Coachella Valley Weekly - December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018 Vol. 6 No. 41

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018 Vol. 6 No. 41

LGBTQ City Council Chester Rushing Ruined Vibes Reverend Horton Heat Counter Reformation pg6

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2018: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS JAN. 2

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Domingo Winstead Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Morgan James, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Jason Hall, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS 2018 Palm Springs Inernational Film Festival...................................... 3 PSIFF Quick Picks................................. 5 LGBTQ Palm Springs City Council....... 6 Chester Rushing................................... 7 Ruined Vibes........................................ 8 Art Walk & Wine Tasting - Art Place.... 8 Reverend Horton Heat........................ 9 Jimi FItz & Friends Review .................. 9 Consider This - Mavis Staples........... 10 Art Scene - Rex Maurice .................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Pampered Palate- Counter Reformation at Parker PS...............16 Screeners ........................................... 18 Book Review ...................................... 19 Safety Tips ..........................................19 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Cannabis Corner................................ 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit........................... 23 Ask The Doctor................................... 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24

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rgentina, Armenia, Mozambique, Kyrgyzstan, China, Canada and Japan these are some of the exotic places the 29th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will take you if you are willing to go.

This year, the Festival has 180 films from 77 countries across the globe with 31 genres to be shown during 433 screenings in 14 days at six different venues!

“For the next two weeks, we will be your tour guide, sharing insights and images from around the world, spotlighting diverse cultures from Africa to New Zealand,” said Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Board, Palm Springs International Film Society.

The journey begins Saturday, January 2, and runs every day, all day, through Monday, January 15.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) includes, four world premieres, 12 North American premieres, and 23 U.S. premieres.

Artistic Director Michael Lerman returns to the Festival for his second year.

“We try to speak to the current perspective, what’s happening right now in Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv, in Paris and Tultepec, in Brussels and Auckland,” said Lerman. “The most important thing for us is to generate a dialog.

We want to be a place for discussion, a place of ideas and emotions surrounding film. The program is packed full of crowd pleasers and thought provokers.”

The PSIFF is the place to be if you love cinema, culture and fascinating, well-traveled folks.

Over 135,000 people are expected to attend this year’s PSIFF! So even standing in line is fun and a memorable part of the experience. It’s a great way to make new friends while chatting with other moviegoers and film fans.

As is the custom, the GALA AND FILM AWARDS, kicks-off the Festival, Tuesday, January 2, 5:00. It is the first award show of the season, and it continues to draw Hollywood’s best and most talented.

Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart hosts the event as usual, along with high-profile award presenters.

The Gala and Film Awards is the Palm Springs International Film Society’s biggest fundraising event. The Film Society is a nonprofit organization that produces the PSIFF and operates other programs yearround. The Gala event generates $1,000,000.

With all the glamor and glitz, the Gala is known for being relaxed, yet energetic and fun. If you are not going to be at a table on the inside, there is the red carpet on the outside.

The Shape of Water

Recipient of the Vanguard Award

Award recipients and honorees will be slinking down the red carpet outside the Palm Springs Convention Center. Expect to see Wonder Woman aka Gal Gadot; songstress Mary J. Blige; Writer/Director Guillermo Del Toro; Actors Sam Rockwell, Timothée Charlamet, Saoirse Ronan, Allison Janney, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Willem Dafoe and Holly Hunter.

The OPENING NIGHT event is Thursday, January 4. What better way to start a film festival than with a Steven Spielberg movie!

“The Post” stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks and tells the story of the first female publisher of The Washington Post.

Throughout the Festival, look for SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS in the PSIFF schedule or online. It is quite possible that filmmakers and cast members may be present at selected screenings.

Scheduled events include “Nostalgia” starring John Hamm, Ellen Burstyn and Catherine Keener with its first of two screening on January 6, 6:00pm, Palm Springs High School.

“The Polka King,” starring Jack Black screens only once on January 3, 7:00 at the Camelot Theatre. This film is a comedy based in a true story.

There are two other Special Presentation screenings “Phantom Thread” and “In the Fade.” (See CVW PSIFF story page XX) CINE LATINO -- The 29th PSIFF is showcasing the year’s best Ibero-American films, which are eligible for the Cine Latino Award.

Each Festival has an international focus, and this year it’s Argentina with seven feature films. In addition, there is a selection of over 20 Spanish-language movies.

The PSIFF print schedule at a glace is a beautifully color-coated and organized array of films, which makes it easy to find something interesting.

