their website is: thebigrockpub.com

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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PICK UP "CV KIDS" TODAY AT 300 LOCATIONS IN THE VALLEY! WWW.COACHELLAVALLEYKIDS.COM

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A STAGE REVIEW OF ‘HAIRSPRAY’

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his weekend, with hair teased to gravity-defying heights and sold-out houses, Palm Canyon Theatre opened the musical “Hairspray,” with book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. Inspired by John Waters 1988 film of the same name, “Hairspray” first opened on Broadway in 2002 and no surprise to anyone, went on to win eight Tony Awards.

The music, the dancing, the singing will take you back to a time when life seemed simpler until you realize that in the years leading up to the passage of the Civil Rights Act, America was redefining itself through the rebellion and rejection of racial segregation.

The year is 1962, Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad, portrayed by the very talented Jasmine Shaffer, is struggling with teen anxiety, being overweight and fulfilling her biggest dream, to be a dancer on the local teenage dance show, The Corny Collins Show.

Tracy and her best friend Penny Pingleton, talented stand out Elizabeth Schmelling, set out to achieve this goal, despite the odds.

Though, once accomplished things are not as simple as they seem. The show is facing a historic change, integrate or go off the air.

Through humor, tears, inspiring music and dance, Tracy pushes this group, kicking and screaming, into the future.

Keisha D, as Motormouth Maybelle, a smart, sassy, determined owner of a downtown record shop and host of “Negro Day,” on the Corney Collins Show, teams up with Tracy to move things along. Keisha D’s powerhouse voice and performance of

BY DEE JAE COX

“I know where I’ve Been,” was absolutely breathtaking. I dare anyone not to tear up during that number.

"Hairspray,” is a phenomenal show and this cast is spilling over with talent. Robbie Wayne, Artistic Director of the Desert Rose Playhouse, lent his exceptionally creative directorial and choreography skills to this production. Through the initial separation of black and white cast members and their slow integration, Wayne’s staging of this show really emphasized the impact that the segregation of the races was having on the characters as well as their culture. I especially loved seeing Tracy’s hair style change at the end from the mile high bee hive to the long straight strands that symbolized the changing of the times.

There are so many takeaways from this show that unfortunately still hold meaning in today’s ongoing struggles. The high ideas, the triumph, and joy, as well as the struggles of “Hairspray” are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.

In his civil rights address of June 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy announced that he soon would ask Congress to enact landmark

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and students can access a variety of information at this resource fair,” said Dr. Espinoza-Parra.

Dr. Espinoza-Parra also shared how the college is enthusiastic about reaching out to non-traditional adult students, who may think that college has passed them by, or perhaps never obtained their high school diploma. At College of the Desert, it’s never too late to get an education. They have offered a special incentive for students who receive their high school equivalency from the college, making it possible for them to move on to get their AA degree after completion of their equivalency for free. Yes, for free! For other adult students, there are a multitude of certificate and AA programs available, and as well as financial aid for those who qualify. The college has class locations in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Mecca and Thermal. With varied locations and a flexible class schedule, attending the college is extremely student friendly. They even have child care.

College of the Desert is one of the leading community colleges in Southern California, and has a smooth entrance process to enter the college as they do not have an entrance exam. The quality of education that they provide and its affordability, has been recognized highly in the community college realm. Their eagerness to encourage

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

civil rights legislation.

Kennedy’s words reflected the ideas and thoughts of a world leader who was struggling to make a nation whole in the midst of great civil unrest and change.

“We are confronted primarily with a moral issue,” he told the nation. “It is as old as the scriptures and is as clear as the American Constitution. The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.”

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT PRESENTS FAMILY NIGHT

ant to go to college? Think it’s out of your reach? Well think again, and come to College of the Deserts Family Night to find out how college is within your grasp.

Going to college is part of the American dream, as a college education can change the trajectory of a person’s life. But sometimes the cost can come between the dream and the reality of going to college.

Fortunately for those living in the Coachella Valley, the dream is the reality, thanks to College of the Deserts progressive academic programs. On Thursday, December 6th, 2018, from 5:30 to 8:00pm, the community college will be having an open house event, inviting parents, families and individuals to learn about all of the academic programs that they offer, and how to attend the college for free. Dinner will be provided for those who RSVP to the event (familynight@ collegeofthedesert.edu).

One of the programs that College of the Desert offers is for Coachella Valley high school seniors, class of 2019, allowing them to attend the college for free! The students can enroll in a variety of AA transferable degrees as well as certificate programs.

This amazing opportunity has been offered since 2017 with incredible results. Dean of Enrollment Services, Dr. Oscar EspinozaParra, is excited about the event, “Families

December 6 to December 12, 2018

J.W. Layne’s scenic and lighting design and Derik Shopinski’s costumes all make the production quality of this show top tier. Jaci Davis does an outstanding job with musical direction, though there were moments at the beginning of the show when the actor’s singing was overpowered by the music.

It’s near impossible not to want to jump to your feet and dance during this musical.

It’s fun, poignant and oh so relevant. Palm Canyon Theatre knows how to put on a quality show. Bravo for their production of another hit. “Hairspray,” is running through December 16th.

The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For Reservations: Box Office: (760) 323-5123 www.palmcanyontheatre.org Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

BY DENISE ORTUNO

higher education within the community is outstanding, “We are here to serve the community,” says Dr. Espinoza-Parra. The Family Night event will have counselors on hand to explain all that the college has to offer, and will help guide potential students on their educational journey. There will also be presentations on Financial Aid resources.

All presentations will be in English and Spanish.

To make accessing the Family Night easy for everyone, they will provide transportation via Charter Bus, helping those in a far distance from the college to get to the event, explains Irene Morales, who helped coordinate the transportation

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effort, “Pick-ups will take place in Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, and Salton City,” said Morales.

As a College of the Desert student myself, I can proudly say that it has been an extraordinary experience. I feel so fortunate to have a community college that has made my higher education possible, and continues to encourage my progress with zeal.

Anyone who has the desire to go to college here in the Coachella Valley, has an open invitation to discover what College of the Desert has to offer by attending their Family Night. It just might change your life.

For more information visit www. collegeofthedesert.edu/familynight

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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4TH ANNUAL CV MUSIC SHOWCASE ROUND 1 WINNERS:

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ast Sunday, Dec 1st, musicians and fans packed The Hood Bar and Pizza to experience the first, nail-biting round of competition leading up to the finals on May 4, 2019, where the winners will receive $2,000 cash, 4 hours studio time by Melrose Music, a photo shoot, and other prizes that will be announced soon.

No one in attendance, including myself, envied the tasks handed to the judges considering the quality of all 4 bands competing who were absolutely top-notch in both musicianship and performances. In the end, it was literally 1 to 2 points that separated the winners from the runners up.

The round 1 judges included singer/ songwriter, Chelsea Sugarbritches, front-woman for the bands 5th Town and Long Duk Dong. Ms. Sugarbritches has received multiple CV Music awards and nominations over the years including Best Frontwoman. Her bands, have also received many awards over the years.

The second judge was the lovely, Rebecca Luna. A long-time supporter of the local music scene, Ms. Luna was part of the original staff that launched KCOD radio in 2011. Crossing over from college to commercial radio in 2015, she works for Alpha Media in production and recording voice-overs for commercials that can be heard on multiple, local stations.

Rounding out the panel of experts for the evening was David Williams, owner of Melrose Music Studios in both Hollywood and Palm Springs. A long-time producer, audio engineer and musician, over the years Williams has built up an impressive list of clients including, The Pointer Sisters, Taylor Dayne, Jodeci, Clay Aiken and many more including many up and coming artists from all spectrums of music.

Empty Seat - Taking first place in the 1st, preliminary round and winners of $200.00 cash was Empty Seat!

Fronted by a dynamic singer/songwriter who is as sassy as she is talented, Erin Ferrer, AKA, “Red,” dazzled the audience and judges alike with her beautiful yet powerful vocals and dynamic interaction with her bandmates and the crowd.

Although relatively new to the Coachella Valley,

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

EMPTY SEAT

Empty Seat has been together as a band in one form or another since around 2002 and it shows not only through the quality of musicianship, but the sheer cohesiveness they display as a band, unit. Originally based in LA County, 2 of the band members transplanted to the desert while the other 2 are spread out between LA and Hesperia, their obvious dedication to their project is now reaping the rewards of their growing recognition as a force to be reckoned with on our beloved local music scene. Empty Seat has hit the ground running and I for one can’t wait to watch them take the valley by storm. facebook.com/ EmptySeatband FrankEatsTheFloor - The first competitors to take the stage are a group of guys who have been experiencing a bit of a snowball effect of local recognition in just the past year and have quickly found themselves becoming a staple act on the Coachella Valley music scene. That says a lot considering the fact that the band consists of members ranging between the ages of 17 to 19. I’m sure they probably get annoyed by people constantly bringing up their ages but, the fact of the matter is that their ages are indeed a factor in what makes them so impressive. Their sound is both original and unique. I can’t really think of many other bands to compare them to and I

CV MUSIC SHOWCASE

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CHANCE

have yet to ask them what genre or subgenre, if any, they think they fall into. That being said, if I personally went out on a limb to describe their sound I would say it is sort of like...psychedelic punk? In addition to their unique vibe, the judges and audience were impressed by their instrumentally driven songs and their habit of switching vocals from member to member throughout their set which is fun to watch.

Although FrankEatsTheFloor didn’t come out on top this time, they are clearly not going anywhere, anytime soon. facebook.com/FrankEatsTheFloor Krystofer Do - This is not Do’s first rodeo, nor will it be his last. The last time he competed in this competition he ended within one point of taking first in his round and that was without a band. This time he showed up packing heat and ready to rumble with his secret weapons in the form of his drummer Erik Mouness and the multi-instrumentalist wonder herself, Bri Cherry, who played double duty on both bass and violin.

Accompanying himself on keys, Do, literally captivated the audience with his vocals that are as swoony as they are powerful. With dreamy lyrics and looks to match, Krystofer Do has that, “It” factor that makes him seem destined for popstardom and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see him packing in crowds of screaming girls

sometime in the not-too-distant future.

The CMF’s - Maybe better known by their full name, The Classy Motherf***ers, this 3-piece is on the short list of favorite local bands of pretty much every performer in the valley who has had the pleasure to experience them live. These guys are super young but have always impressed me with their well-seasoned sound that comes across as though they have been doing this for decades.

This night of competition was no different than any other CMF show. They brought the funk and brought it hard. Although they are a very instrumentally driven group that thrives on strong, bluesy bass lines and epic guitar solos... the fact that their frontman, Joseph Vaughan is carrying around one of the best set of pipes of any male vocalists in the desert is another part of what makes these guys truly fantastic. They bring a youthful vibe to a classic sound and with talent like theirs they will likely be around for a long time.

Upcoming Showcase preliminaries will be held at The Hood Bar & Pizza on: Jan. 13, 2019: Cody White & The Easy Ride/ Giselle Woo & The Night Owls/Cakes & The Assholes/Reborn By the Sunshine Feb. 10, Mar. 3, Apr 7, 2019 Finals May 4, 2019

FRANKEATSTHEFLOOR

THE CMFs

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KRYSTOFER DO & THE BAND

LOCAL MUSIC

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his coming Saturday marks the debut of Chris Williams as the new Se7en4 guitarist. Nico Flores, vocals, Steven Hall, drums, and Trevino Martin, bass, of Se7en4 will be performing, along with Williams, at the first ‘Lo Desert Rock Show’ on December 8th at 9 p.m. at The Viper Room in West Hollywood. This event is brought to you by Coachella Valley Weekly and Mikey Doling’s JaxxRock Entertainment. The concert also features desert rock dependables House Of Broken Promises, Throw the Goat, Mega Sun, and Broken Machine. Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite. In addition, space may still be available on the ‘Lo Desert Rock Bus’. For $50 you will receive show entry, transportation, mixers, ice, water and camaraderie. You can bring your own alcohol on the bus. Contact Phil Lacombe on social media or email him at philip@coachellavalleyweekly.com for further information and to secure your seat.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Williams about his background and new duties as the Se7en4 shred-master. Subsequently, CV Weekly also connected with Se7en4’s lead vocalist, Nico Flores to share about Williams and the next Se7en4 chapter.

Interview with Chris Williams: CVW: What has it been like for you being a member of Se7en4?

WILLIAMS: “It’s been a blast! The guys of Se7en4 are great musicians and it’s a great experience for me musically.”

CVW: Was there any type of initiation that took place?

WILLIAMS: “There was no initiation process, so to speak. One day Nico just asked me if I’d be interested in trying a rehearsal, like an audition kinda, and it just went well. I was given their album, learned all the songs, and showed up prepared. That’s why I feel I got the gig. Nico had known of my playing from my short little guitar videos on Instagram, so he thought I’d be a good fit and so far, he has been right.”

