Coachella Valley Weekly - December 22 to December 28, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 40 by CV Weekly

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 22 to December 28, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 40

Desert Woman’s Show Ronnie King Zech B pg 6

pg 7

pg 9

Robolights

pg 11

CV Culinary Invitational

pg 16

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Morgan James Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Jack St. Clair, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Janet Newcomb, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo, Esther Sanchez, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Lani Garfield, Esther Sanchez, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

BB's NYE Masquerade Party.................... 3 New Year's Eve Events ............................. 5 Desert Women's Show............................. 6 Breaking The 4th Wall - Yo Younger........ 6 Slim Man................................................... 7 Backstage Jazz - Ronnie King..................7 Comic Con Palm Springs......................... 8 CV Open Mic Competition...................... 8 Mary J. Blige at Fantasy Springs............. 9 Zech B....................................................... 9 Consider This - 68/75............................. 10 Art Scene - Scot Alpert.......................... 11 Art Scene - Robolights........................... 11 Pet Place................................................. 12 The Vino Voice ....................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife........................... 14 CV Culinary Invitational ....................... 16 Screeners................................................ 18 Book Review........................................... 19 Safety Tips.............................................. 19 Haddon Libby........................................ 21 Dale Gribow........................................... 21 Sports Scene .......................................... 22 LifeStream Community Blood Drive.... 22 Free Will Astrology................................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 23 Health & Fitness..................................... 24 Life & Career Coach ............................... 24

December 22 to December 28, 2016

BY DENISE ORTUNO NEIL BB’S 33RD ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE PARTY AT HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS

PHOTOS BY LANI GARFIELD

ot off the huge success of the Halloween Bash, BB Ingle will be hosting the 33rd Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party on Saturday night, December 31st. This will be the 3rd year that the event is being held at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. BB’s Parties are legendary, and have been entertaining desert party goers for decades. His New Year’s Eve Parties in particular are enormously popular, giving attendees the chance to dress up and celebrate the start of the New Year in style! The parties are epic, and bring people from not only the desert area, but all over southern California to attend! Last year’s party, held at the Hard Rock Hotel, was huge, bringing out well over 3,000 revelers to celebrate! The mega party, which is being produced by Ray Phillips with RSP Productions, will be spread out around the hotel, incorporating the elaborate underground ballroom, Nightclub, and lobby. There will be three floors and seven stages of entertainment with 25+ Bars, Multiple DJs and Two Bands playing all genres of music. MASKS are OPTIONAL. DJs’ confirmed are DJ Ray – C3ASARE – Anwaar Himself – Aaron Cortes – Cre-8 from 99.1 KGGI – DJ LF – The Deep Ones – DJ Paparazzi – & more to be announced. Special performance by MTV recording artist Shawn Don – Classic Rock Band DUDE JONES – Hot local Pop Singer Kate London – Popular Latin Band “Nova” – “Elab Banda” featuring Adrian Crush & his Michael Jackson tribute – Plus, for those who like to entertain, “MasqueradeOkie” with T-Bone. Also a Live Portrait painting performance by the amazing artist Peter Mikulak. BB must have been born to bring people together, starting his career as a leader in social gatherings back in the 80’s when he and a few others founded BB O’Briens. The nightspot was a constant in desert nightlife, and after its closure, BB began throwing special holiday/event parties, earning him the Master of Events and Godfather of Parties title that he has today. BB is also the four time winner of CV Weekly’s “Promoter of the Year” Award. He was also chosen as one of CV Weekly’s Top 12 Most Interesting and Influential Men of 2015 & 2016. I asked BB what motivates him to continue doing this after 33 years. “Well...I’ve had a passion for gathering people together in celebration since I was a young boy,” stated BB in his smooth, laid back Alabama twang, which is where he originally hails from. “After

33 years of parties we have all ages from 21 to 75, many of our original party goers’ children now attend. We make sure to play all types of music in different areas to keep everyone dancing and having a good time. But what makes me feel like it is all worthwhile is when someone comes up to me and says ‘BB, Thank you so much. If it weren’t for the party I wouldn’t have met my soul mate. We met at the party and now we are married and have kids.’ That’s very rewarding and it has happened numerous times over the years.” While BB tries to throw a party once a month he’s re-inventing himself in 2017. He has several new endeavors including becoming a partner in a new Restaurant/ Nightclub opening next month in Palm Desert. “We saw a big need for a new place for entertainment and dancing in the Palm Desert area. As far as events, I am also going to be hosting some smaller, private, invitation only parties at smaller venues.” The Hard Rock Hotel in downtown Palm Springs and BB’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party is a perfect match! The Hard Rock Hotel Brand, which started back in 1971, sets it goal on bringing people together to party up a storm, it’s a shared goal that BB has been an advocate of all along, “ I’m excited to have the big New year’s Eve Party at the Hard Rock again this year.” said BB. The Hotel boasts all the flash and glamour affiliated with the famous chain. Amenities at the venue include swanky lounges, a Nightclub, incredible dining, spa services and hip luxury accommodations all dripping with the cool vibe that is part of the Hard Rock brand. For all of the loyal party goers that attend BB’s events, it doesn’t really matter where it is or what it is for, they will be there. If you haven’t had the experience of attending one

of these memorable bashes then maybe you should start with this year’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. While mask are optional, it’s always more fun to wear one and BB will be giving a prize for Best Female Mask and Best Male Mask. A good time will be had by all. See you there. The party goes from 8:30pm to 2:00am and guests must be 21 or older to enter. Tickets are priced at $25.00 per person online at PartywithBB.com. Tickets are also available at: Skitzo Kitty in Palm Desert, PS Organica in Palm Springs, Sensuality in Palm Springs. For tickets visit www.partywithBB.com or call 760-880-1059.

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS

AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA I want my New Year’s Eve! Step back to the 80s and party like a video star on December 31st at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. Ring in the New Year big time this year at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Watch your favorite 80s music videos all night long, with party favors aplenty to help you celebrate in style, and don’t miss the Top 20 Countdown to $25,000 Cash on the casino floor. Plus, Huey Lewis and The News live on stage in The Show. Live at The Show on New Year’s Eve, it’s Huey Lewis and The News. Celebrate MTVstyle all night at the most amped up party in the Coachella Valley. Huey Lewis and The News are truly one of America’s great rock ‘n’ roll bands. As they enter their 36th year together, their contagious brand of music has outlasted countless trends, and is as fresh today as ever. Formed from two rival Bay Area bands in 1979, they continue to thrill audiences worldwide, selling over 20 million albums in the process, earning them the right to mark their place on the pop history map.

Huey Lewis and The News take the stage in The Show at 10:30PM Tickets on sale online at HotWaterCasino.com or call (800) 585-3737. The Lounge in Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. New Year’s Eve * Free fun and entertainment from 9:00PM - 1:00AM The best dance hits of the 80s with the 80’z All Starz. Must be 21 or older. Ring in 2017 at Spa Resort Casino’s second annual community block party with entertainment, local restaurants, bar gardens, a multi-media presentation and fireworks. Spa Resort Casino – together with community partners including Alpha Media along with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Eisenhower Medical Center and PS Resorts – is gearing up for a second annual New Year’s celebration to rival Times Square. The block party has something for everyone whether you celebrate New Year’s by east or west coast time. SPA RESORT & CASINO For those who celebrate early, the event is scheduled to begin at 8PM and will broadcast the east coast Times Square celebration live on a giant digital display at 9PM Entertainment will be provided by

DJ Dense, noted Los Angeles DJ and Music Director for the LA Clippers, with plenty of room to dance. Local area restaurants and merchants will set up along a retail section of the party, which includes a full bar garden for the entire evening. Late night party goers will enjoy 70s disco sensation Village People as they take over the entertainment at 10:30PM with a staged concert. The open-air concert venue features ticketed seating for the concert and main event – a multi-media New Year’s Eve 2017 countdown celebration, Palm Springs style. 8PM – 1AM. Village People perform at 10:30PM Free to the public. Bar Garden, retail and food vendors will provide items for sale. General seating, $35; Premier VIP Pass, $75. Buy online at sparesortcasino. com or in person at the Paradise Rewards Club desk. Entrance to the event is from N. Indian Canyon and E. Andreas Road. Parking is available on the Spa Resort Casino north parking lot off of Alejo Road

December 22 to December 28, 2016

EVENTS

sound and lighting experience in the desert. The ONLY true nightclub experience in all of Coachella Valley. Doors open at 8PM (Reserved Seating 8PM-9PM ONLY, Entire party must be present.)

$15. Ticket includes at midnight Champagne toast & Party Favors and Breakfast Buffet. Live Music by the Renowned Blackwater Band. Full menu available. For more information and Tickets call 760.327.4080 HI-DESERT CULTURAL CENTER - 9PM We wouldn’t want to spend New Year’s Eve any other way! Come join us for a unique New Year’s Eve at the Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree. Live set from Gene Evaro Jr + a funky dance party! Doors at 9PM & Show at 10PM. Funky Dance Party till 12:30AM. ALL AGES ! Spread the word and get your tickets now, there is limited number and the event is sure to sell out! The Blak Box Theater will have a bar to buy drinks from, no outside alcohol will be permitted. Tickets: geneevarojr.com/ new-years-ticket.

CHILL BAR - MASQUERADE BALL AND NYE CELEBRATION 9PM Corday 6PM-9PM NEIL’S LOUNGE - NYE PARTY w/ Karaoke All Night No Cover 9PM PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB NYE Party w/ Marko Russell 6:30PM

PAPPY AND HARRIETS - HIGH DESERT OVERDOSE NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW Performances by OFF!, The Melvins and Redd Kross 9PM ACE HOTEL - NYE 2017 PIE TOWN’S SUPERTEMPORAL SOUTHWESTERN SOCK HOP - FRIDAY DEC 30-SUNDAY JAN 01. $35 ONLINE /$40 AT DOOR /$75 WITH DINNER - PALM SPRINGS. www.acehotel.com/palmsprings

TACK ROOM TAVERN - NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9PM. Desert DJ Entertainment Presents Open to the public. No cover charge. Party favors at the door. Champagne toast at midnight. Entertainment by: Dj Paul Z/Dj Jae Rawkwell ROCK & ROLL NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH @ THE WORLD FAMOUS PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE Downtown, Palm Springs Saturday, December 31 Start time 8PM and Band starts at 9PM. Advance pre-sale Tickets $10. At the Door

COPA NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS: EPIC NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9PM $10 presale tickets. ZELDAS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS: 2017 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Our 39th Annual NYE Celebration will be featuring our Resident DJ, The Bigster, while our Party Hosts Ron T of 97.7FM and David aka “The Reverend” will make sure you have the time of your lives! It is the longest running, and biggest NYE party in Palm Springs! Make sure to make your reservations now at our state of the art nightclub located in downtown Palm Springs. Countdown with us on our Gigantic one of a kind 60FT LED WALL and party with us to the premier

FANTASY SPRINGS The Dax Band kicks the party off at LIT Ultra Lounge at 9PM to get everyone warmed up for the main event. Starting at 11PM, the band Kalimba will hit the stage at LIT Ultra Lounge and will feature the music and spirit of Earth Wind and Fire. This is just one of the several fabulous ways you can celebrate the New Year at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Slim Man will play songs from the American songbook inside the 12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar - a luxurious space featuring plush furniture, standard bar games and sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The New Year’s Eve parties in both LIT Lounge and the 12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar are free and open to the public and go from 9PM on New Year’s Eve to 1:30AMend either party. THE HOOD - NYE PARTY 9PM. w/Special Guest DJs and The California Celts and Free champagne toast at midnight $5.00 cover

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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TH DESERT WOMAN’S SHOW: CELEBRATING 10 FABULOUS ANNIVERSARY JANUARY 14 & 15 AT AGUA CALIENTE CASINO, RESORT & SPA. PROCEEDS