Check out the Modern Masters selections, which features seven films from international directors who set the bar for contemporary cinema.

There is a FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING sponsored by Desert Regional Medical Center.

“The Workers Cup” screens Saturday, January 13, 3:30 at the Annenberg Theater. Check the PSIFF website for details on ticket availability.

In its eighth year, Desert Regional presents films that are uplifting and entertaining to a

Patty Jenkins

Recipient of Variety’s Creative Impact in Directing Award

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

general audience.

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS is an exciting competition, which showcases 10 films from emerging international directors bringing their first or second narrative features to the Festival. PSIFF celebrates these filmmakers and selects a winner by a jury of festival programmers and U.S. distributors.

If you love a mystery, look for the PSIFF SECRET SCREENING. No one will let on what the film may be, but Festival organizers guarantee it is a good one.

TALKING PICTURES is a PSIFF favorite. This is what the Festival is all about at its core.

These programs include in-depth discussions with directors, writers and actors from the year’s top films.

A few to look for are: “Darkest Hour” with actor Gary Oldman screens January 3, 1:45 at the Annenberg Theater. The directors of “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” which follows Al Gore as he works to save the environment will talk about the film January 8, 10:00am at the Annenberg Theater. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” with actor Sam Rockwell is January 3, 1:00 at the Camelot Theatres.

The Awards Buzz section is selected by Festival programmers as the strongest entries in this year’s Oscars® race and will screen 45 of the 92 official submissions in the Academy Awards® Best Foreign Language Film category.

A special jury of international film critics will review these films and present the FIPRESCI Award for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year, as well as Best Actor and Best Actress in this category at the end of the PSIFF. Another great program is the Eyes on the Prize: Foreign Language Oscar Directors in Discussion. This is a creative group of international filmmakers talking about filmmaking and world cinema. The event is moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Editor. Monday, January 8, 4:30, Annenberg Theater.

If you are a reader and a movie buff, the BOOK TO SCREEN component is for you. This is sure to be a fascinating event as authors and filmmakers talk about the challenges to bring a book to the big screen. These discussions continue to page 5

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PSIFF 2018 continued from page 3 are moderated by industry pros and there is often time for questions and answers.

There are four adaptations and you can’t miss no matter which you choose to see. (For more on the books and the event turn to CVW Book Review page 19) How about DINNER AND A MOVIE? “Constructing Albert” is a film about chef Albert Adria and is followed by dinner at Bonitá in Cathedral City on January 8. The film begins at 4:00 at the Mary Pickford’s D’Place.

The Camelot Theatre, Wednesday, January 10, 4:30, features “The Cakemaker” about a pastry chef and is followed by dinner at Eight4Nine in Palm Springs.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Look for PSIFF PARTIES! Tickets are required so ask at a Festival box office about availability. There is a party nearly every night so check for time and dates. The parties start with “Truth or Dare” at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. The party “Argentine Flight” will be held at the Palm Springs Air Museum and “Telefilm Canada” will party at Lulu California Bistro.

“Gay!La” is back at the Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, the Spa Resort & Casino is hosting “Sound and Vision Party,” and the Hard Rock hosts “Rock’n Film Party.”

The festival CLOSING NIGHT screens “The Last Movie Star” on Sunday, January 14.

Burt Reynolds stars as an aging screen icon

PSIFF QUICK PICKS

AVA – Leá Mysius‘ beautiful and poignant film about a teen girl’s summer vacation during which she discovers she is going blind and is driven to experience as much life as she can is a memorable journey of self-awareness.

(France)

BODIED – Joseph Kahn’s edgy, daring, and darkish musical (yes, musical) about modern race relations and the power of words centers on a white grad student who writes his thesis about “underground battle rap” and decides to becomes a competitor himself. The venomous wordplay unleashes his darker tendencies.

(USA)

BRIMSTONE & GLORY – Viktor Jakovleski’s eye-popping and dramatic look at the annual fireworks festival in Tultepec, Mexico, is a stunning and surprisingly tense film that delivers a sustained visceral thrill. (USA) HOLY AIR – Director Shady Srour’s affable, sly comedy is about a failed Nazareth

who gets lured into accepting an award at a rinky-dink film festival in Nashville, launching him on both a hilarious fish-out-of-water adventure and an unexpectedly poignant journey into his past.