CVW: Se7en4 have a significant musical history. How familiar were you with the infamy that is Se7en4?

WILLIAMS: “I wasn’t too familiar with

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SE7EN4 - STILL GETTING HIGH & FIGHTING

Se7en4. I knew Nico, and then later met the rest of the group. But I did see their last show and they killed, so I’m definitely super-stoked to be a part of Se7en4 now.”

CVW: What are your favorite music qualities of your new bandmates?

WILLIAMS: “My favorite music qualities of the guys would be they fucking rock! All of them!

But individually, Trevino has an awesome ear for music and he’s well versed at his instrument. His knowledge of music would be my favorite thing.

Steven is a talented drummer but my favorite thing about Steven is his charisma. He really has that showman in him when he’s behind the drum set, his timing is always on. As for Nico, I really love his ability to be a great frontman.

He’s an awesome singer and his ability to front the stage is next level for sure. With music and bands, people can be great at their instruments but there is the showman part that’s equally important and Se7en4 has the whole package.”

CVW: Tell us about you and your family.

WILLIAMS: “I live in Yucca Valley now. I was born in Indio. I am a proud father of two beautiful little girls, so I’m definitely a family man, but I’ve been so blessed to have a family that supports me in my musical journey.”

CVW: Tell us about the new Se7en4 music.

WILLIAMS: “As for the new Se7en4 music, everyone is just gonna have to wait and see. One thing I believe Nico, Steven, Trevino and myself have as a band is chemistry. We are all good guys that communicate well, and are aimed at a common goal, which is to practice hard and have fun performing. That’s what music is all about, so I consider myself lucky to have the pleasure of rocking with these guys. Everyone can be damn

HEALING THROUGH MUSIC IN PALM DESERT

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usic is a universally spoken language. It does not matter what culture, background, age or gender – all humans respond to music both mentally and physically. Whether it’s the lyrics that touch us, the instruments or the physiological response that moves us, everyone enjoys music.

It is generally believed that music has been used to help human beings deal with their emotions and bond with one another since the dawn of sound. Brain scans have been able to successfully prove that music naturally increases neurochemicals in the brain, including ‘feel good’ endorphins such as dopamine, resulting in its addition to many rehabilitation programs.

The Venue at Venus, believes in creating opportunities to seek balance in everyday life through physical, mental and emotional avenues, supported within the music field.

Considered a form of self-applied therapy, community music programs are beneficial to all stages of life.

At Venus, there is a new focus on providing opportunity for self-administered Music

therapy (MT). MT improves emotional functions and motor control in people from all walks of life including those who have been touched by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Music has been shown to have a wide variety of health benefits, ranging from increasing one’s mood to reducing feelings of stress and isolation. Music therapy also helps to reduce depression, especially in the elderly and decrease the symptoms of psychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Positive health benefits also include improving one’s selfexpression, personal development, learning, self-awareness, and communication abilities, especially for children or adults who have developmental issues such as autism. When instruments are being played, both auditory and tactile stimulation help to produce a state of mental relaxation, thus easing symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a result, music is now being used as an alternative natural form of therapy for a multitude of ailments.

The goal at Venus is to hold space for those who wish to understand and grasp their own

sure we are gonna own the stage every time we play.”

CVW: Given your ability and how smooth it has seemed, what has been the biggest challenge for you?

WILLIAMS: “The biggest challenge for me is maintaining my improvement and knowledge as an instrumentalist. I believe in being dedicated and true to my instrument, so that means I’ll never truly be satisfied as I constantly aim to improve to my maximum potential. As anyone that plays can tell you, you never stop improving so it’s a pipe dream in a way. So for me, the biggest challenge is accepting that if I want to keep improving I cannot be fully satisfied, because satisfaction is the root of mediocrity and I’m aiming as high as I can in terms of improving as a guitarist, as a musician, and now with Se7en4 the best bandmate I can be.”

Interview with Nico Flores: CVW: How did the process go to find Chris or did he find you?

FLORES: “Chris and I work in the same industry. I ran into him after work one night and found out we both happen to be martial artists.

I train in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and he trains Mixed Martial Arts out in Indio and that’s where we clicked in the beginning over having drinks after work. I didn’t find out till later that he played guitar.”

CVW: What does the new Se7en4 music sound like compared to the Pete Burquez era?

FLORES: “Not too much different. I’ve always written most of the songs with the boys adding what they add to make our music what it is.

I’m really looking forward to Trevino and Chris

BY AMANDA DORTA

emotional being through any type of music, whether through singing, creating or listening.

Now you can match physical healing with mental and emotional healing through music and community at Venus.

It is suggested that an individual could apply musical therapy into their own life without a prescription or referral. Healthy individuals can also use music for stress reduction via active

December 6 to December 12, 2018

BY NOE GUTIERREZ taking a larger role in that department. Both of those guys speak the same language. It’s been awesome watching them collaborate during these past rehearsals.”

CVW: Pete was a large part of the success of Se7en4. Where do you guys go from here?

FLORES: “We wish Pete nothing but the best.

It was just time for him to move on. You are going to see a lot of cool shit coming up. I hope you’re ready!”

CVW: Chris is an amazing musician. What were the highlights in choosing him?

FLORES: “When I found out he played guitar, I was like ‘whatever, another guitarist, good for you’. Then he showed me a video of him playing at the Whisky A Go-Go with the previous band he was in and I was blown away by his stage presence and skill. Plus, we get along really well.”

CVW: (Tongue in cheek) Is Chris too clean cut for Se7en4?

FLORES: “Is he too clean cut? He’s one of the nicest most respectful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting but he’s a motherfucking cage fighter! He fits right in with us.”

CVW: ‘Lets Get High and Fight’ was released in 2014 and still sounds relevant today. Is there a conscious effort to stay contemporary and are you doing that with the new music?

FLORES: “We are making a conscious effort to be more prolific with our music. Bringing back our old punk/thrash style with some added groove and the same aggressive ‘in your face’ style.”

CVW: What do you anticipate for Chris’ debut at The Viper Room?

WILLIAMS: “As far as Chris’ debut? We are super excited to showcase the newfound chemistry he’s brought to the band and are extremely excited for this particular show because we get to rock the stage with three of my favorite desert bands, HOBP, Mega Sun and Throw The Goat.

Special thanks to Phil Lacombe and Mikey Doling for putting this show together and inviting us to play.”

You can find Se7en4 on most platforms and social media sites.

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music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation. Music is often a vital support for physical exercise.

Wondering if creating a regular schedule musical relief is for right you? Visit Venus De Fido for one of our Community events and see for yourself how good it feels to surround yourself with the health and wellness modality of musical therapy.

Go Ahead, indulge in some musical therapy in December with Venue at Venus De Fido: Mon. Dec. 10, 5-7p / Hanukkah Wrap Up Party with David Hirsch / FREE EVENT Tue. Dec. 11, 6-9p / “Now That’s Italian” Concert / Hosted by Gerald Colucci / $10 Wed. Dec. 12, 5-7p / Happy Hour + LIVE MUSIC / Johnny Meza / FREE Thu. Dec. 13, 5-7p / College KARAOKE Hosted by Marcus Harvey / FREE Mon. Dec. 17, 5-7p / Jazz After Work with Doug MacDonald / FREE Sun. Dec. 23, 2-4:30p / The Unity Project Open Mic Worship/ Love Donations Wed. Dec. 26, 5-7p / Naturally Hi Bar / Hosted by Derek Jordan Greg / FREE

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

LOCAL MUSIC

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A Weekly’s 2018 ‘Best Outlaw Country Artist’ Gethen Jenkins will be performing his solo acoustic show with support from the desert’s own Rick Shelley at the award-winning La Quinta Brewing Co. at 77917 Wildcat Drive in Palm Desert, California on Friday, December 7th from 7-9 p.m. Admission is FREE and KID FRIENDLY! CRAFT TACOS LIBRE will be cooking up some great food to pair with some of the best craft beer in Southern California. Then on Saturday 12/8, Jenkins and full band will be performing at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa along with The Charlie Daniels Band for the Morongo Sleigh Ride Toy Run. The event will feature food, bars, live music, vendors and a Harley Davidson motorcycle giveaway. In order to be eligible for the motorcycle you must donate a new, unwrapped toy worth a minimum of $15. Pre-sale tickets for the show are $30 and are available at morongocasinoresort.com through 12/7 or you can purchase at the door for $40 or $25 with a toy. Also performing are Steel Wool and Second Sight. All donations will benefit the J.J. Johnson Foundation, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that provides domestic and international humanitarian aid in the form of housing, nutrition, clean water, medical assistance, education and job skill training.

Jenkins’ debut album, Western Gold, is in the works and will be out in the Spring/Summer of 2019. The record is produced by four-time Grammy Award winner Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Willie Nelson) and the new single, “Bottle In My Hand,” is the essence of Honky Tonk music; heartbreak, heartache and coping the best way outlaws know how, with an 805 in your hand.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Jenkins, who had just come off a sold-out show at Pappy & Harriet’s, and was speaking to us from a cave in Joshua Tree, (not kidding).

CVW: What can we expect from your performance at the La Quinta Brewing Co.?

JENKINS: “I’m gonna play some of my original stuff and I’m gonna sneak some covers in as well. I may hire a side man, guitar player to come with me.”

CVW: Tell us about your music.

JENKINS: “It’s from the heart, that’s for damn sure.“ CVW: What’s your background and where are you living now?

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WANTED! GETHEN JENKINS - HONKY TONK OUTLAW

JENKINS: “I’m from West Virginia. I was there for about eight years of my life and then moved to Alaska and lived in the Alaskan Bush in an Indian village. Then I joined the Marine Corps for eight years and I’ve been in California for twenty years now. I’m based out of Orange, California. It’s a very eclectic mix of people. You never know who you’re gonna run into and it’s centrally located in Southern California. I like it. I’ve been working writing songs and developing this music here for about ten years. It’s all been in California that’s why I’ve got a lot of songs influenced by the Cajon Pass and Bell Mountain which are features in California. I’m separated and I’ve got two awesome boys, 8 and 12 years old.”

CVW: What are your connections to the Coachella Valley and High Desert?

JENKINS: “I spent a few months, years ago at the 29 Palms Marine base. I’ve been playin’ Pappy and Harriet’s for about three years now and it’s been awesome! It’s a magical place.

I think it’s like the 13th best musical venue in the world. They just don’t let anybody play in there, that’s what I like about it, there’s no junk mail there. You gotta be pretty damn legit.”

CVW: What does Honky Tonk music mean to you?

JENKINS: “It’s a music that I identify with.

The way I was raised. I was raised where Bluegrass music comes from. Bluegrass, and Blues is where Honky Tonk comes from, so I’ve always identified and felt at home with Bluegrass music and Old Time Country like

Hank Williams. The pedal steel is all emotion and there’s a lot emotion in the vocal as well.

Honky Tonk music is how I express things I’ve got inside of me. It’s kind of where I found my home. It’s what I grew up listening to. I went through my Rock and Roll phase as a young kid, Grunge rock and all that and I always ended up coming back home. And that’s where I’m at now. I’m exactly where I belong and I feel very comfortable with Honky Tonk and Outlaw Country. That’s the kind of music that speaks to me.”

CVW: What’s the timeline on the release of your new music?

JENKINS: “We have an album we just completed in Nashville produced by Vance Powell. It’s 14 new tracks and I think we’re gonna split it in half and do a double album.

It’s gonna be on 5 Music Inc. the parent company is Sony Red. Once that goes out my plan is to get on the road and spread my music all over the world. That’s my goal, to share my music and start dragging my 5-piece band all over the place.”

CVW: Honky Tonk is purposeful music filled with upbeat songs, a mid-tempo and a gently-swinging shuffle. Your music deals with so much more than just infidelity and drinking. What’s your songwriting process like?

JENKINS: “One thing I’ve learned is that there is no particular right or wrong formula to write a song. I think the most important thing you need to have when you write a song is honesty and truth. Some of them come fast, some of them come slow. Some of them I write by myself. The album actually pushed me to start co-writing with some other folks which is a completely different process than if you were just going to sit down and write something influenced by your life. I’ve learned a lot of new techniques but my favorite way to write a song is just a natural way of sitting down and it will come to me and I’ll just write about my own experiences. Those are the ones I connect with the most.”

CVW: What are your thoughts and feelings about the mass shootings at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks this past November and the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas last year?

JENKINS: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones. It’s hard to wrap your head and your heart around

BY NOE GUTIERREZ something like that. You can’t understand it.

We have to just keep pushing forward, playing our music. I hate to say it, but stuff like this happens, not frequently, but fairly often. My fellow musician Wayne Mills was shot down in a Honky Tonk after a show in 2013. It’s tragic when that stuff happens.”

CVW: In the back of your mind do you give some kind of thought for the potential for those things to happen?

JENKINS: “I don’t think about it. I don’t think about the possibility of being killed while performing. I don’t live my life like that. I’ve been in a lot of dangerous situations and I should have been dead many many times.