EVENTS

EARMARKED FOR LOCAL CHARITIES INCLUDING PARKINSON’S ORGANIZATION

he Desert Woman’s Show is celebrating its fabulous diamond anniversary on January 14 & 15 at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa and promises to be bigger & better than ever. Every attendee will have the opportunity to win a 1 karat diamond solitaire from El Paseo Jewelers! Guests must enter to win at the event and 101 names will be drawn, 100 ladies will win a beautiful cubic zirconia BUT one special winner will receive a beautiful DIAMOND. Expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees, the Expo will shine the spotlight on women’s issues offering stimulating seminars on today’s hottest topics including The Latest Secrets to Longevity, Myths of Organic Foods and Cooking Raw & Fresh with renowned Chef Herve of Parker Palm Springs. ‘Top Tests That Can Save Your Life’ will be discussed by a dynamic cast of female physicians from Desert Regional Medical Center. Saturday opens with an educational and empowering symposium, “Heartbreak of Addiction” featuring a panel discussion with several distinguished individuals who have claimed their sobriety. Hosted by Josie Herndon of Addiction Therapeutic Services, the panel discussion is designed to offer hope and inspiration to families affected by addiction. Pubic seating will be open to

Woman’s Show attendees free of charge. Fun will be featured too. Saturday offers a Macy’s MOM & Me fashion show under the Desert Sun Fashion Tent with models from our community (mom & daughters) ranging from 35 to 75 years old. Eileen Fisher and Vince Camuto Spring fashions will be previewed. Next on the runway is Fashions with Furry Friends featuring the distinguished apparel by Jordan Sack. Joining our models are their favorite furry friends. Following this fashion show Loving All Animals will have an adorable pet adoption…all under the Desert Sun Fashion Tent. More than 50 exhibitors will gather under one roof showcasing products and services ranging from the latest in beauty, weight-loss and anti-aging to apparel and accessories. When the Sunday fashion show finishes, Charity Bingo (with Bubbly!) begins. It’s every woman’s whimsy come true. The ever-popular Taste of the Valley returns this year offering attendees relaxation on the patio under the palms while sampling a cornucopia of tasty food, wine and spirits from some of the valley’s best restaurants. Live jazz will add to the ambiance. There is an additional charge for Taste of the Valley. Totally new this year is the VIP Thunder Weekend Pass that starts on Friday at 8 p.m. with cocktail reception then entertainment

BREAKING THE 4TH WALL

by the Australian group Thunder from Down Under in The Show theatre at Agua Caliente. Thunder bills itself as ‘the perfect girl’s night out’ with Vegas dance routines, cheeky humor and boy-next-door charm. On Saturday and Sunday, the VIP pass includes pampering specials, fresh juice mimosa, oxygen infusion facial, premium seating at fashion shows & presentations, goody bag, and free admission to Taste of the Valley. VIP Tickets are $100 per person. General admission to the Woman’s Show is $15, available online at www. desertwomansshow.com or at the door. For

BY DEE JAE COX

“YO YOUNGER – A ONE-WOMAN SHOW”

don’t want realism. I want magic!” Exclaims Blanch Dubois. (One of Tennessee William’s most famous characters from his classic play, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’) And that is the true essence of theater and most performing arts, which provide the chance to escape for an hour or two from the reality of our lives and immerse us in the world of drama, comedy or song. If one were in search of magic in the Coachella Valley, it would be near impossible not to find it in the desert theatres, enjoying the performances of actress/singer/producer, Yo Younger. Younger, is a local luminary, who seems to always be in motion on a multitude of stages. She indicated that performing the role of Blanch Dubois, in the Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ was one of her favorites. It’s difficult to imagine an audience member choosing a favorite from the approximate thirty stage productions in which she has appeared in the Coachella Valley alone. She has won multiple ‘Desert Theatre League’ awards for her performances and is one of the most sought after actresses in the area, just recently having appeared in Coyote Stageworks benefit production of “Steel Magnolias,” with celebrities Mo Gaffney, Carole Cook and Sally Struthers. “

Originally from Texas, she alternates her time between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, though the Coachella Valley seems to have claimed her as its own. And if her successful stage career isn’t enough, she is also an acclaimed singer who will be premiering her new one-woman show, ‘Olivia,’ on December24th. ‘Olivia’ is a tribute to the multi-Grammy winning singer/songwriter, Olivia Newton John and will feature a musical journey of Newton John’s multilayered musical achievements. Olivia Newton-John’s career has spanned five decades and achieved international acclaim through her work as a singer and actress. The much anticipated debut of ‘Olivia’ will be presented at: Wendy’s Hideaway/Pete’s Hideout in Palm Springs. Creating and performing a one-person show is no easy task. The time and creativity involved only further showcases the talent of an exceptional performer. Younger, states that her inspiration for her new show came from her love of NewtonJohn and from hearing many times that her own voice sounded very similar to the iconic singer. Her favorite songs that will no doubt be a part of the show are, ‘Please Mr. Please’ and ‘Xanadu.’ She believes that the audience will enjoy following NewtonJohn’s career through her musical journey

a limited time, one free ticket for Saturday or Sunday is available online, courtesy of Desert Regional Medical Center. Taste of the Valley is a separate wristband ticket priced at $15 per person per day. Wristband holders must be 21 years or older. Proceeds from the Desert Woman’s Show weekend charitable events will go to supporting Loving All Animals, Addiction Special Grants and the Parkinson’s Resource Organization. Please contact: General inquiries: 1-800374-6952 or info@DesertWomansShow.com

and how she always used her career in a positive way. Younger will be booking her ‘Olivia’ show for more performances in 2017 and will be kicking off the new year on January 13th, at the ‘Purple Room’ in Palm Springs, along side singer Ryan Michael Wojcik. Yo Younger, raises the bar when it comes to theater and performance. Her name on a playbill will bring in an audience and her talent will keep them in their seats. She says that what she enjoys in a show is being really moved and relating to the character...

or if it’s a comedy she wants to really really laugh!! Her unique style and presentation of each role she performs ensures that the audience is going to have the same experience that she herself expects to have. ‘OLIVIA’ – December 24th, 8pm at: Wendy’s Hideaway/Pete’s Hideout in Palm Springs. 665 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Ca. For Show Reservations please call (760) 322-6500. Dinner and full bar is also available. So grab your friends and family and enjoy a full evening of great food and an exceptional show. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than with music that will inspire nostalgia and a performer whose talent will make you commit the name Yo Younger to memory and keep you in search of her next show. Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. californiawoman411.com and lawomenstheatreproject.org. Correction: The stage review of “Meet Me In St Louis” at Palm Canyon Theatre states that “Katie’s (Karen Schmitt) rendering of ‘A Touch of the Irish’ is definitely noteworthy.” When actually Karen, sadly had to step down from the role because she got laryngitis and had absolutely no voice. So Jasmine Shaffer, had to step into the role and as of last week has been playing Katie since opening night.

SLIM MAN

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

y favorite gift to give over the past few years has been to take my favorite book of the year, my favorite DVD of the year, and my favorite CD of the year, and put them all in gift baskets and give them to my family. I figured that way, we’d all have something in common to talk about when we got together. Well, forget about intelligent discussion with my family. Plus, these days, people get their books in digital form, like an eBook. And who watches DVDs? Everybody’s streaming. And CDs? Nobody has CD players anymore. Except in their cars. True story…I released a Slim Man Christmas CD this year. I took it to a Christmas party, and gave them out as gifts to people. You would have thought I was giving them an 8 track tape. The host of the party didn’t even have a CD player. She mentioned she had one in her car. I suggested we could all go out and sit in the garage and sing along with Slim. But we stayed inside and listened to Spotify instead. So I don’t give out my Slim Gift Baskets anymore. So what to give for Christmas? I wanted something unique, so I Googled “unusual gifts” and here’s what I found… If you know someone who hunts, for $15 you can get them a Kevlar camo beer koozie. Say, for instance, you’re out hunting, and someone accidentally mistakes you for a deer and shoots at you. If they miss, and hit your beer bottle, it won’t break. You would think that hunting and booze don’t mix. But I know a lot of hunters, and most of them drink. And who wants their beer to get shot up by some errant friendly fire? If you don’t know any hunters, you could buy your special loved one a catapult. For $500, you can buy a 20-foot-tall catapult from Oregon state that can “chuck a 1-gallon block of ice 100 yards.” I’m not sure why you’d want to chuck a block of ice 100 yards. Maybe if your neighbors were having a backyard BBQ, and you wanted to save yourself the walk, you could put the

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December 22 to December 28, 2016

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

block of ice in your backyard catapult, launch it into the air and hope it lands on his patio, and not on his roof. But a catapult might be useful if you wanted to get your kid to the bus stop for school in the morning, and didn’t feel like talking a walk. Do you know someone who loves bacon? Well, for your pork-loving friends, you can buy them a wallet made of bacon. It’s only $11. If you ever go broke, you could eat your wallet. And a bacon wallet lends new meaning to the phrase “bringing home the bacon.” Speaking of which, where does the phrase “bringing home the bacon” come from? Well, for $19 on Amazon, you could give someone a hardcover copy of “The Dictionary of American Slang” as a gift, and they could find out! The phrase originates in England in the 1100s. A church gave out a reward for any couple who could go a year without arguing. And that reward was a side of bacon. Who can go for a year without arguing? Well, I’d try-for a side of bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon? How about some brainwave cat ears? For $100, you can buy a contraption that fits around your head like a plastic sweatband. It’s attached to 2 fuzzy cat ears that sit on top of your head. The plastic sweatband monitors your brain activity, and—from my understanding—the more nervous you are, the more the cat ears wiggle. When you relax, the ears stop moving. It’s supposed to help you be calm. But how the hell are you gonna relax with some stupid cat ears perched above your head? What if the FedEx guy shows up at the door? Do you know someone who loves coffee? Who doesn’t love a cup of Joe! For $12 on Amazon, you can get a coffee mug that looks exactly like a toilet. The cup handle is on the tank, and you sip out of the bowl. What a way to start the day. Merry Christmas! Who loves ya? - Slim Man Slim Man is a singer, writer and jolly good fellow. Check out his website slimman.com

RONNIE KING

BY PATTE PURCELL

roducer Ronnie King is one of the desert’s legends. He is the founder of Ronnie King Music. A native son, his family’s musical roots are well known. He is an iconic multi-platinum producer of hits for Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Offspring, and more. He also plays a mean jazz piano. He’s a virtuoso that never ceases to amaze me. He performed at Fitz’s Christmas event at the McCallum last week. In the process he recorded a Facebook live video from his rehearsal with his brother, John Stanley King. In all its simplicity it gave me that ‘backstage feel’ I love. I decided it was time to catch up with Ronnie on his latest. As usual it was full of interesting news. His big performance news is that he will be performing with reggae band Pepper, who he’s been making records with, when they open up for his friend Snoop Dog at the Rhythm, Wine and Blues Experience on March 4 at the Empire Polo Fields. He will also be having a little mixer at Chateau Relaxo (his desert studio and ranch) for his friends afterwards. The biggest news is his new position as President of Aspire Music for Hollywall Entertainment. This company recently acquired a $75 million library of songs including some ‘never before released’ songs by Elvis Presley and Marvin Gaye. This gives them an unprecedented opportunity to record never heard original music by new artists they will be promoting. In addition, film scores will be one of the focuses. This opportunity according to Ronnie is ground breaking. In the old paradigm, a record is recorded and then a tour takes place. This library gives him a new way to bring out an artist or song, by introducing it through a film or television. Ronnie called it ‘branding’. This opens the door for new pathways for revenues for artists and producers alike. The

other option that he’s excited about is that the business can offer stock options to its artists as it’s traded ‘over the counter’ on the stock market. This is certainly an innovative twist in the business and should produce some killer artists and deals. As always Ronnie looks to help the artist in his endeavors. This innovative ability may lead to such interesting CD’s like ‘Snoop sings Sinatra’. He mused about a possible collaboration with Beyoncé on the CD. How much fun would that be? The company is based in Nashville and brings a plethora of experience along with the priceless library of music. It allows people to invest in music. With tax benefits granted by the state in addition to the write off there is a 33% tax rebate. People who love music can look to put their money where their heart is. How refreshing! The other biggie for him this year is the release of his memoirs in the punk rock and rap recording industry entitled “Punks and Thugs.” This should be an interesting look inside the industry and is slated for launch before summer. It will chronicle his career producing and collaborating with multimillion dollar selling artists including Mariah Carey, Tyrese, Tupac, The Offspring, Rancid and of course Snoop Dogg. Ronnie has also been nominated for two ‘Juno Awards’ which are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards. These would join his array of awards and platinum records. He is diamond certified with over 10 million units sold. He also manages another reggae group called Tribe-O that will be performing at the Date Shed with Pato Banton on Jan. 7th. He wrote a song with them called ‘Coachella’ which he will be performing with them. Should be a great time! For more info about Ronnie King visit his impressive site at ronniekingmusic.com