BEST OF THE FEST is celebrated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Tickets are available at the office. The films are announced the night before. Can’t go wrong seeing the films that were adored by the PSIFF fans.

FESTIVAL THEATERS include: Annenberg Theater, Camelot theatre, Mary Pickford’s D’Place, Palm Canyon theatre, Regal Cinemas Palm Springs Stadium 9, and Richards Center for the Performing Arts at Palm Springs High School. Tickets are available at the

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

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ith such a rich and overflowing cornucopia of films available, it can be difficult choosing a movie to see from the 180 titles available in 31 genres showing in 423 screening venues!

Unfortunately, we can’t s everything, so here are a dozen quick picks for your consideration.

No matter what you choose, there are no bad films here.

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

to the road for what might be their final adventure in the family’s vintage RV in Paolo Virzi’s enchanting adventure. (Italy)

entrepreneur with a pregnant feminist wife and an ailing father who cleverly exploiting the biggest local industry — religion — with a plan to turn the air of this “sacred” city into a commodity. (Israel)

IN THE FADE – Diane Kruger plays a grieving mother who takes matters into her own hands to get justice for her murdered family in Fatih Akin’s terrific thriller that tackles growing elements European nationalism. (Germany)

THE LOST CITY OF Z – Don’t miss the chance to see this lush throwback to old-school epic Hollywood filmmaking on the big screen – even of you’ve watched the Blu-ray version. James Gray’s engaging historical drama tells the astonishing true story of the obsessed British explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who literally risks all to hunt for a legendary lost city in the Amazon that he alone is convinced actually existed. (USA)

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER – No matter your politics, religion or denial, global warming and climate change will impact you and the planet. This 10th anniversary follow-up of the controversial climate change documentary features Al Gore as he travels and hosts workshops that reinforce the imperative need to join the revolution for sustainable energy. Consider well the consequences of pretending there’s no problem. (USA)

MANKILLER – Full disclosure. My writing partner and I were hired to adapt a feature screenplay (not this movies) based on Wilma Mankiller’s best-selling biography. We spent a number of days at her Oklahoma home and heard her soft-spoken, humbly told and inspiring story about her journey from an impoverished Oklahoma childhood to become Chief of the Cherokee Nation (the first woman to hold that title). Valeri Red-Horse Mohl’s documentary is a fitting epitaph for a truly great American woman ahead of her time.

(USA)

THE LEISURE SEEKER Against the advice of their bossy children and doctors, Ellen and John, an elderly couple (Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland) takes

THE MOTIVE – Manuel Martin Cuenca’s dark and funny new film is about struggling

participating box offices.

PSIFF is one of -- if not the finest -- of Palm Springs’ events. This Festival provides an opportunity to see films you may never have a chance to see again. Grab a ticket, stand in line, see a movie, and enjoy the adventure!

Be sure to check all the dates, times and availability. For tickets, schedules and more information go to www.psfilmfest.org or call 800-898-PALM.

PSIFF

writer Álvaro who toils away as a notary. When his wife’s affair pushes him into a bachelor’s flat and the lives of his new neighbors—he gets fresh material for his novel. (Spain)

STUMPED – Robin Berghaus’ latest film is uplifting, heartrending and hilarious. It follows Will Lautzenheiser who, after a bacterial infection required amputation of both his arms and legs, becomes a stand-up comic and a candidate for a pioneering double-arm transplant. (USA)

WAJIB – Real-life father and son Mohammad and Saleh Bakri star in Annemarie Jacir’s captivating Palestinian road movie about two men with big differences. The father, Abu Shadi is a beloved local teacher.

He and his son drive around in Abu’s old car delivering his daughter’s wedding invitations.

Along the way, the differences between the son’s idealistic viewpoints and his father’s pragmatic beliefs come to the fore. It’s easy to relate to the Funny neighbors, family members, and lusty ex-girlfriends along with the heavily caffeinated conversation. The insight into the Palestinian identity, family and community, and home is universal. (Palestine) Check PSIFF schedule for time and place.

And please don’t miss great opportunity to see films from all over the world because this may be your only chance. Share with me your favorites. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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LGBTQ Q&A: A CELEBRATION OF PALM SPRINGS LEADERSHIP

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or Coachella Valley residents, LGBTQ are our family, friends and neighbors. We work and party together, and we also stand shoulder to shoulder against injustice.

The LGBTQ community is a big part of what makes the City of Palm Springs such a welcoming and colorful place to live.