So I’m never gonna say I’m running scared or never feared anything but nothing’s gonna stop me from doing this and sharing my music with people. God forbid, if I get shot down on stage doing what I love, I’m gonna go out with my heart anyway so I’m gonna keep going no matter what. If something like that discourages an artist and they don’t want to do it anymore doesn’t that make you question your dedication or your conviction in your art.”

CVW: I appreciate your truthfulness.

Music can heal and I think Country music in particular has a responsibility to itself and its fans.

JENKINS: “It’s a lot easier now to get your music out to people. It’s a lot easier to get on the radio than it used to back when you had to get in your car and drive around and give your records to every radio station. If you’re really passionate about being an artist or singer, you owe it your art and craft and the people that need to hear it to go after it. That’s just how I’m wired.”

Thank you to Gethen Jenkins for your service to our country and your continued commitment to your fellow Americans through your art.

Upcoming shows: Fri. 12/7 Palm Desert, CA – La Quinta Brewing Co. Sat. 12/8 Cabazon, CA – Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Fri. 12/14 Ramona, CA – Ramona Mainstage Sat. 12/15 Costa Mesa, CA – The Wayfarer gethenjenkinsmusic.com

LOCAL MUSIC

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RICK SHELLEY:

December 6 to December 12, 2018

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

DESERT AMERICANA ARTIST LEADING HORSES TO WATER

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ince 2014 Coachella Valley resident and Americana singer-songwriter Rick Shelley has persevered through the sometimes merciless music business with pride and joy. His 2015 debut EP 1909 Miles and 2017’s full-length Hope Wrapped in Razor Wire, both produced by Chris Unck (Pink, Butch Walker, Black Roses) at High Lonesome recording studio in Joshua Tree, are a collection of sentimental American roots stories that represent the best of the dynamic genre known as Americana. Shelley will be performing his acoustic show as the opening act for Gethen Jenkins at the award-winning La Quinta Brewing Co. at 77917 Wildcat Drive in Palm Desert, California on Friday, December 7th from 7-9 p.m.

Admission is FREE and this a FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT! ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! CRAFT TACOS LIBRE will be cooking up some great food to pair with some of the best craft beer in Southern California. Coachella Valley Weekly dropped a line to Shelley to talk about his show with Jenkins, who he booked, the status of Country music in the desert and what’s next for him.

CVW: How did you come to book Gethen Jenkins?

SHELLEY: “My friend Danny McCloskey from The Alternate Root Magazine reached out and asked if I’d be interested in putting something together. I jumped at the opportunity. One, because I like Gethen’s music, and two, because it is how grass roots stuff works. Musicians should work to help each other. Gethen should be heard, he’s great! And if I can help introduce him to listeners here in the valley, I feel like that’s a good thing to do. I’ve had lots of help from others and I’m very grateful for it too.”

CVW: What has been the response to your music since the 2017 release of Hope Wrapped in Razor Wire?

SHELLEY: “The response has been good so far. The record has a great collection of songs. My song, ‘Dead Horse Hollow’, was an International Songwriting Competition SemiFinalist in 2017 in the Americana category and ‘Highway 99 (Bakersfield)’ has been the country connection for me. Overall, I’m just proud of the record.”

CVW: Is there new Rick Shelley music on its way?

SHELLEY: “Yes! Recording will start soon and I am planning to release songs throughout 2019.”

CVW: Can you briefly explain your songwriting process.

SHELLEY: “Often times songs will just come from playing and practicing. I’ll sing whatever comes to mind and then chase down the idea.”

CVW: Who’s in your full band when you perform live?

SHELLEY: “When I have opportunities for full band shows, I play with ‘The Desert Dogs’.

These are guys I record with; Chris Unck, Damian Lester, Tyler Saraca and Caleb Winn.

They are top notch and I always look forward to those shows.”

CVW: How does it feel to be from the Coachella Valley?

SHELLEY: “Well, I am a Coachella valley transplant really. But I’ve lived here a really long time so... it’s fair to say I’m from here now. This valley and the High Desert, Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, is filled with such great artists, musicians, painters, sculptors and writers. This

PHOTO BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE

place and its people are inspiring. I’m proud to call the Coachella Valley home.”

CVW: What’s next for Rick Shelley?

SHELLEY: “I’m looking forward to a release of some great video content in the beginning part of 2019, and to hitting the road as often as possible.”

CVW: What are your feelings about Country/Americana music in the Coachella Valley and High Desert?

SHELLEY: “Well, I feel like the High Desert has a little more of a lock on touring country acts in that some great bands roll through to play Pappy & Harriet’s. The place is a live music venue. it brings in more than just country too, it hosts all types of music. Artists from all over the country as well as artists from the deserts high and low. The Coachella Valley hasn’t done as much at a club/bar level. Bigger acts play the casinos and local groups play the bars. Hopefully that will change.”

VALLEY RHYTHMS ELVIS IS IN THE BUILDING - A TRIBUTE SHOW

FEATURING THE GOSPEL & CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF ELVIS, PERFORMED BY PETER ALDEN

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t the recommendation of Laura and Michael Ochoa, curators of the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, come join Pastor Kenneth Mills of the First Southern Baptist Church of Palm Springs, 1111 East Vista Chino, as they present “Elvis Is In The Building” featuring Peter Alden on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and seating is limited. (760) 322-1192. Proceeds benefit the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 2018 for International Missions.

“As long as I’ve been performing Elvis songs, I have always enjoyed his Gospel Music,” said Alden. “I believe God impressed upon my heart to put a Gospel Show together and for this concert, I will be also singing some of his well known Christmas songs.”

Born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Elvis Tribute Artist, Peter Alden Grigsby, grew up in a very musical family. “Both of my parents were Music Teachers. Classical Music was in our home ever since I can remember.” His Mother was an Elementary School Music Teacher and his younger brother, Patrick, who also played piano as a child, is now a Graphic Artist. “My Father was offered a position at the University of Florida and relocated the Family to Gainesville, when I was four years old.”

Grigsby was in the Chorus and Marching Band in High School; later he attended Florida Southern College where he continued singing in the Choir and was involved in Musical Theatre.

He studied voice with New York Opera performer Beverly Wolff, who was on the FSU music staff.

Classically trained, Alden has a five octave range and perfect pitch.

One of his performances was in “Bye, Bye Birdie” a musical that focused on an Elvis-style singer being drafted into the army. The director put together a small rockabilly band to add some realism to the character’s songs. He and the band stayed together and played at fraternity parties doing a variety of rockabilly and Elvis songs.

Maybe not realizing at the time, this started him down the Elvis Tribute Artist path.

“I was part of the National Honorary Fraternity for Music, Phi Mu Alpha.” He graduated with a Minor in Theatre and a Major in Broadcasting Communications and Journalism. “I worked in Radio and Television for a while but didn’t enjoy it as much as performing.” He moved to Orlando, Florida and worked for Walt Disney World and later for Universal Studios. He kept his hand in Community Theatre and started concentrating on an Elvis Tribute Show.

Some of the highlights during this early period included a week long engagement at Libertyland in Memphis during Elvis Week and a sold-out show at the House of Blues in honor of Elvis’s birthday. This led to an audition in Las Vegas for the show “Legends in Concert.” He spent many years with the show performing in various locations including Branson, Myrtle Beach, Pittsburgh and Dallas. The show also had a long term contract on the Premier Cruise Lines Flagship The S.S. Rembrandt.

Alden has performed his tribute show across the country and in many parts of the world including Wales, Beijing, Singapore, Puerto Rico and Vancouver. He is considered by many fans as the “hidden gem” and rank his Tribute To Elvis as one of the best in the world.

While interviewing him and discussing

CVW: With regards to the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, why do you think local artists are not as involved as they are in the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival?

SHELLEY: “I would say I’m not surprised that Goldenvoice hasn’t looked for local country acts to put on and perform. Festivals are looking for audience and draw. If I had 200K fans I might get asked to play or might get booked if I submitted for it. Other than that, I don’t figure Goldenvoice is gonna come looking. It’s the economics of music, the reality of it. But there is a lot going on around the festival. I think there are some missed opportunities to participate even if not on the festival grounds themselves.”

CVW: “What can local country music artists do to be more involved in increasing the frequency of country music in the desert?

SHELLEY: “I think working together to put on good shows is about all we can do. I think most of us get so busy working on our own, that we forget to put something on the books that links us or Country/Americana music together once in a while. Something I plan to work hard at from now on.”

Join us in supporting Shelley and his effort to build a more secure Country/Americana music contingent in the Coachella Valley and High Desert. See you at the LQ Brewing Co. on Friday 12/7/18 at 7 p.m.!

Upcoming shows: Fri. 12/7 6:30 p.m. – Palm Desert, CA – with Gethen Jenkins - La Quinta Brewing Co. Sat. 12/22 6 p.m. – Palm Desert, CA - Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Sun. 12/23 6 p.m. – Palm Desert, CA – Living Desert Zoo & Gardens rickshelleymusic.com thealternateroot.com

BY LOLA ROSSI some personal topics, I was intrigued to learn about a rare disease in boy children called ALD, Adrenoleukodystrophy. Females carry this abnormality and pass it on to their children. Each State has their own Recommended Universal Screening Panel (RUSP) that looks for serious developmental, genetic and metabolic disorders that would not otherwise be detected. For these diseases early detection and treatment is essential to preventing irreversible mental or physical disabilities, even death. However, lives can be saved by adding an ALD test to the existing RUSP for newborn babies.

In 2013, New York passed Aidan’s Law and became the first State to add the ALD test to the RUSP. Since the screening was initiated, over 100 children have been given a chance to live a healthy life. Currently, the parents of Aidan who died from ALD, is running a national campaign to have every State add the ALD test to the RUSP. For more information or to donate, visit ALD Connect, the Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation and the ALD database.

The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway is in Palm Springs and available for private and group tours. Call (760) 322-1192.

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

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osanne Cash officially launched her music career 40 years ago, it only took a few years to successfully step out of her father’s shadow and carve her own path. Her dad, in case you don’t know, was the legendary Man In Black, Johnny Cash. She is his eldest child, born to Johnny and his first wife, Vivian Liberto.

She was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1955, but she and her three sisters grew up in Ventura, California. Her parents divorced in 1966, and a couple years later Johnny married June Carter. After graduating from High school, she hit the road with her dad, initially her duties were limited to doing laundry, but she worked her way up to back-up singer and then featured vocalist.

Rosanne’s music career was briefly sidetracked when she attended Vanderbuilt University in Tennessee and enrolled in Lee Strasberg’s prestigious Theatre Institute in Los Angeles. But by 1978 she recorded a demo that attracted the attention of Ariola Records, a label based in Germany. Her self-titled debut arrived at the end of that year. Although it remained unreleased in America, the Nashville establishment was paying attention.

Ironically, she signed with Columbia, her dad’s label, and her sophomore effort, Right Or Wrong appeared in early 1980.

By then, she had met and married fellow musician Rodney Crowell. Formerly a key component of Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, his relationship with Rosanne quickly shifted from professional to personal. They married and created hit records like Seven Year Ache In 1981, Somewhere In The Stars in 1982, Rhythm & Romance in 1985 King’s Record Shop in 1987. Rosanne became step-mom to Rodney’s daughter, Hannah, and they had three girls of their own, Chelsea, Carrie and Caitlin.

In 1990, as her marriage to Rodney was beginning to unravel, Rosanne released her most intimate record, Interiors. Critics swooned even though her label was less than enthused (she asked to be let out of her contract and Columbia complied). Country radio, so quick to embrace her before, basically dismissed the album, but it found a home at stations that adopted the new AAA (Adult Album Alternative) format. Following her divorce she relocated to New York City and reconnected with Musician/producer

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ROSANNE CASH

John Leventhal (Shawn Colvin, Jim Lauderdale, LoudonWainwright, III). She charted the course of their romance, veering further away from Country and into venturing into FolkRock territory with 1993’s The Wheel. Married in 1995, the couple has a son, Jakob Leventhal.

Rosanne slowed her roll in the ‘90s, and mostly focused on raising her kids, she wrote a book of short stories entitled “Bodies Of Water” and released one album, 10 Song Demo in 1996. It would be another seven years before she recorded again. Rules Of Travel, released in 2003, included a duet with her dad, Johnny, and contributions from Steve Earle and Sheryl Crow. That year she was dealt the double blow of June Carter Cash’s death in May, and her dad’s that September.

Her 2006 Black Cadillac album reflected those losses, along with the passing of her mother, Vivian in 2005. The album was nominated for a Grammy in the Folk/ Americana category. The following year she announced she had Chairi I Malformation, a rare brain condition that was corrected by surgery. Her next project took her back to her teenage years.