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY EXPLAINED

y now you’re probably aware the latest Star Wars film hitting theaters this month, and you’re trying to figure out just where and how this plays into the ever expanding Star Wars story. Well worry not, as I’m here to help make sense of all this galactic action (without spoiling the fun). Now the big question that potential film viewers are asking themselves is: “Where does this story fit into the grand scheme of things?” followed by “Do I have to go back and re-watch the other films to get this?” Well here goes… Rogue One is billed as a “Standalone story” meaning you DON’T have to be an obsessive Star Wars fan like myself to enjoy the film, or understand it. Now for those still going, “But where does it fit in?” This film takes place between the events of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It basically answers the question of how the rebels, in the very first Star Wars film, got their hands on the plans for the gigantic battle station we all call the “Death Star”. As for those still on the fence about whether or not they should spend their hard earned money on a ticket, hear me out. This will be another film you’ll walk out of saying, “wow that was impressive”. I mean, right from the start you know this film serves a purpose, and isn’t just another feeble attempt by the studios to release something with “Star Wars” in the title and cash in on it. In this film, fans will not only be given an actual glimpse at how screwed up things have become since the Empire took over (which was continuously referenced in Episode IV: A New Hope and the films which followed), but

will also get to see how rough being part of a rebellion actually is. After witnessing numerous trailers, I think it’s safe to say that Director Gareth Edwards wanted to do right by fans of the original trilogy by using real sets, costumes, and very few computer generated characters. Add in a cast featuring Felicity Jones as the film’s lead role, along with Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen as Jones’ father, and an appearance by Darth Vader, theater goers are going to be reminded just why the Star Wars movies remain some of the best science-fiction films.

BY TOM NOVAK

Comic Con Palm Springs… is about to launch an all-new website! Through our partners and dear friends at the Coachella Valley Weekly we wanted everyone to know right here first!!! We are excited and hope you will be too. We are hot and heavy in the trenches building our August 25th-27th, 2017 show for everyone to experience and enjoy with even bigger guests and more added interactive experiences. We have many fantastic announcements and yet we’re only just getting warmed up. Like to know what’s coming? Well, just stay tuned fans-ofthe-pop-culture club because Palm Springs is the new “it” destination for entertainment and home to our very own Comic Con Palm Springs… Did someone say Zombie Café? Despicable Me? Pokemon? Kids Con? I sure hope so. Get Ready to Suit Up! - Christopher Spellman - Founder/Executive Producer Comic Con Palm Springs

JUST WHO IS DOCTOR STRANGE...?

On November 4th Marvel and Disney released their latest film based on another one of their cornerstone characters that have been around for more than 50 years. And, let’s face it, it’s a Marvel movie, you’re going to make an effort to go see it in the theaters anyway. But before you head out to the theater, or if you have already seen the movie but feel you left with a question or three, I want to educate you on just what you’re getting into. You all should be grateful for this because I still wish someone had done this for me ahead of watching the first “Matrix.” By now I’m sure you’ve seen the ads and trailers with Benedict Cumberbatch playing a guy who looks lost, and then meets a mystical lady. The next thing you know, buildings are folding into themselves like an acid trip. And while yes, even though the movie will make changes in the story of Doctor Strange that differ from how it’s written in the comics for the sake of formatting and time, his character remains true and interesting. In the film, he

COMIC CON P.S.

goes from having everything to having nothing. He works so hard to reclaim what he thought was so important to him, and in turn discovers he’s not only part of larger world, but has been given the tools to protect it. Now without spoiling anything massive for folks ahead of watching the film, here’s what you need to know about Doctor (Stephen) Strange. Back in 1963, two guys at Marvel Comics named Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, (the same guys who created that other “kind of popular character,” Spider-Man) wanted to create a super hero that was different, and dealt in magic, sorcery, witchcraft, demons and monsters. With that, Dr. Strange debuted in the comic book “Strange Tales” issue No. 110. And in order to make his story one that stood out, the creators took someone of privilege – a successful surgeon – and broke him, literally, well at least his hands, by having him survive a car accident. This in turn drives him borderline crazy, as he searches the world in hopes of some way to fix himself. But instead of finding a single method to fix his hands, he ends up becoming the guy who deals with all

the magical, mystical and demonic problems that plague the world. Now keep in mind I’m trying NOT to spoil the focal points of the film, because no one wants to be “that guy,” who drops spoilers by giving the entire backstory of the character. A great way to look at the character is how the creative team of writer Jason Aaron and artists Chris Bachalo and Tim Townsend, are currently presenting the character in its monthly comic from Marvel, which is the “Indiana Jones of Magic.” If stuff goes wrong, and it does – or falls out of place from where it should be – it all falls on Doctor Strange and his monk assistant, Wong, to fix it. And in the interest of full disclosure, I am not being compensated by Marvel or Disney for writing that, I just like to, when possible, try to motivate people to read comics when they least expect it! As for the movie itself, it’s another Marvel film, so you know that you’re going to walk out of the theater with a smile on your face and saying, “I need to see that again.” A lot of folks are going to compare the Doctor Strange film to “Inception” because of the effects with the buildings folding into themselves. That’s fine, but again for those reading this ahead of time, try, for no other reason than for the fun of it, to pick up on the similarities between this film and the first “Matrix.” In that film, the main character is plucked out of a smaller world he had a specific role in, and is thrown into a bigger one where he comes to realize he’s also got the ability to control it. And for those fans who surprisingly may not know this by now, don’t leave when the ending credits roll in “Doctor Strange,” as you’ll miss the post credit scene that Marvel movies are known for!

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION AT THE BLOCK: WEEK 11

hat an exciting night as the CV Open Mic Competition brought on a supportive crowd of musicians and their fans for week 11 of 12. With only 2 weeks remaining, contestants old and new came through to give it their best shot for our incredible prizes! Once all of our talented musicians graced the stage and the votes were tallied, it was indie artist Will Sturgeon of Brightener who was awarded 1st place and decided to take home a

$25 gift certificate to Stuft Pizza. Will now moves on to the Semi Finals January 4th. If he wins there, he will compete in the Grand Finals on January 11th for an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, a Promotional Photo Shoot from Rav Holly, and a Boss RC-1

Loop Station Pedal from Guitar Center Palm Desert, and an artist merchandise package from Brutal Bee Music Group including logo design and 25 t-shirts, stickers and more! 2nd place was awarded to rapper Zech B who took home a $25 gift certificate to The Block Sports Bar & Grill. 3rd place went to newcomers Natural Selektion who took home a $25 gift certificate to The Block Sports Bar & Grill. THANK YOU to ALL our performers at the CV Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND making the environment so supportive for all of the artists involved. Also a big thanks to Johnny Carmona, our amazing sound technician. I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral City! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all

BY MORGAN JAMES

of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, Rav Holly, Guitar Center, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, Brutal Bee Music Group, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill. Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition usually ends around 10:30pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or info about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@ gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

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ICONIC GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING R&B SINGER EVENTS

MARY J. BLIGE

TO PERFORM AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN FEBRUARY ary J. Blige is one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and five American Music Awards, Blige is a global superstar and she’s bringing that overflowing talent to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, February 24, 2017. Born in the Bronx, Mary J. Blige began moving people with her soulful voice when at 18 she signed with Uptown Records. She brought her gritty, urban-rooted style – fusing hip-hop, soul, and honest lyrics – to Baldwin in 2012. Blige has guest-starred the forefront on her debut album What’s on the ABC comedy, Black-ish and the FOX the 411? Blige helped redefine R&B and musical drama Empire and most recently, began forging a unique niche for herself on starred as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the the more personal second album, 1994’s West on the NBC musical, The Wiz LIVE! My Life. Blige is an artist that uses her gift In 2014, Mary J. Blige released her 13th of song to lift spirits and touch lives while studio album, The London Sessions, which bringing her heart, soul and truth to those reached the No.1 position on the Top who are willing to listen. She is loved for R&B Albums chart and included a behindher passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” “No More the-scene documentary of her recording Drama,” and “Family Affair,” all of which sessions that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2015. have made her a force in music. Tickets for the 8pm Mary J. Blige Blige, who co-penned “I Can See in Color” for 2009’s Precious soundtrack, has performance on Friday, February 24, 2017 branched out into acting. She appeared in are on sale now for $129, $99, $79 and Tyler Perry’s dramatic comedy, I Can Do $59 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via Bad All By Myself in 2009 and starred in telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at Rock of Ages, alongside Tom Cruise and Alec www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

December 22 to December 28, 2016

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

ZECH B

BY MORGAN JAMES

ith intense lyrics that pack a punch for the surrounding crowd and a consistent, determined disposition, rapper Zech B has launched himself into the music scene of the Coachella Valley in just a few short weeks. Being warmly and widely received at the CV Open Mic Competition at The Block Sports Bar & Grill in Cathedral City, Zech continues to ride his newfound popularity, performing each week and already landing himself in the upcoming Semi Finals on January 4th. As mature rhymes spout from this solid, well-rehearsed poet you would never guess that Zech is just seventeen years old and a high school senior. Compared regularly to Eminem, Zech feels a substantial sense of connection to the notorious rapper and looks to pave his own way into the music business and hoping to take his career to similar highs. I spoke with Zech about his inspirations and his goals, as he shares in savvy, calculated fashion, his plans to deliver his original music to a growing audience. MJ: How did you get your start and what made you decide to break into the music scene locally and start performing live? ZB: “Since 4th grade I was writing simple stories, and by 6th grade I had a stack of short stories. Starting high school I stopped writing again and started exploring different avenues. Sophomore year I started writing again and rapping. I’ve always loved rap ever since listening to Eminem’s “Without Me” and bopping my head even as a kid. The song preaching I wrote last year. I feel like my stuff has gotten better with time. I started kicking things into gear since last year. I did the CV Art Scene this summer, which was my first time performing. I always practice before the show, and have never felt more comfortable and alive than when I am performing. It is like my heaven. After my first performance at the CV Open Mic Competition some girl came up to me and said ‘that performance blew me away and gave me chills.’ That was the first time someone walked up to me and told me that and it felt amazing. It was real and I felt like I could keep doing it.” MJ: Is your family supportive of your music? ZB: “I don’t think that my mom takes my music as seriously as I take it. She thinks it’s just a hobby, but I am trying to go all the way with it.” MJ: Are you currently working on an album or an EP to release to fans? What can listeners expect to hear from you? ZB: “I don’t want to do an EP because I feel like it’s too short and I’ve got a lot to say. I want to do a 13. I feel like 13 songs would really flow and connect to that Antisocial theme since 13 is an unlucky number. My songs range in ideas. My song “Preaching” is about substance abuse. I see kids my age struggle with it and even my family struggle with substance abuse and so I pull from that. I don’t rap about women or clubs, you know things that you hear on the radio. Those thoughts don’t come into my mind and I don’t care about those things. Rap is very important to me and I don’t want to use my art form to make trash that I don’t care about.” “I’m pretty introverted and reclusive. I am pretty quiet and not a stand out person. But I

get on stage and I can be a different person. I am a senior and even seniors are like ‘who are you?’ but I just wanna be me. That’s why my album will be called Antisocial- because it’s the period in my life where I am like that, but I have things to say. That song I performed last week was pretty personal, but I told myself go for it. Go for the gusto... and the response was overwhelming.” MJ: Do you create your own beats and do you have a home studio? ZB: “I do have a simple setup at my house, a microphone and a computer. I’ve started to try and make my own beats and I’ve started to acquire new equipment. Currently I am finding beats online and asking permission. Since its free content it’s not as big of a deal. I also have been talking to local people about beats, but have yet to really work through that avenue. Moving forward, I intend to go hard in the paint with it and start getting money and working hard.” MJ: Who are some of your influences and artists that you look up to? ZB: “Eminem is my lyrical father. I believe that I am his unknown child. Also, Mos Def, Rakim, Ice Cube, Tyler the Creator, Logic, some Kanye West, some Jay-Z, some Kendrick Lamar. I like to be a big boiling pot of influences, including some grunge music like Nirvana, or old jazz like Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, or Frank Sinatra. But Eminem is a really big ingredient in my pot.” MJ: What are your goals for the future? ZB: “I got some goals long term- I want to move out of here and go to L.A. and Orange County area. I know that the Rap scene and the hip hop community is immense. I want to go there and move my way through the ranks. My songs are not all rap but have a rap form. Like it’s a rap song, but it’s also sentimental and serious. It’s a song that has mass appeal. I’ll do anything, I just want to get my name out there.” “Immediate goals- I just finished an interview on a poetry show for KCOD Coachella FM, which will be out soon. I have 3 songs set for the CV Open Mic Competition Semi Finals January 4th and hopefully Grand Finals January 11th. All originals, I am not a big cover person. Not my style.” Soundcloud.com/zechariahbracamontes Instagram.com/zechariab

December 22 to December 28, 2016

CONSIDER THIS

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

68-75 “CONSEQUENCES”

hen Rock N’ Roll was invented in the middle of the 20th century, the genre incorporated Jazz, Boogie-Woogie, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Gospel. Soul-Shouters and Blues-Belters like Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker and Etta James ruled the airwaves. Later, they were supplanted by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, plus the Bonnies: Bramlett and Raitt. These days that same spirit is embodied in the band 68-75. Guitarist Andrew Cylar and singer Suzanne Sledge first came together at the beginning of the new millennium in Sanctified. When that combo spontaneously combusted, the duo laid low for the rest of the decade, re-emerging in late 2011 as 6875. Their moniker is not just a sly reference to intersecting southern state highways, but also alludes to the incendiary era of Rock N Roll when the sounds of Swinging London coalesced with the down-home grit of Rhythm & Blues and Southern Rock. Color lines blurred, Mad Dogs, Englishmen and Dominos hunkered down in the deep South. The result was a cross-cultural exchange that included classics like “The Letter” from Joe Cocker, “Layla” from Eric Clapton, (under the guise of Derek & The Dominos) and “Only You Know And I Know” from Delaney & Bonnie. Taking inspiration from that epochal era, as well as bands like the Faces, Humble Pie and The Black Crowes, Sledge and Cylar recorded two well-received EPs. For their first long-player the pair recruited drummer Matt Kotheimer and bassist Steve McPeeks. Recorded in three studios in an astonishing four days, Stay The Ride arrived in early 2014. The four-piece made their bones on the road, relentlessly touring the U.S. Headlining, and opening for legends like Ian McLagan and Leon Russell as well as contemporaries like Joe Bonnamassa and the Temperance Movement. After amicably parting ways with Kotheimer and McPeeks, 68-75’s new lineup includes Hal “Wolf” Mahan anchoring the low-end on bass and John Powney stepping

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

behind the drum kit. Timed to coincide with their U.K. tour, the band has just released their sophomore effort, Consequences. The album kicks into gear with “Magnetic Head.” Barbed-wire guitar riffs collide with angular bass lines and a walloping back-beat. Sledge’s Soul-power vocals glide over the stop-start melody. Her mien pivots between defiance and self-recrimination as she justifies some questionable tour behavior; “You are lonely out on the open road.” Cylar’s solos underscore her equivocation, spitfire licks suddenly shape-shifting to smokier, burnished notes. Traditionally, the Blues, and by extension, Soulful Blues-Rock, feature lyrics that limn misfortune, heartache and hard times. 6875 kinda-sorta follows that paradigm. Three tracks tackle themes of suspicion, caution and spirituality. Spiky power chords and sludgy, trampled underfoot rhythm belie the skepticism Sledge displays on “Eye On You.” She doesn’t mince words; “over and over, you’re wearin’ thin and I wanna know what’s up your sleeve.” A sustained note of guitar feedback opens and closes the title track. As the rhythm section locks into a chugging groove, the lyrics warn of the domino effect of carnal attraction. Hinting there are always “consequences.” Cylar unspools a series of protean riffs that mirror Sledge’s concupiscent vocals. He’s like the devil on her shoulder. Cyclonic licks give way to rippling riffs and stuttery bent notes that curve and twist like “Matrix” characters dodging bullets. The slow-cooked Blues of “24 Lady Karen” simmers, but never boils over. Serpentine electric guitar slithers over the melody like a reticulated python. Acoustic guitars layer underneath a push-pull rhythm and subtle organ wash. Slightly cryptic lyrics espouse a “let-go, let-God” attitude when it comes to understanding and accepting death. “When I reach my resting place hope it comes together, no more questions unanswered, blown away forever.” Without sounding hyperbolic, every song on Consequences is uniformly excellent, but the standout tracks up the ante by adding Marty Kearns on keys, Jeff Baker on harp and Colin Agnew on congas. “Something On My Mind” is equal parts tensile and expansive, echoing obvious touchstones like Humble Pie, Allman Brothers and Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac. Sinewy guitar chords slip n’ slide through greasy organ runs and insistent conga beat. It’s pedal-to-the-metal until it’s suddenly not. Powering down on the bridge allows each musician a moment to shine. The tune is a rich tapestry of organ, guitar, drums and conga all stitched together by Sledge’s empathetic and elastic vocals. “Prodigal Son” locks into a swampy groove accented by roiling harp notes, icy keys and hopscotching bass lines. Cylar’s chunky

guitar riffs wrap around Sledge’s lyrics of self-recrimination. On the instrumental break the song simply exhales, opening like a fine wine. Truly a tour de force! While the lyrics of “Our Drunk History” obliquely deal with intangible themes, swinging between light and dark extremes, the melody and instrumentation are less ethereal. Sticky, fuzzed-out guitar licks connect with a tumbling back-beat and rainbow-tinged organ colors. Cylar’s solo ricochets through the ramshackle arrangement like a shooting star, before the whole thing collapses, ending on a sodden, sustained organ note. Finally, “My Way Out” is a Psychedelic Blues-Rock workout that blasts out of the speakers like a force majeure. Over a rock-

steady beat, Cylar’s ax-work is bold as love, blending tightrope-walkin’ leads with flange-y underpinnings. Sledge matches him note for note, howling one second and caressing her words the next. Other tracks include the menacing “Stooges,” which has nothing to do with Iggy (or Moe, Larry, Curly and Shemp), instead offering a veiled account of a toxic relationship. The album closes with the ultimate Psychedelic groover, “Get It Right.” The opening guitar licks and tick-tock rhythm might lull the listener into picturing themselves on a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies, but the arrangement and instrumentation takes a hard right as the drums kick in, locking in a bludgeoning beat. Sledge prowls the perimeter of the melody hoping for a little emotional rescue, but quickly discovering it’s just beyond her grasp. It offers a fiery conclusion to a wild ride. Consequences is an assured and adroit collection of songs. Happily, 6875 has managed to sidestep the dreaded sophomore slump. Clearly this band is here to stay.

ART SCENE

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BY ANGELA ROMEO

SCOT ALPERT – LIFE, ART AND THE PLACES ONE CAN GO

cot Alpert believes people are born to do extraordinary things. “I am one of those people,” said Scot. “I understand the power of art and beauty.” From an early age Scot was creative. “I used whatever material was available to me. Growing up I would spend hours watching my father creating extraordinary art. Some of my favorites were the wall sculptures made of crushed colored glass. He also painted for hours, and I would watch, soaking up every technique like a sponge. In those years the real feeling of being an artist was unleashed in my spirit. Nothing felt more joyful than creating.” Scot used what he learned and at 23 opened his first business. Working in the Faux finishing, and Trompe-l’oeil styles, Scot began creating work for interior designers and his own clients. “I was given the opportunity to create extraordinary art, in some of the most exclusive estates all over Southern California. I was honored to have been published in a number of Home décor magazines during that time.” With a passion for art and flair for design, Scot was well on his way to creating his own mark in the design world. In 2009 illness made

December 22 to December 28, 2016

him re-evaluate his career and his life. “Let’s break down the word dis-ease, or a lack of ease,” said Scot. “This realization really opened my eyes to how stress had changed my health for the worse. Soon I was receiving diagnoses from my doctors that I did not want to hear, or believe. I knew in my heart that I could overcome this awful news and taught myself to meditate. I started to meditate every day. I slowed my life down, learned how to breathe again, and became very focus on my health, mood, diet and general wellbeing. Life sometimes gives us great opportunity to learn lessons while going through a painful time. I brought myself back from the end of a life to the threshold of a new life. Art was always there for me.” “I took an 18 inch journey from head to heart. I realized that my life had so much more to give than work. I began to focus on my art. I created a style I call Beyond the Veil. The work takes the viewer on a journey, which like life, is not always what it seems,” smiled Scot. “The work tells a story. Each viewer sees a story but that story is not always what it seems. There is always something more, like peeling the layers of an onion. I like to say I am revealing what you

ART SCENE

might find, ‘Beyond the Veil.’” There is an ethereal quality to the work that suggests a power beyond the temporal. Scot’s art is the manifestation of mediation and belief in the light. His work offers a cosmic glimpse into the endless possibility in to the promise of harmony.