Back then, her dad was concerned that all her musical knowledge came straight from the radio. So, he issued a bit of a homework assignment, requiring she learn, what he considered to be 100 essential American songs. She completed that task at the time, and in 2009, pared the titles down to 12 classic tracks for her 13th album, The List.

Covering songs from Country antecedents like the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Don Gibson and Ray Price, as well as Folk standards from Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary and three Johnny Cash songs. The album shot to #5 on the Country charts, where she had been M.I.A. for 22 years, and featured contributions from Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Tweedy and Rufus Wainwright. In 2010 she wrote a thoroughly engaging memoir, aptly entitled “Composed.”

Four years later she returned with The River & The Thread, a character-driven song cycle set in the deep South. Not only did it receive unanimous critical acclaim, it hit #11 on the Top 200, #2 on the Country chart and #1 on the Folk chart. It also won three Grammys for Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance.

Now she has returned with She Remembers Everything, her most personal effort since The Wheel.

The record opens with an insistent kickdrum beat and expansive electric guitar. The propulsive melody, co-written with T-Bone Burnett and Lera Lynn, has a foreboding Southern Gothic feel. The lyrics limn the quiet desperation of a marriage fraying at the seams. Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, shadows her voice on the poignant chorus; “Change will come to those who have no fear, but I’m not her, you never were the kind who kept a rule book near/What I said was never what I meant, now you see my world in flames, my shadow songs my deep regret.”

Rosanne wrote all the lyrics here and collaborated on the melodies with family and friends. Three songs were created at home with husband John Leventhal. Searing guitar

“SHE REMEMBERS EVERYTHING” (BLUE NOTE RECORDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

notes give way to high lonesome pedal steel and filigreed mandolin on “The Undiscovered Country.” The mournful, back porch melody suits the lyrics’ reverential tone. Here she scrutinizes the eternal gender disconnect, which feels especially apropos with a selfconfessed sexual predator in the Oval Office and the #metoo movement reaching a fever pitch. Ultimately, there are no easy answers, so she suggests we “Raise a glass, be thankful for what we don’t understand/The undiscovered country between a woman and a man.”

“Everyone But Me” is a bittersweet homage to her parents and other family members who have passed on. A stark piano ballad, it’s buttressed instrumentally by shaded acoustic guitar, muted basslines and subtle strings. Rosanne’s voice is front and center, catching as she wistfully notes “Mother and Father, now that you’re gone, it’s not nearly long enough, still it seems too long.” Her ache and heartbreak are palpable.

“Crossing To Jerusalem” is also a meditation on mortality. Over a wash of keys, sparkling guitar, fluttery mandolin, limber bass lines and a rock steady beat, (all provided

by John), her authoritative alto reminds us even as our journeys differ, our destination remains the same. “The birthdays and the babies, the bourbon and the tears, roaring like a hurricane tearing up the years/Who we are is who we were, and all of you were there, we’re crossing to Jerusalem, it’s nothing we can’t bear.”

The album’s centerpiece is “8 Gods Of Harlem,” a collaboration between Rosanne and longtime compadres, Kris Kristofferson and Elvis Costello. Emerging from the subway, Rosanne overheard a woman murmuring “ocho Dios (eight gods),” and the phrase stuck in her head. A passionate gun-control advocate, she decided to craft a song about a gun homicide, told from three different perspectives. Slashing electric guitars collide with lithe acoustic underpinnings and a propulsive rhythm. Rosanne embodies a bereaved mother mourning her slain child, “the son who was a baby, but who’ll never be a man.” Kris is the bitter father laments a son who starts off “on his best behavior” and ends up “with shit on his shoes…blood on the handlebars” with “nothing on the News.” Elvis is the helpless brother taking in the scene. On the chorus they unite to pray to the gods of gunfire and regret, collateral children, old illusions, wasted chances,

dreams and roses, washed-out paper broken hearts, rage and regret. It’s a devastating track.

The most winning songs on the record are solely the creation of Rosanne. “Rabbit Hole,” originally written as she was recovering from brain surgery, is slow as molasses, the instrumentation features reverb-drenched guitar, rumbling bass, twinkly accordion, tart organ colors, two pianos, a string section and harmony vocals from Colin Meloy. Dedicated to fellow singer-songwriters, Billy Bragg and Joe Henry, the song is a bit of a piquant encomium to her husband John; “I want to make you see that you in your crumpled splendor, when you sing to the farthest rafter/ With your big life full of love and laughter can pull me from the rabbit hole.”

Her matrimonial homage is more explicit on “Not Many Miles To Go,” The lyrics offer up gratitude for the couple’s longstanding marriage, their son and musical collaboration.

Powered by ragged electric guitar and a seesaw rhythm, her mien is wry and affectionate; “A spinning clock and 12-bar disasters, transformed by your telecaster, we found a new way to keep the beat (tempo baby)/Time keeps slipping through the curtain, with the Empire State and small batch Bourbon, now there’s not so many miles to go, and just one promise left to keep.” Meanwhile, “Particle And Wave” is an Folky, mostly acoustic tone poem that marries the topics of physics and brain surgery.”

Ironically, the swooping title song was cowritten by Sam Phillips, a sui generis talent probably best known for adding musical color to the “Gilmore Girls” TV series, but also a singer-songwriter who has released several excellent solo albums over the last 30 years.

Sam was married to musician/producer T-Bone Burnett for 15 years, (both have since remarried) and he, along with Lera Lynn created the melody for the closing track, “My Least Favorite Life.”

The former speaks to the process of closing the door on the structure one creates in life. The latter, something of a noir-ish dirge that explores the bittersweet experience of the last child leaving the nest; “This is my least favorite life, the one where I’m out of my mind/The one where you’re just out of reach, the one where I stand and you fly.”

Production duties on the album were evenly split between John Leventhal and Tucker Martine, but “She Remembers Everything” feels seamless. A deluxe edition features three additional tracks, two original songs and a traditional Appalachian ballad. It’s well worth the extra dough.

The Nashville music establishment pretty much abandoned Rosanne Cash after the release of her Interiors album. But she abandoned them right back, moving to New York and continuing to following her muse.

She found her niche in the thriving Americana/ alt.country landscape. She’s no longer defined by her family pedigree, and that suits her just fine.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ART IN THE DIGITAL WORLD ARTSCENE

BY ANGELA

THE WORK OF ELAINE SIGWALD

A

rt is never static – it is forever changing. It reaches to the past and is inspired by the art that preceded it. It looks to the future fascinated by the possibilities of the ever-changing technologies.

But at its core, art is creativity. Elaine Sigwald is creativity.

Elaine’s art is a melding of the old and the new. She has chosen to embrace the computer as her canvas and the results are beautiful. Her work is currently at D Gallery, in Palm Desert.

In January she will be a part of a four-person show opening on January 19, 2019.

“I am an Image Maker/Storyteller and use all tools available to bring into existence, tangible manifestations of my imagination,” said Elaine. “My mediums are Digital Painting, Photography, Video and Installation.”

“The technique of creating works of art entirely within the landscape of the computer has come of age. Collectors and Museums are acknowledging and embracing this new art form. I started experimenting with digital painting in 2008 and am gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance my work is receiving today,” she continued.

But the use of computer technology cannot be full realized without the knowledge of the underlying concepts. Being able to crop in Photoshop does not make one an artist. Elaine has been honing her craft through education and experimentation. In1974, long before Photoshop released its first version in February 1990, Elaine was exploring the digital world she studied at New York University with Bill Etra, the inventor of Video Synthesizer. Etra and Steve Rutt created the Rutt/Etra Video Synthesizer. As early as 1971, Etra was working with video artists exploring the possibility of digital art.

Elaine also studied with Shirley Clarke whose workshops were funded by the Whitney Museum. Shirley Clarke began producing movies in the early 1950’s. She was a part of the Independent Filmmakers of American, an avant-garde group of artists who tested not only technology but also the censorship of film in the 1950’s -1960’s.

Elaine also studied at the Women’s InterArts Center in Manhattan, with Shirley Clarke’s daughter Wendy Clarke. In 1972 Clarke pioneered video to produce interactive video installations. In 1977 she embarked on Love Tapes, a series of 800 videotapes of individuals defining love.

With these mentors it is no wonder Elaine pursued her own path of creativity in the emerging digital world.

What drives Elaine? “I work because it keeps my heart beating. It is essential to my existence while I am a corporal being on this

December 6 to December 12, 2018

ROMEO

planet and not yet returned to stardust. Artists speak about the work creating itself and I have on occasion experienced this phenomenon myself. Lucky accidents also make up some of my ‘ah ha’ moments. When I am painting the eternal question always present in my mind is, ‘What if I ???” and then I do it.’”

Not all Elaine’s inspiration comes for the modern age. Art does look to its predecessors for inspiration. For Elaine that is Surrealist painter Andre Masson. Masson often made use of the automatic drawing technique, a means of allowing the work to flow from the subconscious of an artist. In its simplest form, the hand moves randomly along the surface but is guided by the psyche of the artist.

“At times I will begin a digital painting with my eyes closed in the automatic painting style of the Masson. Masson being born in 1896 of course used traditional paints and brushes, but if he was born in the digital age he might have followed my electronic technique to achieve his surreal results. My technique, I hold my mouse in my hand, eyes closed and let my hand go wherever it wants to go.”

“A number of my recent paintings have had their origins using this method. My work Ghost In The Machinewas in the 2017 Palm Springs Art Museum Artist Council Exhibition, Some of my paintings take over 100 hours to complete and like traditional paintings have many layers of color. Ghost In The Machinehas over 50 layers and many of these layers are translucent. For me digital painting is akin to being in front of an easel except no toxic chemicals are involved.”

Continued exploration with art always makes the art world exciting. Elaine Sigwald is one of those artists to watch as her work ever evolves and ever challenges the concept of art and fine art.

For more information on Elaine Sigwald visit www.elainesigwald.com, or instagram at sigwaldelaine.

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

SENIOR TRIO HOME 4 THE HOLIDYAS!

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is trio of senior dogs were relinquished to our county shelter by relatives when their humans died. Sadly, this is a frequent occurrence when folks have no “plan” for their animals.

At ages 12, 15, and 17 years of age, these dogs had little chance of being adopted.

Many potential adopters want a puppy or a young dog for a variety of reasons, overlooking the special seniors who are truly special souls. The three dogs were placed in separate kennels at the shelter, and their future looked grim.

The staff at Barkingham Pet Hotel, home to California Paws Rescue, spotted the dogs on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services website, www.rcdas.org, where they were listed as “Needs Rescue”.

Lori Weiner, director of California Paws Rescue, contacted the shelter’s rescue coordinator, Michelle Bergeron. Lori and Michelle are two of my favorite animal heroines who work tirelessly to save and adopt shelter dogs and cats into “second chance” homes.

Lori Weiner describes the mission of California Paws Rescue, “Our mission is to save one life at a time. We like to take in dogs

MEET KISKA This beautiful Border Collie Mix girl is loyal and lovable with people. She’s high energy and needs a home with a good size back yard where she can play. Rescued from the county shelter

by California Paws Rescue, contact (760) 656-3833.

MEET PINTO Pinto’s humans died, and his brother dog found a new home. Pinto needs a loving new home before he ends up at the shelter. Pinto is 8 yrs old, 70 lbs of doggie love, shy at first, Border Collie/Lab mix. Call (909) 615-0099.

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that are disabled, blind, or elderly because they are not as easily adopted. They are special animals who truly deserve a second chance. With our networking and the special attention they receive while with us, they get great homes as well. When these three dogs were reunited in the shelter lobby, it was a joyful reunion with them jumping with sheer joy at being together again. Dogs raised together are like family, and they can become very bonded to each other.”

Pictured here is Lori with the three pups.

On the left is Precious, the 15-yr-old female brindle Bull Terrier. In the center is Stevie, a 17-yr-old partially blind chihuahua. On the right is Zorro, a black and white Bull Terrier, the youngster of the group at age 12.

These lucky seniors are living with Lori who is committed to ensure they get the love and special care they require. The Terriers have a very strong bond. The dogs were overweight when they arrived at the shelter.

Lori, a certified pet nutritionist, serves them Honest Kitchen dog food, a soft raw food, and the pups are already losing weight and thriving on this plan.

You can view all the animals seeking homes at California Paws Rescue at www.

californiapawsrescue.com. Call (760) 6563833 if you would like to meet one of them.

The Barkingham Pet Hotel, where all the rescue dogs are housed, is located at 73650 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Desert. The dogs in this rescue enjoy the amenities of a doggie swimming pool, lovely indoor and outdoor dog parks, and frequent walks by caring staff.

Is December, with all the busy parties and family gatherings, a good time to adopt a rescue pet? Studies show that pet adoptions during December are as successful as any other time. “Home 4 the Holidays” pet adoption events, now in their 19th year across our nation, seek homes for the millions of homeless animals in our shelters. December is about the celebration of new life and giving, and there is no better time than now to share your heart and home with a rescue dog or cat. The crisis for shelter animals never ends, but for three adorable senior dogs’ life it is good and the future is bright.

Merry Christmas to you and your 4-legged family members!

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE WIDE WORLD OF WINE NEWS

C

razy stuff or not—who can really keep up with all the news of the world this past year? We wine enthusiasts can barely sift through the specific info about our favorite beverage.

The California Beverage Retailers Association Beverage Bulletin has just been published, so I thought I’d summarize some of the vino highlights of the past year for you.

So grab a nice glass of wine and take a bit of time for a casual update.

Wine Quote of the Year? It’s by a comic playwright, can you guess who? (Answer below) This year’s Master Sommelier Exam has been rocked by scandal when it was revealed that one of the officials slipped the information on the tasting portion of the test to the student applicants. The tasting portion of the test involves identifying the variety, vintage, and origin of 6 wines in a 25 minute period. 23 students had passed and been given the right to put MS after their names.

Now, all 23 have been stripped of the title.

So many of these wine professionals take months and months of prep and study.

Nineteen of the test takers have written why should they be punished. The Court of Master Somms said they can take it next year.

Most Expensive Bottle of Wine: An auction at Sotheby’s, New York set a new record for the price of a single bottle of wine.

The auction had featured the sale of part of the cellar of Robert Drouhin. Two bottles of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti 1945 were among the lots. The first sold for $496,000.

The second set the record for a single bottle at $558,000.

World Championship Tip: The Boston Red Sox partied at the Nightingale in West Hollywood after beating the L.A. Dodgers and winning the World Series. It was a great party! The team drank the usual call drinks: Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, Belvedere, and Don Julio. Then they went to work and emptied

December 6 to December 12, 2018

the wine cellar of Champagne. The team downed 60 bottles of Moet, 48 bottles of Dom Perignon, 43 bottles of Ace of Spades, 5 bottles of Veuve Clicquot, 12 bottles of Perrier Jouet, and only 1 bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal. The bar tab came to $300,000. Then they tipped $195,000. A great party, but, not enough. The team repeated the feat at the Icon in Boston when they got home.

The Champagne Harvest of 2018 was the largest on record. Even with all those grapes, prices are expected to rise at least 5%. This is the 10th consecutive year of price increases in Champagne. This year’s harvest was one of the earliest on record due to global warming.

The grapes achieved a ripeness that was difficult to approach only a few years ago.

This year’s challenge was to have enough acidity for balance in the wines. $280 Million of Champagne: When does Champagne get too expensive? Attorney, Brent Wisner, found out. He won a $289 million award against Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer, in August. He represented clients in a lawsuit over the cancerous side effects of using Roundup weed killer.

In his closing arguments Wisner had said “Monsanto executives were waiting for the phone to ring and behind them is a bunch of Champagne on ice. If the damages number isn’t significant enough, champagne corks will pop.” Monsanto’s lawyer, said the champagne remark “was thumbing his nose” and objected that it was not factual.

“It is punishing Monsanto for having board members who may indeed love Champagne.”

The judge tended to agree and may reduce the judgment to $9 million!

Royal Wedding Champagne: Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV was poured at the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie held at Windsor Castle. The wine was also poured for the weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Pol Roger is renowned as the favorite of Winston Churchill, who started each day with a bottle for breakfast.

New Global Warming Grapes: China and France are cooperating on a range of agricultural studies to adapt to global warming. One of the projects to develop new grape varieties for a future warmer planet.

They are sharing their expertise to select vines that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses--mildew, phyloxera, drought, and extreme temperature. “It is about identifying the best parents, obtaining hybrids through crossing, and making seeds germinate.”

Vineyards Going North: VitiNord 2018 was held this year in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo, Sweden to celebrate winegrowing that global warming allows in northern countries. To date there are 5 wineries in Sweden and 3 in Denmark. Many more are on the way.

Stolen Wine Crop: Thieves in Deidesham in Germany’s Rheinfalz picked a vineyard clean during the night. The theft appeared to have been done by other winemakers because the grapes had been harvested with a picking machine. Only another vineyard would have such equipment. About 1 1/2 tons of grapes were stolen.

Disneyland will sell alcohol to the public for the first time since its opening in 1955.

Olga’s Cantina will serve drinks to fans who want to join Han Solo in a few minutes of relaxation in a galaxy far, far, away. Patrons will be able to order drinks from a fixed menu set by Disney’s creative staff. Patrons will be limited to one drink to be finished inside the bar and then like other attractions, keep moving to the next ride.

Hello Kitty with be opening its first cat themed cafe and bar in Irvine, CA, where you can order some Hello Kitty Wines!

The Quote of the Year for 486 BC, “Bring me a beaker of wine so that I may say something clever.” was uttered by the Greek playwright, Aristophanes, known as the “Father of Comedy”.

Here’s to the past year—cheers!

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THUR DECEMBER 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: The Countrysiders and DJ Elijah Ocean 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill and Doug Duo 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Twisted Thursday w/ DJ John Paul 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield and Brian Dennigan 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Open Mic Hosted by Lance Riebsomer 8-11pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 Johnny Meza and Co. 6-10pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Lipstick hosted by Bella Da Ball 8pm, DJs Banks and Ax 10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Alien DNA Jazz Journey 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 8-10pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Patricia Welsh 6-9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm

JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ JB and The Big Circle Riders 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Noise Presents: Mario Quintero, Unity Frenzy and Right On Right On 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Chalice 9pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 Symara Stone 6-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Cosley 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 4:40-6pm, The Steve Oliver Band 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Trio NV 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Banda Night w/ Banda Sin Nombre and DJ Markuz Area 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 7

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19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Live Music 8pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Vikas Sharma 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: Paige Emery and DJs Jess Labrador & Olive 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 TBA 7-11pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Sharon Sills 6:30pm AMERICAN LEGION; PS; 760-325-6229 Tony DiJerlando 5:30-7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Yo Raps! w/ DJS Captain Osiv, Addemup and Hymn 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Rockaholics 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 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 5:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx

6:30-10pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Viva Friday’s w/ DJ Banks 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Frankie DiSalvo 6-9pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 Ours Past Back 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 6pm, Plastic Ruby EP Release Party w/ The Hellions and Cody White & The Easy Ride 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 El As De La Sierra 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; 760-200-2597 Gethen Jenkins and Rick Shelley 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 7:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 Finesse 6:3011pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Trio NV 5-9pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6:30pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm 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 The Refills 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 David Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore w/ The Guilty Ones and Jon Langford 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Lee Squared 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Guttercandy 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S

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MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SONOMA GRILL; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Todd Ashley 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Salsa Dancing 7-11pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 “Meet the Corwins” 5:30-7:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 DJ Galaxy and the House Whores 5pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Fantasy Friday w/ DJ LF and Cali Redd 9pm

Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Frankie DiSalvo 6-9pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 Toys for Tots Toy Drive w/ Wyldsky 8pm THE GROTTO @ FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PD; 760-776-6533 Jack Ruvio 6-9pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 30 Miles Out 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-10pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Bob Allen 6pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Oro Norteno and No Raja 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 PS Sound Company 1pm, Hot Roxx 8pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 TBA 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Trio NV 6-10pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Michael Lowe 6:30pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-32711am, poolside, TBA 10pm 4080 Southbound and Co. 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760760-674-4080 Steppin’ Out 7-11pm 345-0222 Something Cool 6:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Gaby Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm Moreno and the Holynighters w/ The Posada BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Show 9pm Seven/Six Presents: Forever Young, Jakkz, PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke Frmlsss, Derron Jones, Mckg and VagueGarrett 7:30pm 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Red’s Rockstar Minniefield, Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera Karaoke 9pm 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Joely Fisher BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Lisa & The 8pm Gents Concert and Comfort Drive 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775Bonethumpers 9pm 5566 DJ 9pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 Lance Riebsomer BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gennine 6-9pm Francis 6-10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; 8pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Tuzzolino 5:30pm Blues 8-11pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 6:30-10pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian Brothers 8-11pm 6-9pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJ CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo Banks and Mr. Miami 9pm 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill SONOMA GRILL; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny Baker 6pm Pezzin 7-10pm DESERT FOX; PD; Zee and Steelfox 9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228Meltdown 8pm 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773

SAT DECEMBER 8

December 6 to December 12, 2018

Reggie “Vision” Alexander 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Moonbaby 6-10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett and Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono and the Real Deal 7:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Calista Carradine 6:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Snapchat Saturdays w/DJ LF and Cali Redd 9pm

SUN DECEMBER 9 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ 11am poolside, TBA 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Sunday Brunch w/ Barney McClure 11am BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Kick Back w/ DJs LF, Contraz and Geo Hosted by Ron T 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Patrice Morris 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 5pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO.; TP; continue to page 20

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

THEPAMPERED PALATE

W

ith big drinks, great food and a, “Everybody knows my name” kind of vibe, you’re sure to have a good time at Cactus Jacks in Palm Desert.

I remember entering the building where Cactus Jacks sits now, many moons ago when it was Smokey’s. It had twinkle lights and felt like the kind of place I would want to hang out at with good friends. Fast forward many more moons, and it has now been the home of Cactus Jacks for more than a decade, and is a place that I have happily hung out with good friends. It is the second location for the restaurant, a sister spot to its long standing anchor in Indio.

Their eastside place has since closed, but thankfully for all of us Cactus Jacks fans, the Palm Desert favorite is still going strong.

The restaurant has a consistency about it. On any given day, you can swing by the bar between lunch and dinner and it will be filled with happy regulars. It’s the only place that I can recall seeing people drinking full on cocktails at lunch time. And I’m not talking about skinny margaritas, I’m talking about serious martini and scotch on the rocks time. If you scan the bar, without looking like you’re trying to eavesdrop, you’ll notice clusters of people who you would swear meeting up at Cactus Jacks is a running ritual for them. I tell you, it’s heartwarming.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ALWAYS A GOOD TIME AT CACTUS JACKS

have something to absorb all of that liquid, and their delicious menu with traditional favorites has you covered. You can dine at the bar, in the dining room, or on the outside patio that has an intimate bar setting. The inside bar is usually where I have enjoyed sitting. It just seems extra lively at the bar. There I like to enjoy their Prime Rib Sliders, served with creamy horseradish and French Fries, or one of their ½ pound burgers, um, Bacon and Cheese please! One my favorites at Cactus Jacks is there Asparagus Fries. I have been ordering them since they appeared on the menu years ago. I’m pretty sure that they started the Asparagus Fries craze (yes, it’s a craze). I love them there, they are dredged

BY DENISE ORTUNO

in parmesan, panko crumbs and then deep fried, and served with cool ranch. The golden fried Asparagus has a subtle crunch, and goes deliciously with the creamy ranch.

The best part is, or the second best is, is that it’s a vegetable, and although it’s fried, you still can feel good about eating it. Right?!?

There are many other must tries at Cactus Jacks, such as their Prime Rib dinner plates, with Petite, Regular or Extra Cut, sizes. The Prime Rib along with other dinner items such as Steaks, Pasta and Seafood, come with your choice of soup or salad, potato, rice pilaf or pasta and their warm sourdough rolls.

It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping by Cactus Jacks for a complete meal, little

nibble, or a couple of drinks with dear friends. One thing is for sure, you will feel welcomed and have a good time, and if you go there regularly, “Everybody will know your name”.

Cactus Jacks is located at 74-450 Hwy 111, Palm Desert Ca, 92260-760-346-1565

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BREWTALITY

F

act: When I was eight years old, my favorite movie in the world was “Highlander”. Sure, sure; there were a lot of weird inconsistencies with that movie, most notably the accents. Why was Sean Connery, an actual Scotsman, playing a Spaniard without a Spanish accent? And why was Christopher Lambert (born in America but raised in France) playing a Scotsman without a Scottish accent? Call me detail oriented, but I couldn’t even watch Milo and Otis with the squad without pointing out the multiple pugs used in different scenes, since the bear fight part actually killed the original one. Yeah, I was real popular at parties. Anyway, Scotland has a long brewing history. That’s what we call a non-sequitur, kids!

Archaeologists have found evidence of ancient ales brewed by the Picts and then the Gaels. They were the ancient ancestors of the Scottish, and they’d create beer out of cereal grains, honey, and heather. Heather played a major role in the brewing history of the ancient Scots. Eventually, other herbs that enhanced the flavor of beer were found, and they were mixed together into a proprietary blend that was called gruit. There was no real recipe for gruit, each family kinda had their own version of it, and it’s what was used to bitter beer and bring balance to the cereal sweetness. Eventually, the peoples of Britain discovered the use of hops, which tastes much more pleasant in beer than all the weird stuff that went into gruit, but the Scots weren’t so lucky. Hops were hard to come by for them,

December 6 to December 12, 2018

SCOTCHY SCOTCH SCOTCH, I LOVE SCOTCH..

so they evolved their style to be malty rather than hoppy, and to this day, that defines how we define Scottish beer.