“Great souls do not complain or rebel against adverse conditions, they convert them into benefits,” noted Scot. For more about Scot Alpert visit www. gotartwork.com. Contact him at scot-alpert@gotartwork.com

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

ROBOLIGHTS: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS WITH A VICTORY IN COURT

ince the age of 12, Kenny Irwin has been building a magical, holiday land full of lights, robots, aliens and all sorts of incredible spectacles for the sole purpose of bringing joy and wonderment to all who visit the 4 acre Palm Springs property. With the continuous blessing of his father who recently passed away...Kenny’s childhood vision has come to fruition and only improved from one year to the next. Robolights visitor, Serene Tahtinen: “I had been here to see the display 5 or 6 years ago and it was great back then but it has grown so much I can hardly believe it. It’s pretty amazing.” Mostly built out of recycled….well...anything you can think of, Robolights is a testament to the idea of repurposing junk in the name of art, all for the enjoyment of folks, young and old alike. Whether it’s the old lawn furniture that makes up roller coaster tracks, vacuums that serve as reindeer legs or empty paint cans that are built into walls and foundations, it seems as though Kenny has never thrown anything away and

finds use for it all. Wrapped in over nine million lights, this place is truly beyond description. In fact I found myself trying to describe it to my siblings on the way over to check it out and was at a loss for adequate words. You just simply cannot be prepared for the utter amazement that Robolights brings. One of my favorite sections at the location is “Microwave Land.” Most of us can identify with the childhood curiosity of what would happen if we stuck certain objects into the microwave...Well, Irwin went ahead and did it. He has microwaved all sorts of objects including iPhones and tablets. Just because! He even has on display, “One of only 2 in the world’s only microwaved, microwaves.” Because, why not? Open every year for several weeks from December through early January, Irwin has hosted thousands upon thousands of visitors as the fantastic world he has single-handedly created has doubled and tripled in size, proportions, and level of wonderment. But,

this year he was afraid it could have been the last. After a motor overheated on his property last May causing a fire, the city of Palm Springs slapped Irwin with a civil lawsuit and restraining order that would require him to shut Robolights down due to citations on particular displays deemed unsafe. Fortunately enough for all of us and to the relief of Irwin, Superior Court Judge David Chapman ruled the city had not provided sufficient evidence to warrant a restraining order it sought and Robolights lives. Irwin: “Yes, I was incredibly grateful for winning the case. It’s great to see all the happy faces every night coming. It is my hope the town will eventually see the value in my work and want to work with me...after all it’s about recycling and art, two things Palm Springs is well known for.” After 30 years of work on the property, there is only so much further Irwin can

go with Robolights. Irwin: “My goal for the future is to build a full scale art amusement park called ROBOWORLD. Fun for kids of all ages, ‘a why not world in a why world.’ And of course, who would not want to ride the bright pink fifty toilet carousel?” Kenny Irwin, on the 30th year since he began Robolights would like to dedicate this year’s victory to his late father, Kenny Irwin Sr. Without his support, none of what exists as Robolights would be possible. Irwin has also been collecting toys and clothing for the children of Syrian refugees on premises so when you come down to enjoy the display, bring something to share. Robolights is open from 4:30-9:30 PM through Jan 6th. 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs. facebook.com/ROBOLIGHTS

December 22 to December 28, 2016

PET PLACE

KEEP BENJI INSIDE

s freezing temperatures grip our nation this month, countless dogs and cats perish when kept outdoors in the extreme weather. While snow is a rare occurrence in the Coachella Valley, our winter nights drop below freezing in some areas. Please bring your pets indoors for shelter when extreme weather hits. There are many other compelling reasons to include your pets as inside members of the family throughout the year. Most Coachella Valley residents are wonderful pet owners, and their dogs are treated like part of the family indoors. However, I recently had a conversation with a young woman in her late twenties who keeps her dogs outside 24 hours a day. I tried to educate her about the reasons why this practice is harmful, but she believed they are “unclean”. Some people were raised by parents whose admonition, “Dogs belong outside!” still rings in their subconscious. Some people grew up on farms or in countries where dogs are often kept as outdoor-only animals. However, we live in a geographical area of extreme weather where keeping a dog outdoors can jeopardize his health and

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even cost him his life. Leash laws now forbid dogs from roaming neighborhoods. Dogs are social pack animals, and want nothing more than to be by your side and involved in many of your activities. They are highly social creatures, born to be part of a pack or a human family. Most outdoor-only dogs suffer physically and psychologically when deprived of social contact. It is a sad sight to see a neighbor’s dog tied to a post day after day, forlorn and bereft of human companionship. Some of these animals become a neighborhood nuisance with their barking. Under California penal code section 597, it is illegal to tether or chain a dog to a doghouse, post or other structure for longer than 3 hours in a 24 hour time period. If you decide to approach offending friends and neighbors, do so in a nonjudgmental way, trying to educate them about the hazards of keeping their dog outdoors. Ask them, “Why do you leave your dog outside all the time?” The desert heat is reason enough not to leave your dog outside during the summer. Rising temperaments can cause a multitude of medical problems including death from heat stroke. Older dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke. Think about a dog having to drink hot water out

BY JANET McAFEE

of his bowl in the sizzling summer weather, and worse yet having the water dry up. It is easy to forget to supply food and fresh water when your dog is always out of sight. Ironically, keeping an outdoor dog for home security doesn’t do much good when the burglars break into the dwelling where the valuables are kept. Outdoor dogs are indiscriminate barkers, and no one can tell

MEET TEN-KAY This 2-year-old Basenji mix pup dreams of a home for the holidays with at least one other dog and a fenced in yard to play. She was rescued by Loving All Animals, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000.

MEET CALVIN This 3-mo old kitten will curl up on your lap and purr. Rescued by Loving All Animals. Call (760) 834-7000 to adopt this “purrfect” fellow for the holidays.

if they are barking at a prowler or a child riding a bicycle down the street. An inside dog is a true deterrent to thieves. Outdoor dogs can be stolen by thieves with a variety of sinister motives. Small and medium sized dogs are subject to prey. Coyotes kill many pets. Tiny dogs may be seized by birds of prey such as hawks and owls. A friend of mine experienced the horror of hearing her Yorkshire Terrier cry out amidst the flutter of wings, and the dog disappeared in a matter of seconds. Bored and lonely, outdoor-only dogs develop many bad habits; they dig holes in the yard, they chew on various objects out of boredom, including patio furniture. This destructive chewing can result in property damage, expensive vet bills, and even death. Lonely dogs bark day and night, disturbing the neighborhood. Lacking socialization, they may fail to bond with their humans. Here is the best reason for keeping your dog in the house with you. He will become your loving companion, amaze you with his unique personality, comfort you when you are sick, and communicate without speaking in ways you could never imagine. Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

December 22 to December 28, 2016

BY RICK RIOZZA

TOTAL WOMAN WINE & SPIRIT PICKS

omen in the workplace—it’s a wonderful world!! As most of you readers have gleaned from my recent columns, I am happily entrenched in my new wine steward position at the Total Wine & More store in Palm Desert. It’s certainly got me off the couch and computer, as I’m working again assisting our valley’s vinothirsty public in their sacred selection of wines. But I’m not alone, and I work with a great professional wine team. And to my further delight, our total team at the store is well-balanced with wonderful women who bring a pleasing charm to the workplace. Since I’ve kept this editorial as a rather personal communication vehicle, I’d love to share with you a sample day in the life at the shop with some of the girls and their recommendations for holiday quaffing. I’m sure you realize we’ve been busy this holiday and some of the staff was a bit occupied in their duties to comment for this column; we’ll catch up with them another time in the future. May I now introduce you to our charming assistant manager, Maria. She’s been with the store since its opening in 2013, indeed, I covered that event for these pages back then. Maria rocks with her wine intelligence; and, a big congrats to her for passing with flying vino colors her sommelier certification exams. I love tasting and comparing wines with her, and I often take the time to hear her speak to our customers about the qualities of our selections. I can envision her becoming a Master of Wine—of which only seven women earned this esteemed title in the U.S. last year! Her festive bubbly pick for the season is the Albrecht Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé , $23. Maria says, “a fabulous dry rosé sparkler with richness and delicious dense flavors such as fresh strawberries and red fruits. Perfect for matching with all of the holiday dishes.” The very engaging Jasmine has just come on board at the shop, like me, so we are the two new wine team kids on the block. I may have met her previously at the now closed Tulip Hill Winery Tasting Room there at The River in Rancho Mirage, we she was part of the staff. She’s my new buddy at the wine bar and we too,

enjoy discussing all of the wines we feature and pour. Come visit her and receive some absolutely extensive wine advice and preferences. So for this writing, Jasmine is suggesting we enjoy one of her favorite spirit picks: Tanqueray No. Ten Gin. $28, “This puts me in a sort of ‘sophisticated calm’ as I relax during my down-time.” She and I are both big gin fans and I heartily agree with this selection. “Softly perfumed with citrus zest and coriander, a magnificent burst of juniper comes quick to settle the score with any other competing gins—or something like that!” An example, if you will, of our “serious” beverage banter. So besides the wine team, the staff “merchandizers” or “merches” seem to be the life’s blood of the vast operation. Dealing with hundreds of cases piled high and stored away and thousands of bottles all around, this group can get to any wine request in seconds flat! It’s still fascinating to me to watch all of the endearing energetic girls multi-task their way around this Total wine town. Representing the merch ladies for comment are Monique, Rydelle, and Denise: “Mo” is the valley’s Veil Vodka girl. She loves the stuff that’s been distilled five times which can match the flavor profile of the higher priced national brands. “Veil offers an exciting array of flavored vodka that is tasty and true to their fruit and savory essences. I threw a party using Veil’s Caramel vodka and the party-goers are still licking their lips!” She also recommends the Cazul 100 Tequila, $30, “that has a nice lime-bite finish—great for shooting.” Here’s hoping she invites me to her next bash! Rydelle with her appealing sass and attitude also chimes in with the Veil, “Hey—I simply put a straw in the Peppermint-flavored one and enjoy away; no Christmas candy cane comes close.” She also seems to have a sweet tooth hiding somewhere as she pulls out a six-pack of Rogue’s Hazelnut Brown Nectar, $9.99, beer aged in Spiced Rum barrels. “It’s like drinking creamy brown sugar”—pancakes or waffles anyone? Denise is the go-to girl I’ve known while shopping here these past three years, and, she’s

a loyal CV Weekly reader. She can recommend wine and spirits with the best of us. Denise has a great Champagne pick with the De Margerie Grand Cru Brut, $39. It’s the Champagne deal of the season, matching up to other famous brands at half their price! Denise is doing Scotch Whisky too. Check out her Grangestone 12Yr. Single Malt, $28. “It’s opened up a new world of whisky for me at an amazing price.” By the way—is that a Scottish brogue I hear her speaking with? Representing the up-front register women is the delightful Kaylyn who craves the juicy and tasty Mad Duck Sauv blanc, and just loves the Cabs & red blends from CMS/Hedges

Washington State. Cheers to that! Thanks girls— see you at the shop. !!New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance Celebration Alert!! Speaking about women in wine: Everyone in town knows the quality charity work Kathleen Von Dehn has done providing for the needy and homeless. Please continue to support her efforts and consider attending the New Year’s Gala. Individual Tickets $165 per person Saturday December 31, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa Crystal Ballroom 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA To Reserve Please Call Winewomen PSP at 760.880.5010.

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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THUR DECEMBER 22

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Reggae Thursdays 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 Symara Stone and Bob Hamilton 6:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Ugly Sweater Party w/Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Whiskey Tango 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm 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 Yip Yops and The Broaquitos 8:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Upper Class Poverty and Higher Heights 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Taste Brothers 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 STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live w/ Pocket Yellow 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI DECEMBER 23

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 David Macias 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Their Wedding and Battle Tapes 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mark Kahny and Francesca Amari 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 1st Annual Creepy Christmas: A Lavish/Vida Bday w/ The Brosquitos, Human, Mike Lavish, RowLow, Porsia Camille, Hungry Hearts and Amavida 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Lisa & The Gents 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm 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 CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 7pm CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 8pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm 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 FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay & Friends Acoustic Sessions w/ Daytime Moon and Bri Cherry 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 California Celts w/ David Macias 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Whiskey Blues 8pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Karma 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm 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 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Aggrolites 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 PS Jump! Holiday Edition 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM TBA 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 East of the Sunset Strip 9pm 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 MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Alyce Bowie 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

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VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 7-11pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 5-8:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Christmas Eve Game Night 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Teddy Quinn 5pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-32529 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox,in the night & Bill 6:30pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm Entertainment 5:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Cromie DJ LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345Sets 11am poolside, Blond Ambition DJ Sets 2450 Karma 9pm 10pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; 999-1995 L.A. Blue 9pm IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm Cabaret On The Green Open Mic 7:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter Karaoke 8-1:15am 7:30pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 A Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm Christmas Story w/ Captain OSIV and Friends PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3279pm 4080 9pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 9pm 345-0222 Hotwyre 6:30pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 TBA 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 5566 DJ 9pm Karaoke 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Carey 6-10pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 A Jazzy CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Christmas Eve w/ Chris Bennett 8pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Guy CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 8pm Worden 9pm CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Keeth 7-10pm TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564Brothers 8pm 3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn 6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Blues 8-11pm DILLON’S BURGERS & BEER; DHS; 760-774- SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 7131 TBA 8pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228Carmens 8-11pm 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm Furgo 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Jack Ruvio 6:30pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron TBA 8:30pm James 6pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm Music 10pm THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Paparazzi and TBA at Bardot 9pm 3560 TBA 6pm