The strongest and most flavorful Scottish beers are simply referred to as Scotch, or Wee Heavy ales. They are the antithesis of the IPA, malt bombs that can offer a variety of complex flavors with nary a hint of hops to be found. I went to the local Total Wine and picked out four different scotch ales to try.

KILT LIFTER - 6% ABV, Four Peaks Brewing, Tempe, AZ. – The lowest ABV of the four, and the least representative of the style. With a reddish-copper color, the flavor is more American Amber ale than Wee Heavy, with a balanced middle ground reached between hop bitterness and malty sweetness. Not a bad beer, a good one in fact if you market it as anything but a Wee Heavy. If we choose to consider this a Scottish Export/ 80 Shilling ale, it fits that category a bit more. There are fruity esters to be found, a nice, dry and grainy character available, and even a lightly herbal finish from the addition of peat smoke, but this is much too bitter to be a representation of anything Scottish. 2.75/5 CHRISTMAS ALE - 7.5% ABV, Bells Brewery, Comstock, MI. – Pouring with a reddishbrown hue, this this beer possesses a toffeelike maltiness that dominates the palate, even tasting like chocolate-toffee candy on the finish. Despite the toasted, caramel flavors, there’s no real residual sweetness. This beer finishes dry and clean, with just enough hop bitterness to remind you that this is beer. As it

BY AARON RAMSON

warms, that same lightly-peaty note found in Kilt Lifter is present here. Bells created a very traditional Wee Heavy, devoid of any bells and whistles, and it gets the job done with expertjourneyman like efficiency. 4/5 CLAYMORE- 7.7% ABV, Great Divide Brewing, Denver, CO – Dark brown with only the faintest garnet hues around the edges of the glass, this beer is by far the darkest representation of the style. Dark chocolate flavors dominate, with toffee and dried-fruit flavors lending a hand to create a wonderfully delicious, almost dessert-beer. There’s a sweetness to this beer, but it’s kept from being cloying by the firm bitterness that’s anchored at its core. This beer is at the high limits of the Wee Heavy parameters, and that’s a good thing. 4.75/5 DIRTY BASTARD- 8.5% ABV, Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, MI – Brown with

ruby red highlights, this beer has the prettiest color of the four. On first sip, there’s an immediately smoky, phenolic character. I’m going to be real fam; to this reviewer, phenols are gross AF. They taste the way band-aids smell. Phenols taste like chemicals and rubber. It’s that reason why I’ve never been a fan of scotch whiskey. It’s off putting to me, and I can’t appreciate it. Apparently, peat is behind the taste of phenols in scotch, and Founders loads their ale up with them in a way that puts all the other beers I’ve tried today to shame. For an 8.5% ABV ale, Dirty Bastard does not come across as sweet or candy-like, rather it is semi-dry with a profile that leans towards the malty. With chocolate-caramel flavors picking up where the peat flavor tapers off, this version of a scotch attempts literally to emulate the flavors of a scotch whiskey.

4.25/5 You best believe a nap was required after day-drinking that much Wee Heavy, but Great Divide’s Claymore Scotch Ale wins today’s taste test. The rich flavors captured my palate with an almost porter-like flavor, but Dirty Bastard was also very good. This style of beer is wonderful to drink in this cooler weather and could very well and up your next favorite beer.

17

December 6 to December 12, 2018

SCREENERS

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No. 346

KIPLING’S FEVER DREAM

NOW SHOWING: MOWGLI: LEGEND OF THE JUNGLE

As a long-time fan of Rudyard Joseph Kipling’s stories, including The Jungle Book, I have been fascinated by the many movie adaptations – from animation to live action.

Disney’s two adaptations (1967, 2016) are what most people first think of when considering the feral child Mowgli on film.

The latest version, from acclaimed actor director Andy Serkis reinvents Kipling’s masterpiece about a feral boy torn between two worlds – the wild and the civilized It was filmed more than three years ago by Warner Bros. but held back to avoid direct competition or confusion with Jon Favreau’s lavish Disney blockbuster.

Serkis does not avoid the darker substance of Kipling’s colonial allegory but does it with excellent celebrity voice work and impressive special effects. His skill as a director and performance-capture expert serve him well here.

Even though Serkis adds elements and moments not in the source material, the heart of the established and beloved story remains intact. We again follow Mowgli (Rohan Chand) as he navigates his journey

between two worlds – he belongs in neither -- and discovers his true destiny and where he really belongs, becoming a legend along the way. There’s a universal metaphor here beyond any political notions of colonialism Kipling may have espoused.

Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star voice cast in this visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure that lingers like a fever dream long after final fade out.

The movie reminds that the jungle is a terrifying place and nature can be cruel, but humans are even crueler.

Kipling’s serious themes underscore this visually stunning, technologically impressive motion picture that may not be a perfect fit for younger kids but is definitely worth a look.

Now streaming on NETFLIX. NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE NUN Your prayers have been answered. The Nun is here.

Explore another dark corner of the “Conjuring” universe, whose record-setting films have terrified audiences around the world.

Demian Bichi stars as Father Burke, Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene, and Jonas Bloquet as local villager Frenchie.

Director Colin Hardy’s slow-burning gothic thriller is a mash-up of bloody gorehorror with elements of an action comedy.

Strong performances, spooky atmosphere and a couple cool set pieces enhance the story about a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania who takes her own life.

18

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

When a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate, they uncover the order’s unholy secret. Risking not only their lives but also their faith and their very souls, they confront a malevolent force in the form of the same demonic nun that first terrorized audiences in “The Conjuring 2.” The abbey becomes a horrific battleground between the living and the damned.

Extras include: “A New Horror Icon, “Gruesome Planet,” “The Conjuring Chronology” and more than 10 minutes of deleted scenes. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

-----------------------------------------------------

"WARMER: THE CLIMATE CHANGES US ALL" STORIES -----------------------------------------------------

T

he consensus scientific opinion on climate change continues to show that our planet is becoming less inhabitable and more dangerous for human beings. If the rapid decline of polar bears, as well as that of a myriad of other creatures, which sustain earth’s biodiversity isn’t enough evidence to make people care or believe, 13 government agency recently revealed the fiscal impact of the devastating and inevitable change in climate. Amazon’s original stories Warmer: The Climate Changes Us All (Amazon Original, 410 pages) delivers seven stories about life in a world where climate takes a toll on human beings.

Controller by Jesse Kellerman - (This is my favorite in the collection.) Raymond lives at home and cares for his elderly and infirmed mother. It’s January, and the temperature is rising to one hundred degrees. His mother has sent him out for ice cream, where he gets in trouble with a security guard for lingering too long in front of the freezer while enjoying in the frigid air. By the time he gets home, the ice cream has melted.

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STORIES FROM OUR FUTURE The air conditioner in the house is controlled by Raymond’s bitter and resentful mother through voice commands. She refuses to adjust the temperature or relinquish the remote that sets the thermostat.

When the remote gets damaged and can’t be replaced because of the outdated technology, he and his mother have a heated conversation that is deadly.

The Way the World Ends by Jess Walter In this story, science climatologists must cope with the horrible information of cataclysmic change, which goes ignored by government leaders and bored students. During a terrible, unseasonal storm, two scientists vying for the same university position, party like there’s no tomorrow.

At the Bottom of New Lake by Sonya Larson - A high school girl lives at the edge of a lake that was once an elite community but is now under water. As a pastime, she dives into the water to find expensive treasures that were left behind. Her teacher tells her the water is toxic and she should not disturb what is submerged. The world within the lake exists only as a marker of a catastrophic historical event.

There’s No Place Like Home by Edan Lepucki - Following environmental collapse, a prepubescent girl must find work to help her

mother make ends meet after her beloved father -- and tutor-- takes his life. Soon she is on a quest to discover more about her dad, which reveal his affair with a woman in a near-by post-apocalyptic commune.

Boca Raton by Lauren Groff - Florida is sinking and a single mother is troubled after she participates in a river cleanup with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Soon she is haunted by the horrors of the creatures that have died from the polluted and heated waters. The everglades are dying and human beings are next. How can she cope, raise her daughter or bring another child into the world? It’s more than she can bear.

Falls the Shadow by Skip Horack - Joel is a military vet whose North Carolina ancestral lands that once sustained his family were sold off by his drunkard father. Now he lives in an apartment where he struggles to make ends meet. Years before, he was the rugged poster boy for a locally made whiskey that was internationally known. When he is paid to attend a conservation expo, he finds he is

SAFETY TIPS

December 6 to December 12, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS a pawn in the environmental ecology game.

The Hillside by Jane Smiley - The reign of human beings is long gone and animals have taken over the earth. It is beautiful again and the air and water are now clean. But when a group of humans emerge, the animals must decide if they will help them or stop them from multiplying. The animals remember what humans have done to the earth and do not, and cannot trust them.

-------------------------------------------------Through these seven stories, readers can imagine what life may be like as the climate continues to change and the damage becomes irreversible. The earth may certainly endure, but human kind and a multitude of species may not survive.

The Warmer collection does not preach or blame, it is simply seven tales of life before, during, and after the world we currently know. The stories are filled with humor, hope and horror.

Like great literary science fiction, which took us to mars and predicted a wireless future, climate-fiction warns us that humans are capable of many things that can improve life -- and also destroy it.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

INDOOR CHRISTMAS SAFETY

N

ow that the outdoor decorations are in place, let’s look at a few indoor safety facts and tips. It’s important to know these Winter holiday fires by the numbers: • Between 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 4 deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage annually.

• On average, one of every 45 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 139 total reported home fires.

• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43% of home Christmas tree fires.

• In one-quarter (27%) of the Christmas tree fires and in 80% of the deaths, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree.

• More than one-fifth (22%) of Christmas tree fires were intentional.

• Forty-two percent of reported home Christmas tree fires occurred in December and 33% were reported in January.

• Two of every five (40%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den.

How to keep you and your family safe: • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.

• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators.

• Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water.

• Do not block doorways.

• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.

• Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

• The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

• The lights could short out and start a fire.

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations.

• Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace.

For additional Holiday safety information contact your local fire department.

Happy Holidays and Be Safe!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s).

We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

19

December 6 to December 12, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 760-343-5973 Afternoon Acoustics w/ Josh John Carey and Friends 6:30pm Heinz, Lance Riebsomer, Jose Renteria and Tim Anthony Scott 3pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Radio 60 3-6pm Luminators 6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm Marx 6:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Ted BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Meh! Herman 6-8pm Mondays 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Comedy BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Music Night w/ Sara Weinshenk 8pm Video Mondays 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Risque’ Drag Show 9:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company noon, Hot Roxx CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick 6:30pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Larry 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Capeloto 6-9pm Mikael Healy 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 2794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm 8pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Finesse 7pm 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke Sunday Band 7:30pm 8pm-1:15am PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Finesse 7pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Open Mic w/ PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Rockin’ Ray 7pm Open Mic 7pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Jack Ruvio 6-9pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 Michael Keeth 6-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 3560 The Myx 6:30pm Hanukkah Wrap Up Party w/ David Hirsch THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 5-7pm Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Deanna Bogart and Friends 6:30-10pm The John Stanley King Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Nick Sosa 7pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 5pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 WILDEST GREENS; PD; 760-636-0441 Lance Motown Mondays 6:30pm Riebsomer 11-2:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188

MON DECEMBER 10

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TUE DECEMBER 11

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bill and Bob Show 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shelley Yoelin Group 9:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Tequila Tuesday w/ Sounds Driven by Touch Tunes 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Tuesday Bluesday Blues Jam 7-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Terri Olsen and the Perfect Blend 6-9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Brad’s Pad 7pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm

PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Cinch 6pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 The Italian Connection w/ Gerald Colucci 6-9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John McCormick and The Shelly Scott Band 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Coachella Tuesday w/ DJ Jeezy and Cali Redd 9pm

WED DECEMBER 12

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Big Horn w/ Soul Jams 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Whiskey Wednesdays w/ Touchtunes 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760343-5973 Open Mic 6-8pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJs Banks, John Paul and Ax 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill

Baker 6pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 S.I.N. w/ DJ Mirage 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Terri Olsen and Patricia Welsh 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Latin Night 7pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Wine Down Wednesdays w/ Johnny Meza 4-6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Slim Man Band 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Jeff Bonds 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Shelley Yoelin’s Jazz Showcase 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Calentura Nights w/ DJ LF 9pm

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HADDON LIBBY

T

he Twelve Days of Christmas is an 18th century folk song with French and English origins that references to the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th and the arrival of the three wise men twelve days later.

Historians believe that this song is a seasonal drinking song due to the repetitive nature of the verses and references that show up in other drinking songs of the era.

A simple transition of the song tells of a feast on various fowl with entertainment for all tastes.

Scholars believe that ‘partridge in a pear tree’ is probably a translation error as the origins of the song are shared by the French and British. While the first day still refers to a partridge, it is most likely just the bird sans the tree.