SAT DECEMBER 24

December 22 to December 28, 2016

TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 TBA 7-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SUN DECEMBER 25

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 11am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Mikole Kaar Pro Jazz Jam 1-4pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm

continue to page 20

December 22 to December 28, 2016

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COACHELLA VALLEY CULINARY INVITATIONAL

EVENTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH 2017 NATIONALLY RENOWNED CHEFS WILL CONVERGE ON THE COACHELLA VALLEY AND TEAM UP FOR FIRST-EVER LOCAL COACHELLA VALLEY CULINARY INVITATIONAL, HELD TO BENEFIT COACHELLA VALLEY YOUTH BY ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP AND MENTOR PROGRAM. THIS WILL BE A MULTI-TASTING DINNER AT THE HISTORIC STERGIOS BUILDING ON THE GROUNDS OF DESERT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.

n Friday, January 13th, Coachella Valley chef Justin Bailey will bring together select area chefs and multiple highly acclaimed and celebrated chefs from across the country and across international borders to present the First Annual Coachella Valley Culinary Invitational (C.V.C.I.) a fundraising event to celebrate

the Coachella Valley and raise funds to help establish a mentorship program that will include a scholarship platform allowing area youth to attend culinary school. The featured chefs will each showcase dishes including 4 who will be placed in the local high schools and lead the student’s in presenting a dish at the event as well. They

will be joined by master mixologists that most will recognize from Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue.” The chef lineup for this year’s C.V.C. Invitational includes Chef Michael Leviton, Chef Jimmy Schmidt, Chef Martin Rios, Chef Evan Mallett & Chef Cristian Rebolledo. Joining them will be beverage industry leaders Phil Wills & Mia Mastroiani. The event will also feature gourmet coffee from Black Mountain Coffee Roasters, and European Desserts. Attendees will be able to taste hand crafted cocktails using the full line of Award winning Crater Lake Spirits, one of California’s most revered wines-Grgich Hills Estates, Tools wines and more. Chef Justin has sourced some of the best ranchers and farmers in the country to sponsor this event including seafood overnighted from the docks by Sea2Table, local farms like Primal Pastures, Pure Bird Farm, the Chefs Garden all the way from Ohio, that direct supplies some of the country’s top restaurants with heirloom varietals, run by the winner of the “Silver Spoon” award, the James Beard Award Farmer Lee Jones. The cost of admission, which includes the dinner and beverages, is $179 and includes tax and gratuity. Chef Justin’s partners in

the event are the Coachella Valley Economic Project, and its title sponsor is Desert Regional Medical Center. Tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.cvcinvitational. com Chef Justin is also the Local Leader of the newest chapter of the Chefs Collaborative, an organization founded in 1993 by a group of revolutionary chefs including Alice Waters, Jimmy Schmidt and Rick Bayless, Chefs Collaborative is a national 501(c) 3 nonprofit network with a mission to inspire, educate, and celebrate chefs and food professionals building a better food system.

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December 22 to December 28, 2016

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 244

BEST BETS: BIG & SMALL SCREEN

every frame of this historic event that still reverberates in our hearts. Don’t miss this intimate drama about the last days of Camelot. Highest recommendation. SUDDENLY (1953)

ROGUE ONE Clearly, the “Star Wars” legacy has permeated global pop culture and the saturation point appears to still be far, far away. George Lucas has given birth to what is almost a religion and the “Force” remains a potent element in the latest iteration of the off-world cinematic saga. Already in its earliest days of release, the till is on the way to registering more than $300 million with much more guaranteed to come. Today, Disney’s landmark deal to purchase the rights from Lucas for a whopping $ billion seems like a steal. The latest entry is not really a continuation of the main Star Wars epic but is instead a side story set in the same universe. If one were to position this substory chronologically in the “SW” metaverse it appears to unfold about three decades (that’s earth time) before the events of “A New Hope (or episode IV). But there’s no narrative crawl that opens this chapter or side story. Also, John Williams’ familiar score is only referenced – and nicely so -- by composer Michael Giacchino. But fear not, luckily for us, director Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla”) is a fan boy of the source material and his tight, action-filled direction is thrilling. The story focuses on the Rebel Alliances attempts to steal the plans

for the Death Star. To add to the problems at hand, the Rebel Alliance is fragmented and disorganized. The evil Galactic Empire is alive and growing. This standalone episode (I use that word loosely) works no matter how familiar you are, or not, with the entire saga or the numerous published side stories and animated films. Sometimes grim but always exciting, the action is big and satisfying and I had no issues with embracing the new faces. The casting here is superb but you aren’t required or asked to forget the memories of Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. Rather than detail a bunch of info that would require a batch of spoiler warnings, just be assured that this terrific film is immensely satisfying for diehard fans. I can say this because I am one. Trust me and see this fast-paced film for an exhilarating ride that delivers everything you expect and most desire from another visit to this neck of the SW cosmos. By all means, don’t miss this fabulous visual spectacle! Years ago, the level of effects and visualizations Rogue One has was impossible. To see Ralph McQuarrie’s marvelous concept art in full-blown effect was a great treat indeed. NOW PLAYING: JACKIE

For everyone of a certain age, the killing of JFK marks a vivid emotional point on a personal calendar. For Jackie Kennedy that day marked a moment of huge opportunity and she took

it upon herself to define and make indelible the legacy of her slain husband. This powerful and emotionally redolent take on that horrific day centers on how Mrs. Kennedy mourns in public and private while navigating the logistics of the stare funeral and it’s aftermath. She alone intentionally named and solidified the notion that “Camelot” (JFK’s favorite musical) would remain in part of the long-lasting legacy of her husband’s presidency. Natalie Portman is astonishing as Jackie. Certainly she will be nominated for a Best Actress award. She has mastered Mrs. Kennedy’s private and public voice and bears enough of a resemblance to carry this fine film that is structured around an unnamed journalist’s (William Manchester?) interview and conversation with her. I was jolted by the shocking moment of the actual assassination -- I didn’t expect to be riding in the limo with the President when his head explodes and Jackie tries to retrieve fragments of his brain and hold his head together when he slumps onto her lap. But without that scene, the movie would fail. It’s as much a horror story as it is a love story. The production values are superb, mixing new and what appears to be elements of vintage footage in a near seamless blend of memorable moments. John Hurt is wonderful as a visiting priest who shares some spiritual wisdom with a grieving, bewildered Jackie. He says: “There comes a time in a man’s search for meaning, when one realizes – there is no meaning. When you come to that horrible, unavoidable realization – you accept it. Or you kill yourself. Or you simply stop searching. Every night when I climb into bed, turn off the lights, and stare into the dark, I wonder… is this all there is?” Jackie says, “You wonder?” The priest says, “Every soul on this planet does.” The original screenplay by Noah Oppenheim is poetic and powerful. Director Pablo Larrain captures the time and the meaning of those raw days with a grace that does justice to our sad memories. Jackie Kennedy’s majesty and grace infuse

“Jackie” is proof that JFK’s death still resonates with us and our collective culture and consciousness. Other films reflect that day and event. “The Manchurian Candidate” has been made at least twice, the original in 1962 with Frank Sinatra. He also stars in the notorious “Suddenly” about another presidential assassination attempt. It’s been alleged (by Kitty Kelly in her controversial “Sinatra” bio) that Lee Harvey Oswald watched this film a few days before JFK was shot. A no-nonsense Sterling Hayden co-stars as tough Sheriff Tod Shaw. Solidly directed by Lewis Allen from a lean script by Richard Sale. There’s a strong score from David Raskin. This cold-blooded thriller from director Lewis Allen (“The Uninvited”) feels as savage as it did decades ago when the New York Times called Sinatra’s performance a “melodramatic tour de force.” The Film Detective’s newly restored (from original 35mm elements) transfer looks as sharp as when it came out of the lab. I was gripped by this very satisfying 76-minute suspense thriller. The strange, almost prophetic parallels with the death of President Kennedy will be forever embedded in this little gem of a film. To say nothing of Sinatra’s alleged gangster connections at the same time of his actual Kennedy association. (Did Old Blue Eyes really pimp MM to JFK?). The Film Detective/Allied Vaughn. Blu-ray.

BOOK REVIEW

BOOKS: THE PERFECT GIFT

hen it comes to gift giving, there are four things that make a gift perfect. One, it’s best to find a gift that is personal, thoughtful, intriguing, exciting and fun. Second and third, the gift should be easy to find and easy to wrap. And fourth, best of all, if you can purchase the perfect gift for everyone on your list from age one to 99 at one location! That makes books perfect presents and there are thousands of choices at the local Barnes and Noble. Here are some ideas for those who may still be on your list. Children: Nanette’s Baguette written and illustrated by Mo Willems, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich written and illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach, The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom written and illustrated by Booki Vivat Teens: All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige, Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven, Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz. Young Adult: Kids of Appetite by David Arnold, Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow, Hippie Millennial: Brave New Weed: Adventures Into the Uncharted World of Cannabis by Joe Dolce, Creating Freedom: The

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 22 to December 28, 2016

BY HEIDI SIMMONS Lottery of Birth, The Illusion of Consent and the Fight for Our Future by Raoul Martinez, The Constitution Today: Timeless Lessons for the Issues of Our Era by Akhil Reed Amar, Cooks and Foodies: Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine by Sarah Lohman, The Ethical Carnivore: My Year Killing to Eat by Louise Gray, Devoured: From Chicken Wings to Kale Smoothies -- How We Eat Defines Who We Are by Sophie Egan Celebrity Junkies: A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston, Scrappy little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett, The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love and Loss by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt. Readers Who Are Writers: A Lowcountry Heart: Reflections on a Writing Life by Pat Conroy, The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories From My Life John le Carré. Literary Snobs: Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, Larose by Louise Erdrich. Conservative Cousins: Come and Take It: The Gun Printer’s Guide to Thinking Free by Cody Wilson, America The Anxious: How our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks by Ruth Whippman, Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the America Right by Arlie Russel Hochschild Sports Fans: Gunslinger: The remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre by Jeff

Pearlman, Arnold Palmer: My Stories by Arnold Palmer, History Buffs: The General Vs. The President: Macarthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War by H.W. Brands, Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, A Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill, The Secret War: Spies, Ciphers and Guerrillas, 1939-1945 by Max Hastings. Business Folks: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth, Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons, Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. Fiction Fans: The Nix by Nathan Hill, Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson, Tom Clancy Duty and Honor by Grant Blackwood, Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, The Second Life of Nick Mason by Steve Hamilton. Mystery and Thriller Lovers: The Great Reckoning by Louise Penny, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, Guilty Minds by Joseph Finder. Socially Conscious People: The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward, Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After “Serial” by Rabia Chaudry. Political people: Trump Revealed: An American Journey of Ambitions, Ego, Money and Power by Michael Kranish and Marc Fisher, Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations by Thomas L. Friedman Nature and Animal Lovers: Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by

Frans de Waal, The Unnatural World: The Race to Remake Civilization in Earth’s Newest Age by David Biello. Sci-fi and Fantasy Fans: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, Replica by Lauren Oliver, The Reader by Traci Chee, The Rose and the Dagger by Reneé Ahdieh. Rock ‘n Rollers: Testimony by Robbie Robertson, I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir by Brian Wilson and Ben Greenman, Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. People Who Love People: American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffery Toobin, You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klien, Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonalds Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away by Lisa Napoli. Science and Tech Minds: The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee, Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger, The Big Picture: On The Origins of Life, Meaning and the Universe Itself by Sean Carroll. Short Burst Readers: Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes, The View From the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman. Graphic Novels: The Singing Bones written and illustrated by Shaun Tan, SP4Rx written and illustrated by Wren McDonald. There is a book for everyone. Merry Christmas.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

LISTEN UP! THE BEST GIFT THIS SEASON DOESN’T COST A DIME. he holidays provide a good opportunity

to spend quality time with family, friends and coworkers. Rather than getting stressed about holiday obligations, think about these opportunities as making “deposits” in your relationship banks. The time you spend is an investment into the relationship’s long-term success. Spending time with people means talking with them. Whether personal or professional, conversation is a big part of this season. Most people are very good at talking about themselves. Why is that? Insecurity, selfimportance, passion? Whatever the underlying cause, the best approach you can take in these conversations is to focus on listening. Listening is more than hearing. Too often, we participate in conversations by focusing less on what the other person is saying and more on what we’re going to say next. When you show that you are truly comprehending what another person is saying, rather than just waiting your turn to reply, you add to their self-worth and you validate them. Who wouldn’t want that for a gift? What’s the secret to great listening? • Speak less. Don’t try to “one up” the other person, dominate the conversation or prove a point. Know you’re okay being just who you are (that’s also one of the best gifts you can give yourself!).

• Demonstrate that you are paying attention. Greet the other person with a smile. Look them in the eyes and honor their thoughts. Taking these actions will help you focus and drown out distractions. • Ask questions and actively listen to the responses. Try to listen without the intent to reply. Practice patience and listen completely until the person finishes his or her point. We live in an increasingly busy and chaotic world. No matter who you are, or how busy you are, take the time to listen to others. Break out of the old habits of not listening and needing to be the center of attention. Remember, you’re great just the way you are—it’s OK to let someone else shine! Not only will better listening make the holidays more enjoyable, it will help you in your professional and personal life. And it doesn’t cost a dime! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 22 to December 28, 2016 CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Guy Worden 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Closed VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 TBA 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6-8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 6pm

MON DECEMBER 26

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm

AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Open Mic Comedy 8pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET›S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Evangenitals 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley and Barney McClure Jazz 6pm

TUE DECEMBER 27

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bill & Bob Duo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 AJ’s Singer Showcase w/ Carolyn Martinez 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella daBall Dinner Revue w/guest performers 7:30pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm-2am THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Latin Night w/ DJ Lisp 9pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jethro BoDidley 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Solid Ray Woods Raw Soul Review 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm

PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver Jazz 6pm

WED DECEMBER 28

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Uncle Abe Presents: Heatstroke – A Monthly DJ Night 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 8pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 TBA 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

760-404-6325

INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger Lemieux 5pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Shadow Mountain Band 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 22 to December 28, 2016

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

n behalf of everyone at CV Weekly, I want to wish you, your family and those you love a happy Christmas and thank you for reading this paper and my column throughout the year. It is our sincere hope that your holiday is filled with good friends, tasty food, much love and lots of happiness. Take a moment to reflect and consider using the holidays as an opportunity to banish anger and hate from your life. This includes all of you who are still upset by the results of the recent Presidential elections. Remember that negativity begets more negativity while positivity, love and forgiveness, brings more of each into your life. Make a conscious effort to be nice to everyone. When you feel the need to be negative or make someone else unhappy, go sit in the corner until you are ready to behave toward others as you would have them behave toward you. With that said, let’s take a trip around the world to see how other cultures celebrate Christmas: In India, the few who celebrate decorate banana or mango trees while putting small oil burning lamps on their roofs in order to proclaim their faith. There are no records as to how many houses burn down each year

as a result. Sweden is another place where fire is misused. Swedes celebrate on December 13th (St. Lucy’s Day). Lucy is the girl who brought food to Christians who hid from persecution in the catacombs under Rome. Lucy would wear candles on her head so that she could carry more food on her journeys underground. In honoring Lucy, young women over 13 years of age wear candles on their heads while singing (under 13 get electric candles) at Christmas services. A favorite holiday food is Lussekatt which is a saffron and raisin bun that is eaten for breakfast.

Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar and celebrates the holiday called Genna on January 7th. On Genna Eve, people fast. The next morning, people dress in a traditional white garment called a shamma that is worn like a toga while attending services. The traditional food that is served is called wat which is a spicy stew made of meat, vegetables and eggs served with flat bread. Presents are not typically exchanged. Like Ethiopia, Egyptian Christians follow the Julian calendar and call this holiday Kiahk. For the forty-three days leading up to Kiahk, people eat a vegan diet. On Kiahk, people indulge and eat all of the things that they could not over the previous six weeks. Santa Claus is called Baba Noel. Iceland calls Christmas Yule. For the

thirteen days leading up to Yule, Yule Lads (troublemaking imps) like to play tricks on people. These lads have names like Gimpy, Pot Licker, Bowl Licker, Door Slammer, Yogurt Eater, Sausage Snatcher, the creepy Window Peeper, Meat Hooker and Doorway Sniffer. Celebrations begin at 6pm on Yule Eve as 6pm used to be the start of a new day in Iceland (their version of midnight). Christmas is celebrated with a meal that includes a leg of roast lamb, a game bird called a rock ptarmigan and fried bread. Until recently, Icelanders added extra flavor to their lamb by smoking it over coals and sheep dung. YUM! In Japan, Christmas is viewed as their version of our Valentine’s Day where couples spend the day together and exchange presents. The favorite meal is fried chicken finished with a strawberry and whipped cream-filled sponge cake. The 1% of the Chinese who celebrate, decorate plastic trees with paper ornaments and give wrapped apples to each another. Happy holidays! Haddon Libby is a Financial Advisor and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake and can be reached at 760.449.6349 and HLibby@WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

HWY 111 CHECKPOINT ON 12-17-16: WERE YOU STOPPED?

ast Saturday night 12/17/16 if you were driving W/B on Hwy 111 in RM you probably went through a DUI checkpoint. But did you come out with your driver’s license and are the Checkpoints or Saturation Patrols legal? During holidays and concerts, Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols are increased to deal with the increase of parties and drinking and driving. Most people don’t realize we have more DUI FATALITIES in the CV...per capita, than anywhere else in California. That makes DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols essential to save lives...... both ours and the driver. For police, it is like shooting ducks in a barrel, as the odds are holiday drivers will have had a drink. Once the officer has probable cause or a reason to stop you, then if they smell alcohol they can investigate further. Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols, must meet lawful and constitutional protocols to succeed. The idea behind a saturation patrol is that a large number of law enforcement officers will “make their presence known” by conducting stops, targeting inebriated, distracted, aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as those with

seatbelt or cell phone violations....the whole nine yards of traffic violations. Checkpoints don’t need probable cause to stop you. Normally an officer must have a reason to pull you over. At a sobriety checkpoint anybody can be stopped and requested to take a breath test. However, this does not mean that if you have failed a breath test or a sobriety test at a checkpoint, all your rights have been compromised. There are procedures and guidelines that all officers at a checkpoint must follow for a DUI test to be held valid. After an arrest the District Attorney decides how to file the case and they often over file or over charge to gain leverage for a future plea. This makes it easier for the courtroom DA, to extract a plea to something. When arrested for a DUI two separate charges are automatically filed.... Driving under the influence and Driving with a blood level of .08 or higher. In the Indio court they file .07’s too and request jail time on all first offense DUI’s, unlike most courts in California. Impaired drivers are not aware, unless they read my weekly legal column, that the Field Sobriety and Breath Test (FST) at the scene are optional. Few driver’s, let alone

lawyers, know that you do not have to take the walk the line, finger to nose, reciting the alphabet backwards and other so called sobriety tests. Likewise the breath test at the scene (unless you are on probation) is optional. A driver stopped and offered DUI tests should be cooperative and politely say that their attorney advised them not to talk without calling their lawyer for permission... (they won’t let you call). Then explain “they were advised Field Sobriety Tests and Breath Test at the scene are optional. If that is correct Mr. Officer, then I elect not to take them but I am happy to cooperate with law enforcement and take a blood test.” Many believe with time the reading will decrease by the time the blood is drawn...........unless the driver just chugged a drink and the alcohol had not yet gotten into the blood system. The average driver is not aware that it takes about an hour for the alcohol to go into your blood stream and an hour to come out............but now YOU DO! Remember, Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver so DON’T TALK to POLICE without your lawyer’s permission. Though often referred to as a DUI

criminal defense lawyer, I choose to not view my DUI clients as “criminals”. I prefer to view them, and more importantly to treat them, as good, honest people that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation after screwing up. I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks and drives and gets arrested for a DUI. I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients. If you have any suggestions for future articles contact me 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER.........THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME ... LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER” DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 20112017 (DUI) “TOP LAWYER” Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

December 22 to December 28, 2016

SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S FINAL FOUR? TIMING IS EVERYTHING..

hen gambling on the biggest football games, the general rule of thumb has always been to either bet the favorite immediately or wait until kickoff to back the underdog. Why? The season’s premier games draw abnormally large action from recreational gamblers, who are far more likely to wager on favorites. Their money typically sends point spreads shooting upwards, resulting in better prices on underdogs on game day and leaving discounts on favorites in the past. In the first two years of the College Football Playoff, however, advocating for that traditional approach has made for terrible advice. Three of the first four national semifinals have seen the point spread actually diminish, rather than of increase in the lead-up to game time. And it looks like this year’s CFP betting lines could be on the same trajectory. Alabama and Ohio State are currently favored in the two New Year’s Eve final-four games. Alabama lays 16 points to Washington at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, while Ohio State gives 3.5 points to Clemson at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. It doesn’t appear you should rush to the window to lock in tickets on the Crimson Tide or the Buckeyes. Better prices are likely still to come. Three weeks is a long time for bettors to talk themselves into underdogs, but they haven’t needed it when it’s comes to Clemson. Eighty-eight percent of the money in the first 24 hours of the game being posted at William Hill sports books was on the Tigers. Ohio State’s stock is low after its narrow escape against Michigan in the Buckeyes’ regular-season capper, and its controversial inclusion over Penn State in the playoff. Bettors appear more comfortable going with Clemson, which also came through as a publicly backed underdog in last year’s playoff against Oklahoma. There are already a handful of sports books with the spread down at Ohio State

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minus-3, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the number drop to 2.5 eventually. That might not seem like a major difference, but getting below a field goal would be significant. It seems more plausible that Alabama could hold at its current price. Eighty-nine percent of the initial action at William Hill sports books was on the Crimson Tide. Alabama has walloped point spreads all year, going 9-4 against the number—including 5-1 when laying less than 20 points—so no one seems to be in a hurry to bet against the defending national champions. But it’s hard to believe sharp bettors won’t be attracted by a team as strong as the Huskies getting so many points. Washington is extremely well-rounded and would seem to have the rare coach, Chris Petersen, capable of matching wits with Alabama’s Nick Saban. The most advanced statistics put Washington as only a 10- to 14-point underdog. The prediction here is that the majority of bigger bets get placed on the Huskies, and that they’ll be sizable enough to push the spread down a point or two. So forget the old wisdom. If you’re planning to bet on the College Football Playoff and like either of the underdogs, bet them now. If you want the favorites, wait patiently and pounce when the point spreads go down. Happy Holidays!