While partridges represented fertility during the 18th century, they were also edible and most likely part of the 12 Days celebration (if one actually occurred).

On the second day, your true love gets you some turtle doves. A turtle dove is a type of European bird from the United Kingdom that migrates to Africa in the winter and is currently on the Endangered Species list.

Giving turtle doves made sense as those love birds mated for life making this line a romantic statement as well as an edible gift.

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THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS EXPLAINED

This dining analogy continues with three French hens, four calling birds (or blackbirds) and five golden ringed-neck pheasants. The six geese a laying represented long-term prosperity as fertile geese laying eggs were valuable and edible assets.

The seven swans were not being eaten like the other birds as they were in a pond outside. That said, swans were an important part of royal feasts during the rule of Henry the 8th and Elizabeth the 1st. By law, only royals could eat swans while commoners could not.

The eight maids a milking were there to get the party started. According to 18th century bar songs, milk maids were thought to be immune from small pox while having

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

BUT I ONLY HAD 2 BEERS.. .

I

t’s December and we’re anticipating a large spike in holiday DUI and Car Accidents. I bet that 70% of the new DUI’s will have told the police “But Officer, I Only Had 2 Beers”. This is easily the most common thing that a motor cop hears.

Fortunately most of my clients tell me the truth or close to the truth when asked how much they had to drink. The reality is that it is NOT THE NUMBER OF DRINKS BUT THE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL IN THE DRINKS that matters.

A young man and his mom retained me for his high reading DUI. He swore he only had 1 drink. I said it was impossible to be under the influence with 1 regular drink unless he took a red Costco 16 oz cup and filled it to the first line with Vodka and topped it off with OJ? I told him the first line on the cup is 12 oz which equaled 12 drinks.

I explained it is NOT the NUMBER OF DRINKS but rather the TOTAL amount of alcohol in the drinks... with 1 drink being 1 oz. of alcohol, 12 oz. of beer or 4 oz. of wine.

Thus a lawyer should look at the number of drinks; the total amount of alcohol; the weight of the driver; how long since the last drink; whether the driver had eaten and when and how much was protein.

A DUI doesn’t require you be drunk, but rather Under the Influence or Impaired. The Preliminary Alcohol Screening Breath (PAS) Test at the scene, or the breath or blood test

December 6 to December 12, 2018

loose constitutions (liked sex). Additionally, there were nine ladies dancing and ten lords a’leaping. According to my count, there were seventeen women for nine men which most men would consider an optimal mix. With eleven pipers piping in harmony with twelve drummers drumming, it was meant to be a raucous party. What else would you expect of a drinking song?

As eating endangered species is frowned upon, let’s modernize this song while still throwing a party fit for a leaping lord. As PNC Bank estimates that the cost of this 18th century party is $39,094 this year, we have quite the budget.

For the modern version, we will need one turkey, two ducks, three geese and four

cornish game hens to start. Let’s add five Chinook salmon as they are the finest salmon served. Further diversifying from the 18th century menu, let’s roast six pigs on spigots while holding seven live shellfish (lobster for the East Coast, Alaska King Crab on the West Coast) in a cooled salt water tank.

With dinner complete, this party will go one of two ways. If we are following modern behavior, guests will be treated to some live seasonal music sponsored by the National Dairy Association. If we are to stay true to the meaning of the 18th century version, dinner will evolve into an orgy as was often the case for many high-end raucous parties of the era.

Many believe that the Twelve Days of Christmas has hidden religious meanings.

While it may to them, it is derived from the drinking song.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at HLibby@WinslowDrake.com.

For more information, please visit www.

WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

at the station determines the reading.

You are under the influence if your ability to drive is impaired, and that takes place at a .08 or higher. Then the burden of proof almost reverts back to you, to show that you weren’t under the influence and/ or your blood alcohol was not .08.

The DMV and Court prosecute you and DMV, being an administrative agency, doesn’t follow the Rules of Evidence. The DMV Hearing Officer, who does not have any legal training, is both the presiding judge and the prosecutor and rules on all objections.

The statutory DMV hearing is conducted like a miniature trial, without a jury, and with somewhat different rules of evidence.

Defenses are more “technical” than in court, with procedure and bureaucratic errors often the grounds for a “set-aside” of the suspension. Both sides can testify, although the hearing officer usually only produces documents, such as police reports, lab reports and the officers sworn affidavit.

There is no right against selfincrimination so we don’t want our client present. If there, the client could be called by the hearing officer as a witness, and what is said and taped can be used by the DA at trial.

Historically DMV suspends your license for four months on a first offense DUI. If you ask for a restricted license, the suspension

is for 5 months instead of 4 months. You can request a restricted license 30 days after the DMV suspension. This restricted license allows the driver to drive to and from work and a DUI program.

Whatever you do please hire a LOCAL lawyer and do not attempt to handle a DUI yourself, or better yet...

“Though I am sometimes referred to as a criminal DUI defense lawyer, I choose to not view my 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.”

Suggestions for future columns contact Dale Gribow at (760) 837-7500 or email me

at dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 201119 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER....THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

SPORTS SCENE

M

ercifully the Raiders laid to rest their 2018 NFL campaign as the first to officially be eliminated from Playoff Contention. First let’s take a look at all that went right this season. #1 - There’s a real case to be made that head coach–de facto GM–Oakland Overlord Jon Gruden’s strategy for blowing up the Raiders makes sense. Dealing Amari Cooper for a first-round pick just as the wide receiver was set for a raise was a win, and the Khalil Mack trade may even look good with a few years of hindsight as well. Nah, that’s not even close to true but I found myself after one positive thing to already be out of positives for the Raiders this year. But the Raiders have too many bridges to cross this offseason to declare anything a success just yet.

What Went Wrong How long do you have? The first year of Gruden’s decade-long reign was the NFL’s “Father Knows Best?” experiment: How much can a coach antagonize his fan base if given absolute power? In what many thought would be a rebuilding year, he assembled the oldest roster in the league by adding veterans and purging first- and second-round draft picks. He half-joked about not knowing how to pronounce data, said he wanted to take football back to the 1990s, and then showed the team film from the 1970s. Before

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GOODBYE RAIDERS

the season even began, Gruden released the team’s leading scorer (Michael Crabtree) and the team’s most fun player (punter Marquette King), and then, one week before the season, he traded the team’s best player (Khalil Mack). A few days after the Mack trade, the city of Oakland threatened to sue the Raiders and I’m not making any of this up.

Then the season began, and everything got worse. The Raiders are 2-10 and tied for the worst record in football (the team they are tied with, Bay Area rival San Francisco, beat them by 31 points). The defense allows the highest percentage of opposing drives to end in a score in the NFL at a whopping 47.3 percent. Vegas has our own College Of The Desert as a slight 3 point underdog if they played in Palm Desert.

The starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who not so long ago was the league’s highestpaid player, is having the worst season of his career. Less than a year removed from reports that Carr was one of the reasons Gruden took the job, Carr is already rumored to be a lame duck who will not be around when the team gets to Vegas in 2020 (the team could save $15 million and eat $7.5 million in cap money by cutting him this offseason). Also, he’s been reduced to tweeting that he did not cry during a game and that reports that he lost teammates’ support because of the crying were false. Not familiar with “Carr defends

ASK THE DOCTOR

BY DR PETER KADILE

THE GIFT OF HEALTH

T

he Holidays are upon us! Diet and exercise this time of year tend to go out the window and a lot of sugary sweets are everywhere.

Prediabetes Prediabetes is not actually diabetes, it is the condition where your blood sugar level is high than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. Unless someone with prediabetes makes some lifestyle changes, chances are the condition will progress to Diabetes Type 2.

Someone with prediabetes generally has no signs or symptoms and the condition is diagnosed with a blood test. The risk factors for developing Diabetes Type 2 are the same risk factors for developing prediabetes: • Overweight • Large waist size (risk for diabetes increases in men with waists larger than 40 inches and waists larger than 35 inches in women.

• Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise • Poor diet; high intake of sugar sweetened foods and beverages • Age greater than 45 • Family history of diabetes The good news is prediabetes is curable.

If you modify your diet, exercise, lose weight, get a good night’s sleep and control

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your blood pressure, you can bring your blood sugar levels back down to the normal range. Prediabetes is a warning sign that if you don’t make some changes in your life, you will progress to developing Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes Type 1 usually develops in childhood. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Insulin is needed to control the sugar in the blood stream. Since Type 1 diabetics don’t produce insulin, they will have to take insulin for treatment. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Type 2 usually develops in adulthood. Insulin is being produced but the body is insulin resistant and thus cannot drive blood sugar out of the blood stream effectively. Medical treatment for type 2 diabetes can be in oral form (pills) or injectable insulin. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented and be reversed. The risk factors for developing Diabetes Type 2 are the same for developing prediabetes. Nutritional management, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are keys to controlling and even preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

crying”. Google it, it’s fairly entertaining.

The Raiders’ best player might be 35-yearold safety Reggie Nelson. The team is at the stage when last week’s seven-point loss to the Chiefs is considered a positive turning point for team chemistry. The 2018 Raiders season is Gruden slapping Raiders fans across the face with their own hands while yelling “why are you hitting yourself?”

We don’t know what Gruden’s strategy will be in 2019, but he has nearly $80 million of cap space to play with, the fifth most in the league. Oakland could invest in high-priced free agents of Gruden’s liking, but the team has so much draft capital that it may double down on the 2018 strategy of bringing in veterans who can help establish a culture for the young players who will be the future of the team. Expect more Jordy Nelsons, not Jadeveon Clowneys.

Gruden has, to the great pain of Raiders fans, lamented the team’s lack of a pass rush this season. Luckily, this is one of the best defensive line draft classes in recent years.

Half of the players on Mel Kiper’s big board are either interior defensive linemen or edge rushers. Ohio State’s Nick Bosa is very much in play for Oakland’s first pick, and a plethora

BY FLINT WHEELER of pass rushers from Kentucky’s Josh Allen to Florida’s Jachai Polite to Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell are all in the mix for later in the first round. As painful as trading Mack was, by the time the Oakland Raiders become the Las Vegas Raiders, they may have a combo of pass rushers (Bosa and Ferrell?) who combine to earn half of Mack’s salary.

Yet none of the picks the Raiders have accumulated matter if the team doesn’t select the right players. It’s hard to imagine Gruden will let Reggie McKenzie spearhead the Raiders’ draft efforts after cutting bait on the GM’s past picks, but Gruden does not have a strong history of scouting talent himself. The key to 2019—and Gruden’s tenure—will be how much and to whom Gruden delegates power. That starts with the draft. If the Raiders nail all three of these picks, they may waltz into Vegas like the Golden Knights on steroids, and Gruden will look very smart. If they whiff, it’s going to be a long decade.

TRAVEL TIPS 4 U

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BY LYNNE TUCKER

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS - PALM DESERT, CA

RATED ONE OF THE TOP TEN ZOOS IN THE UNITED STATES

T

he Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a desert botanical garden and a zoo located in Palm Desert, Riverside County, California, United States. They are in the Sonoran Desert of the Coachella Valley and Santa Rosa Mountains foothills near Palm Springs, California.

They were established in 1970 by several trustees of the Palm Springs Desert Museum who foresaw the impact that resort development would have on their local desert ecosystem. This foresight led to an interpretive nature trail and preserve in Palm Desert.

For nearly five decades, The Living Desert has been engaged in the important work of preserving, conserving and interpreting the desert and all its varied plant and animal life.

Even as they take immense pride in their accomplishments over the last 45+ years, they remain as dedicated as ever to the goals that initially inspired them when they first began operations in March of 1970.

Their mission - Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection,

breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years.

Get your all-day Adventure Pass today Includes unlimited entry for the following: Carousel rides, Camel rides, Giraffe feedings, Lorikeets + Nectar feedings, Season Hours: Open Daily Oct. 1 – May 31. 9am to 5pm. Last admission at 4pm. Closed December 25th Summer Hours: Open Daily June 1 – Sep. 30. 8am to 1:30pm. Last admission at 1pm General Admission $20 Children(3-12) $18. Under 3 FREE Total Adventure Pass $20 VIP Tours/Group - Contact for pricing.

For more information and directions visit www.livingdesert.org.

Think Travel and Enjoy the Journey!

Lynne Tucker is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Palm Desert

December 6 to December 12, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

GIVE THE SACRED PLANT AS A GIFT

W

e celebrate giving during this week of Hanukkah. Let us think of ways to honor our loved ones with a gift of the sacred plant: medical cannabis. Cannabis is still federally prohibited even though it is legal both medically and recreationally in CA. The cost can be prohibitive to seniors on fixed incomes.

Helping mom or dad learning to treat him/ herself with cannabis can be a daunting task.