COMMUNITY

LIFESTREAM COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Alpha Media • 1321 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs • Wednesday, Dec. 28. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cardenas • 82-266 Highway 111, Indio • Wednesday, Dec. 28. 1 to 5 p.m. Rancho Mirage Public Library • 71-100 Highway 111 • Wednesday, Dec. 28. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lowe’s • 35900 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert • Thursday, Dec. 29. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walmart • 5601 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs • Thursday, Dec. 29. 3 to 6 p.m. Department of Public Social Services • 68615 Perez Road, Cathedral City • Thursday, Dec. 29. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Desert Cinemas Mary Pickford Theater • 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City • Friday, Dec. 30. 1 to 5 p.m. Donors receive a $15 gas card. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening and

Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at LStream.org. Those aged 18-44 years may register for Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations free of charge. Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. Everyone under 18 years of age must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parent consent forms are available at any donor center, community blood drive or at LStream.org. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, please call 1-800-TRY GIVING. Join the LifeStream volunteer team and make a lifesaving difference! For info, call 1.800.879.4484, ext. 458.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 22

ARIES (March 21-April 19): NPR’s Scott Simon interviewed jazz pianist and songwriter Robert Glasper, who has created nine albums, won a Grammy, and collaborated with a range of great musicians. Simon asked him if he had any frustrations -- “grand ambitions” that people discouraged him from pursuing. Glasper said yes. He’d really like to compose and sing hip-hop rhymes. But his bandmates just won’t go along with him when he tries that stuff. I hope that Glasper, who’s an Aries, will read this horoscope and take heart from what I’m about to predict: In 2017, you may finally get a “Yes!” from people who have previously said “No!” to your grand ambitions. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Humans have drunk hot tea for over two millennia. Chinese emperors were enjoying it as far back as the second century B.C. And yet it wasn’t until the 20th century that anyone dreamed up the idea of enclosing tea leaves in convenient one-serving bags to be efficiently brewed. I foresee you either generating or stumbling upon comparable breakthroughs in 2017, Taurus. Longrunning traditions or customs will undergo simple but dramatic transformations that streamline your life. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “What you do is what counts and not what you had the intention of doing,” said Pablo Picasso. If I had to choose a single piece of advice to serve as your steady flame in 2017, it might be that quote. If you agree, I invite you to conduct this experiment: On the first day of each month, take a piece of paper and write down three key promises you’re making to yourself. Add a brief analysis of how well you have lived up to those promises in the previous four weeks. Then describe in strong language how you plan to better fulfill those promises in the coming four weeks. CANCER (June 21-July 22): During the campaign for U.S. President in 1896, Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan traveled 18,000 miles as he made speeches all over the country. But the Republican candidate, William McKinley, never left his hometown of Canton, Ohio. He urged people to visit him if they wanted to hear what he had to say. The strategy worked. The speeches he delivered from the front porch of his house drew 750,000 attendees and played an important role in his election. I recommend a comparable approach for you in the coming months, Cancerian. Invoke all your attractive power as you invite interested parties to come see you and deal with you on your home turf. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Poetry is a way of knowledge, but most poetry tells us what we already know,” writes poet Charles Simic. I would say the same thing about a lot of art, theater, film, music, and fiction: Too often it presents well-crafted repetitions of ideas we have heard before. In my astrological opinion, Leo, 2017 will be a time when you’ll need to rebel against that limitation. You will thrive by searching for sources that provide you with novel information and unique understandings. Simic says: “The poem I want to write is impossible: a stone that floats.” I say: Be on the lookout for stones that float. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Economist magazine reports that if someone wanted to transport $10 million in bills, he or she would have to use eight briefcases. Sadly, after evaluating your astrological omens for 2017, I’ve determined that you won’t ever have a need for that many. If you find yourself in a situation where you must carry bundles of money from one place to another, one suitcase will always be sufficient. But I also want to note that a sizable stash of cash can fit into a single suitcase. And it’s not out of the question that such a scenario could transpire for you in the coming months. In fact, I foresee a better chance for you to get richer quicker than I’ve seen in years. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): For a bald eagle in flight, feathers are crucial in maintaining balance. If it inadvertently loses a feather on one wing, it will purposely shed a comparable feather on the other wing. According to my analysis of the astrological

omens, this strategy has metaphorical meaning for your life in 2017. Do you want to soar with maximum grace and power? Would you like to ascend and dive, explore and scout, with ease and exuberance? Learn from the eagle’s instinctual wisdom. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In August 2012, a group of tourists visited the Eldgja volcanic region in Iceland. After a while, they noticed that a fellow traveler was missing. Guides organized a search party, which worked well into the night trying to track down the lost woman. At 3 a.m., one of the searchers suddenly realized that she herself was the missing person everyone was looking for. The misunderstanding had occurred many hours earlier because she had slipped away to change her clothes, and no one recognized her in her new garb. This is a good teaching story for you to meditate on in 2017, Scorpio. I’d love to see you change so much that you’re almost unrecognizable. And I’d love to see you help people go searching for the new you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 2017, you will be at the peak of your ability to forge new alliances and deepen existing alliances. You’ll have a sixth sense for cultivating professional connections that can serve your noble ambitions for years to come. I encourage you to be alert for new possibilities that might be both useful for your career and invigorating for your social life. The words “work” and “fun” will belong together! To achieve the best results, formulate a clear vision of the community and support system you want. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn writer Edgar Allan Poe has been an important cultural influence. His work appears on many “must-read” lists of 19th-century American literature. But during the time he was alive, his best-selling book was not his famous poem “The Raven,” nor his short story “The Gold-Bug,” nor his novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Rather, it was The Conchologist’s First Book, a textbook about mollusk shells, which he didn’t actually write, but merely translated and edited. If I’m reading the astrological omens correctly, 2017 will bring events to help ensure that your fate is different from Poe’s. I see the coming months as a time when your best talents will be seen and appreciated better than ever before. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “My goal is to create a life that I don’t need a vacation from,” says motivational author Rob Hill Sr. That’s an implausible dream for most people. But in 2017, it will be less implausible than it has ever been for you Aquarians. I don’t guarantee that it will happen. But there is a decent chance you’ll build a robust foundation for it, and thereby give yourself a head start that enables you to accomplish it by 2019. Here’s a tip on how to arouse and cultivate your motivation: Set an intention to drum up and seek out benevolent “shocks” that expand your concepts of who you are and what your life is about. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The birds known as winter wrens live in the Puget Sound area of Washington. They weigh barely half an ounce, and their plain brown coloring makes their appearance unremarkable. Yet they are the avian equivalents of the opera star Pavarotti. If they weighed as much as roosters, their call would be ten times as strong as the rooster’s cock-a-doodle-doo. Their melodies are rich and complex; one song may have more than 300 notes. When in peak form, the birds can unleash cascades at the rate of 36 notes per second. I propose that we make the winter wren your spirit animal in 2017, Pisces. To a casual observer, you may not look like you can generate so much virtuosity and lyrical power. But according to my analysis, you can. Homework: Send me predictions for your life in 2017. Where are you headed? Go to RealAstrology. com; click on “Email Rob.” ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

December 22 to December 28, 2016

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

NAUGHTY OR NICE

ave you been naughty or nice in 2016? You may have grown up hearing this adage during the Christmas season. If you were naughty you may not expect to find as many presents under the tree. However, if you were nice you may have a plethora of gifts awaiting you. Regardless, you may have been naughty or very nice when it pertains to you over wellness. When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions or goals for an upcoming year, weight loss, getting healthy, and being happy top the lists. The average American may gain as much as 30 pounds between the months of October till the end of the December. This is a startling statistic. I bet if you were privy to these numbers you may have thought twice before having that piece of Halloween candy. Also, the average person is said to gain as little as five pounds during the Christmas holiday. What most of us do not realize one bite here and another there will catch up to you. Plus, with all the hustle and bustle of life during the holidays it may be challenging to find time to exercise. You may have slipped out of your routine simply to keep up with all of your social activities and family life. As we approach 2017 here are some suggestions in setting resolutions or goals for the upcoming year. Be Realistic. Keep in mind those old habits

die-hard. Set goals that will be manageable for you to maintain. Commence with infantile steps. You can always step up the goal and add to your resolution(s). It is easy to get excited about what you can obtain in your future. However, you do not want to fall short of your aspirations because you were not methodical in your approach. Losing weight and eating healthier may be in your list. When it comes to exercising it is always fun to have an accountability partner. If you have a friend or your spouse desires to lose weight, commence a workout plan together. Studies show if you have a workout buddy you are more likely to show up because you don’t care to disappoint the other person. Changing your diet may also top the list. This requires discipline all on your own. Each day you have a choice as to what to put in your body. Resist high carb foods, sugar, to much caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Nourish your body with foods that will give you energy. If it grows on a tree, out of the ground, walks on earth or swims in the sea, these are foods you should feed to your body and soul. Choose to be kind to your body. Abusing your body will make you feel lousy in overall body and soul. You deserve the best. 2017 is your year for success. Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

December 22 to December 28, 2016

HEALTH&FITNESS

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BY MAUREEN FORMAN

THE EFFECTS OF ISOLATION AND POVERTY ON SENIOR DEPRESSION

here are many factors about depression in seniors. The causes most often cited are death of friends and family, physical illness, declining mental acuity. Not often enough are chronic poverty and the isolation that accompanies it given the attention they deserve as sources of senior depression. There is a firmly held belief that with the creation of Social Security and Medicare, senior poverty was effectively eliminated. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many seniors receive less than $1000 a month in Social Security and often have to pay part of that toward Medicare benefits. Although they can apply for Medicaid/MediCal as a supplement to cover what Medicare doesn’t, the income and savings allowed on Medical are so low that it effectively leaves the person with no reserves for emergencies such as a a broken stove or an expensive medication not on the Medical formulary. And they are always vulnerable to losing their MediCal if they are given any financial assistance from children or family or if they move in with their family, whose income can then become part of their qualifying information. These are seniors that worked all their

lives worked as waitresses, truck drivers, in car repair or sales, as housecleaners or even women who simply stayed home to raise their children at a time when one income could support a family. In order to get by, these seniors live in section 8 apartments (if they are lucky enough to get them) or in small mobile home parks. They often have no vehicles due to not being able to afford gas or upkeep. They ride the bus or use Dial a Ride for trips to the doctors. They do not have money to go to dinner with friends, play golf or to travel. So they often isolate in their homes and watch television. Perhaps they meet friends at a senior center once or twice a week or get morning coffee at the community room of the apartment house. They shop at 99c store and eat far too many salty canned or frozen foods. So how can we help? Give to your local Senior Center, your local foodbank, any agency that serves seniors. JFS has funding to help seniors in financial crisis and programs to decrease isolation. And when you get a chance, chat with the senior next to you in line or at the doctors. Let then tell you about their wonderful lives. You won’t regret it.

LIFE & CAREER COACH BY SUNNY SIMON

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY! OR NOT?

his year you’ll find me happily enjoying the love, warmth and joy of the holidays. I’m eating the gingerbread with reckless abandon, drinking the eggnog (preferably spiked) and singing along with Christmas music on my Pandora playlist as I gleefully add ribbons and bows to presents wrapped with loving care. If you just read that paragraph and are considering tossing the article aside because you’re feeling more like the Grinch than one of Santa’s merry little elves, I understand but urge you to read on. No doubt you are dealing with something prohibiting you from experiencing the magical glow of the season. I get it. You are not alone, anyone over the age of eighteen has probably encountered a time when hearing another HO, HO, HO was beyond endurable. Perhaps you’re immersed in feelings of sadness that heighten when those around you are bubbling over with the holly jollies. If you are in a deep depression, it is important to seek out help from a trained professional, but if your bout with the blues is less serious, I can offer up two choices. Number one, if you’re truly incapable of sucking it up and putting on a happy face, give yourself permission to sit this one out. Gracefully, but firmly, say no when invited

to make merry with friends and relatives. No need to go into lengthy declinations, just briefly explain your intention to observe the season in solitude and quiet reflection. Then treat yourself with loving kindness by planning a holiday for one. Stock your pantry with your favorite foods, eat dessert first, and if you like, stay in your pj’s for an entire day. Binge on Netflix, or dive into a great novel. Keeping the world at bay is perfectly acceptable, but only for a short duration. No hiding under the covers forever. Adhere to a set time limit, then shake off your holiday funk and return to the land of the living. Your second option is to ease yourself into the spirit. Make a lunch date with a special friend who makes you laugh, or go to a funny movie. Try treating yourself to a small gift that delights you. Once you’ve brightened your mood at bit use your talents to help others. Volunteer at a shelter, or connect with the Salvation Army and spend a few hours ringing the bell while wishing others good times and good will. Beginning with a small celebration and ending with community service might have you looking forward to a festive New Year’s Eve. Cheers! Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog, www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

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December 22 to December 28, 2016

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December 22 to December 28, 2016