Brush up on learning beforehand by viewing some videos at Green-Flower.com. Bring her/ him with you when you enter a dispensary. Ask if the dispensary offers a physician or nurse consultations as a service. In some geographic areas physicians and nurses set up their own private practice devoted to recommending treating and monitoring a patient’s cannabis progress. They help adjust doses, methods of administration and suggest alternate strains or ratios.

How do you help without a doctor or nurses’ guidance? Here are some suggestions. Be careful of smoke shops selling hemp CBD (cannabidiol).

There is continued confusion in CA. law about hemp CBD (see abovethelaw.com/2018/07/ buzzkill-alert-california-prohibits-hemp-cbd-infood. Unless the smoke shop can show you the lab test, don’t buy there.

Bring cash and reading glasses as labels are hard to read. Treat labels the same as when buying over the counter medicines in Walmart. Read them in detail. Ask questions.

Look at ratios. Most products are tested for CBD CBDA THC THCA and CBN. The “A” at the end of the molecule indicates the acid or raw form meaning prior to being heated. THCA does not have mind-altering properties. A safe ratio for pain is a 1:1 CBD:THC. Don’t be afraid of the THC. The CBD mitigates the mind-altering effect of the THC. It is needed to help activate CBD. Very few dispensaries are truly medical.

A good medical dispensary will carry ratios of CBD:THC of 3:1 4:1 5:1 or 10:1 from various cultivars (strains). CBD is effective for relieving 90% of symptoms. Higher doses of THC are needed for use in relieving cancer and insomnia issues. Ratios of CBD:THC 20:1 or 30:1 are rarely recommended by medical professionals.

Again, don’t be afraid of the THC it is needed for balance and homeostasis.

Ask if the dropper is labeled in increments of a milliliter. The directions should tell you how many milligrams (mg) of cannabis is in a milliliter (ml or a cubic centimeter). Remember grams is weight liter is volume so 5mg per 0.5ml or ½ a dropper, 5mg in 1ml or a full dropper.

Some experience with cannabis use is needed before using edibles. Edibles are delicious, easy to gobble up. But eating a bar of cannabis chocolate or a bag of fish or pretzels will land you on the couch for a day.

Be very aware of the ratios and do not be confused. A ratio of 3:1 THC:CBD means it has 3 parts TCH to 1 part CBD. Leave that product on the shelf, try another dispensary. A tincture oil given under the tongue is the best choice for a first-time user. Remember to ask for a first-time buyer discount.

Be sure to put your purchase in the trunk of the car. Do not ingest in the parking lot or while in your car. Dr. Dustin Sulak, healer.com, gives excellent online suggestions on adjusting the dose of cannabis to its effectiveness. Now embrace your journey. Safe practice.

Come join yours truly for An Afternoon of Poetry Thursday, December 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Rancho Mirage Library.

Happy Hanukkah Ruth A Hill consults on cannabis at www. holisticcaring.com

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 6

ARIES (March 21-April 19): When I write a horoscope for you, I focus on one or two questions because I don’t have room to cover every single aspect of your life. The theme I’ve chosen this time may seem a bit impractical, but if you take it to heart, I guarantee you it will have practical benefits.

It comes from Italian author Umberto Eco. He wrote, “Perhaps the mission of those who love humanity is to make people laugh at the truth, to make truth laugh, because the only truth lies in learning to free ourselves from insane passion for the truth.” I swear to you, Aries, that if you laugh at the truth and make the truth laugh in the coming days, you will be guided to do all the right and necessary things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have a cosmic mandate and a poetic license to stir up far more erotic fantasies than usual. It’ll be healthy for you to unleash many new thoughts about sexual experiments that would be fun to try and novel feelings you’d like to explore and people whose naked flesh you’d be interested to experience sliding and gliding against yours. But please note that the cosmic mandate and poetic license do not necessarily extend to you acting out your fantasies.

The important thing is to let your imagination run wild. That will catalyze a psychic healing you didn’t even realize you needed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In my continuing efforts to help you want what you need and need what you want, I’ve collected four wise quotes that address your looming opportunities. 1. “What are you willing to give up, in order to become who you really need to be?” —author Elizabeth Gilbert 2.

“Leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the most important things come from.” —Rebecca Solnit 3. “You enter the extraordinary by way of the ordinary.” ―Frederick Buechner 4. “Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ― Nathaniel Hawthorne CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’ve called on author Robert Heinlein to provide your horoscope.

According to my astrological analysis, his insights are exactly what you need to focus on right now. “Do not confuse ‘duty’ with what other people expect of you,” he wrote. “They are utterly different. Duty is a debt you owe to yourself to fulfill obligations you have assumed voluntarily. Paying that debt can entail anything from years of patient work to instant willingness to die. Difficult it may be, but the reward is self-respect. But there is no reward at all for doing what other people expect of you, and to do so is not merely difficult, but impossible.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): What does “beauty” mean to you? What sights, sounds, images, qualities, thoughts, and behavior do you regard as beautiful?

Whatever your answers might be to those questions right now, I suggest you expand and deepen your definitions in the coming weeks. You’re at a perfect pivot point to invite more gorgeous, lyrical grace into your life; to seek out more elegance and charm and artistry; to cultivate more alluring, delightful magic.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You know the expiration dates that appear on the labels of the prescription drugs you buy? They don’t mean that the drugs lose their potency after that date. In fact, most drugs are still quite effective for at least another ten years. Let’s use this fact as a metaphor for a certain resource or influence in your life that you fear is used up or defunct. I’m guessing it still has a lot to offer you, although you will have to shift your thinking in order to make its reserves fully available.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran rapper Eminem is renowned for his verbal skill. It may be best exemplified in his song “Rap God,” in which he delivers 1,560 words in six minutes and four seconds, or 4.28 words per second. In one stretch, he crams in 97 words in 15 seconds, achieving a pace of 6.5 words per second. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you will also be unusually adept at using words, although your forte will be potent profundity rather than sheer speed. I encourage you

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© Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

to prepare by making a list of the situations where your enhanced powers of persuasion will be most useful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In May of 1883, the newly built Brooklyn Bridge opened for traffic.

Spanning the East River to link Manhattan and Brooklyn, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. But almost immediately people spread rumors that it was unstable. There was a growing fear that it might even crumble and fall. That’s when charismatic showman P. T. Barnum stepped in. He arranged to march 21 elephants across the bridge. There was no collapse, and so the rumors quickly died. I regard the coming weeks as a time when you should take inspiration from Barnum. Provide proof that will dispel gossipy doubt. Drive away superstitious fear with dramatic gestures. Demonstrate how strong and viable your improvements really are.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Robert Louis Stevenson published his gothic novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886. It was a bestseller, and quickly got turned into a theatrical production.

In the ensuing 132 years, there have been well over a hundred further adaptations of the story into film and stage productions. Here’s the funny thing about this influential work: Stevenson wrote it fast. It took him three feverish days to get the gist of it, and just another six weeks to revise. Some biographers say he was high on drugs during the initial burst, perhaps cocaine. I suspect you could also produce some robust and interesting creation in the coming weeks, Sagittarius—and you won’t even need cocaine to fuel you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A blogger on Tumblr named Ffsshh composed a set of guidelines that I think will be apt and useful for you to draw on in the coming weeks. Please study these suggestions and adapt them for your healing process. “Draw stick figures. Sing off-key. Write bad poems. Sew ugly clothes. Run slowly. Flirt clumsily. Play video games on ‘easy.’ OK? You do not need to be good at something to enjoy it. Sometimes talent is overrated.

Do things you like doing just because you like doing them. It’s OK to suck.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian athlete Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player who ever lived. He was also the first to become a billionaire. But when he was growing up, he didn’t foresee the glory that awaited him. For example, in high school he took a home economics class so as to acquire cooking abilities. Why? He imagined that as an adult he might have to prepare all of his own meals. His ears were so huge and ungainly, he reasoned, that no woman would want to be his wife. So the bad news was that he suffered from a delusion. The good news was that because of his delusion, he learned a useful skill. I foresee a similar progression for you, Aquarius. Something you did that was motivated by misguided or irrelevant ideas may yield positive results.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The Bible does not say that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or even a “sinner.” There’s no mention of her sexual proclivities at all. Delusional ideas about her arose in the Middle Ages, instigated by priests who confused her with other women in the Bible. The truth is that the Bible names her as a key ally to Christ, and the crucial witness to his resurrection. Fortunately, a number of scholars and church leaders have in recent years been working to correct her reputation. I invite you to be motivated and inspired by this transformation as you take steps to adjust and polish your own image during the coming weeks. It’s time to get your public and private selves into closer alignment.

Homework: Imagine that one of your heroes comes to you and says, “Teach me the most important things you know.” What do you say?

FreeWillAstrology.com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

ONE OF THE TEN BEST GIFTS I EVER RECEIVED

I

t was totally unexpected, but came at a time when I needed it most. The entire week was fraught with speed bumps, and also a time of sorrow for my family. As I trudged to the mailbox expecting nothing but bills and catalogues loudly screaming holiday gift ideas, I found a small pink envelope. While observing the soft hue and scanning lovely cursive penmanship dictating my address, I felt an inner warmth. Somewhere in this week weighted down with dismal gray clouds, a sliver of light was breaking through.

Returning to my office I slit the envelope and read the one page note. It was a thank you letter of sorts from a friend. She acknowledged something I do weekly never knowing who might benefit, but hoping people do. This letter is going down in my book as one of “The Ten Bests Gifts I Ever Received.”

Want to give a special gift to touch the heart of a friend or loved one, and perhaps make their top ten list? Read on, I’ll walk you through it. Pick up a pen or station yourself behind your keyboard. Close your eyes and do a deep dive into how your chosen one adds value to your life. Express sincere gratitude for something specific. Think beyond material gifts and write a paragraph on how their actions make your world a better place. Don’t worry about writing

style, just find your voice and communicate your feelings.

After performing this written exercise, I would not be surprised if you decided to do another, and then another for other individuals.

In fact, while researching gratitude letters I stumbled upon an article about a fellow named John Kralik. In 2008, he made a New Year’s resolution to write one thank you note each day. He created notes to family, friends, coworkers and even the barista at Starbucks.

Taking it one step further, Kralik turned his notes into a book, “365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life.” John succinctly boils advice on writing a thank you to this, “Focus on one true meaningful sentence about the person.” Kralik also recommends you do it the old school way.

You know, with pen and paper.

My favorite word of advice from the author is keeping the thank you short and simple so that it could fit on a 3” x 5” note card. Why? So there is no room in your gift for anything but gratitude.

Ready to give it a go? I’m trusting your note will deliver more joy than you can imagine.

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

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

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BY MICHELLE ANN RIZZIO

STAYING WELL DURING THE WINTER WITH CANNABIS

A

lthough society generally regards winter time as the most wonderful time of the year, for nearly 10 million Americans it’s the exact opposite.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of recurrent depressive disorder where episodes of depression occur during the same season each year. Sometimes folks will call it the “winter blues”. Those suffering from SAD experience feelings of sadness, weight gain, changes in appetite for comfort foods, drops in energy, and oversleeping. As solstice on December 21 marks the official start of winter and the sun begins to set earlier in the day, SAD can strike.

Thankfully cannabis can help with the symptoms of SAD and aid in making the winter moods lift. Incorporating cannabis into your morning self-care ritual can encourage energy and motivation. By opting for sativa dominant strains you can take steps to add a little more wonder into your day. Another way to cope with seasonal moods is meditation. Adding sativa dominant strains like Blue Dream or Sour Diesel into your meditation session is a perfect way to create a balance between full body relaxation and a nice mental stimulation. The euphoria it creates is a perfect way to release anxiety during a meditation session. These are perfect things to share during our in store events as the days get darker and colder.

Creating ritual around your cannabis use by burning incense like myrrh, frankincense, amber and cinnamon are perfect seasonal warm resins and herbs that can encourage the feeling of comfort and safety for those finding themselves a little more blue during the winter months.

Beyond SAD, the colder temperatures can also trigger physical issues such as joint conditions and nerve issues. Warm CBD baths using a CBD bath bomb and treating yourself to a CBD joint is a fantastic way to

beat physical ailments that the winter may bring to the surface. Yoga afterwards assists in releasing pain and inflammation as well.

Finally, a lovely way to raise your spirits is a warm drink! I personally love apple cider and would love to share this recipe on how to make a THC infused apple cider. I like to use cannabutter but have had success using tinctures and hash based oils too. ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons of canna fat (butter or oil) 6 cups apple cider (or juice) 6 tablespoons of lemon juice 6 whole cinnamon sticks Nutmeg to taste Simmer brown sugar and cannabutter in a large pot over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and butter melts. Keep it at a slow simmer, not a boil.

Add apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks; bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes.

This recipe serves 6 cups, garnish with a cinnamon stick and nutmeg to taste!

Stay warm this winter, and make sure to share these self-care tips with your 420 friendly family and friends.

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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December 6 to December 12, 2018

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