When newly elected, Lisa Middleton, and Christy Holstege, took their seats as council members, word quickly spread that the Palm Springs City Council was entirely LGBTQ – the first in the country!

Electing qualified and effective representatives, LGBTQ or not, is absolutely standard for Palm Springs residents. It is an active and engaged community. The people vote for the candidates they believe best for the job.

An all LGBTQ Palm Springs City Council does not seem like a big deal for us locally. In fact, it feels perfectly natural.

However, there is a greater relevance. As a community, Palm Springs clearly transcends issues of gender identity when so much of the country does not.

Having LGBTQ equality and representation has been fought for, and earned. Progress continues to be made.

Who better to represent a city and its diverse population than those who have firsthand experience of the challenges to be seen, heard and recognized. It has taken hard work, bravery and dedication over decades to step-up, make a difference and lead in the face of adversity.

LGBTQ have been frontrunners in the battle for civil liberties. Their efforts have created a more tolerant, open, compassionate and accepting world for everyone!

The Palm Springs City Council deeply understands the role of leadership and how important representation is, not only for the LGBTQ, but for their entire constituency.

Palm Springs is a living, working example where equality of opportunity, tolerance and freedom thrive. It is a place where locals don’t focus on the differences, but believe in making a difference.

That Palm Springs has an all LGBTQ city council deserves to be celebrated!

CVW is proud to acknowledged the importance and value that LGBTQ leadership provides.

CVW asked the Palms Springs City Councilmembers what this moment means and to share a little of their personal lives. It may be a surprise to learn how unimportant the phrase “first all LGBTQ City Council in the country” actually impacts the Council’s commitment to public service.

ROBERT MOON - Mayor How do you identify?

I identify as a proud Palm Springs resident; as the Mayor of Palm Springs; as a Moderate Democrat; and as a retired military officer and veteran.

How long have you been a resident of Palm Springs?

Since 2001, or about 17 years; How has Palm Springs shaped you as a person?

Palm Springs has made me more aware of our environment; more aware of the beauty of nature; more aware of the importance of living and eating in a healthy way; and it has made me aware that age, race, sexual orientation, and/or sexual identity is irrelevant.

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Are you married, do you have children or pets?

I have been with my partner and husband since 1981, or 36 years; married to him for nine.

Where did you grow up?

My family has been in Arkansas for 200 years, which is where I grew up. However I left when I was 18 to attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.

What is/was your profession?

After Annapolis I spent 22 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy, of which about 15 years was spent at sea in every corner of the globe. That was followed by 17 years as a corporate executive in large publicly traded corporations at the VP and SVP level.

What does it mean to you to be part of the first all LGBTQ city council?

I am proud to be a part of a very intelligent, experienced and skilled group of five Council members. I prefer not to put labels on people.

Personally, I don’t know of anyone who voted in the past election based on gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. People voted for whom they felt were the most qualified candidates.

What is the best part about serving on the PSCC? Having the opportunity to serve and represent the residents of Palm Springs and to be a part of the leadership of a beautiful city that is in a renaissance.

What do you do for fun?

Work. I have been that way my entire life. I am actually rather boring.

GEOFF KORS – Councilmember How do you identify?

I identify as a passionate Palm Springs resident.

How long have you been a resident of Palm Springs?

I have been a resident since 2000 and a fulltime resident for ten of those 17 years.

How has Palm Springs shaped you as a person?

The combination of our natural environment, wonderful and talented residents, and diversity, have all impacted me in a positive way. I have

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

learned so much about working in collaboration to impact the lives of people and help create a vibrant community.

Are you married, do you have children or pets?

I am married to my husband James Williamson who serves as a member of the Palm Springs Unified Board of Education and we have a sweet and playful labradoodle puppy named Dash.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Great Neck, New York.

What is/was your profession?

I am working fulltime as a member of the City Council although I am an attorney by training. I have worked primarily as an environmental and civil rights attorney and legislative advocate both at non-profits and in government. I served as Assistant Regional Counsel for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Director of Equality California, Legislative Director for the National Center of Lesbian Rights, and Director of the ACLU’s AIDS and Civil Liberties and Gay and Lesbian Rights Projects in Chicago.

What does it mean to you to be part of the first all LGBTQ city council?

What is most meaningful about the first all LGBTQ city council is that sexual orientation and gender identity were not issues in the campaign as they often are in other places. Instead, the candidates were judged on their qualifications and vision for the City.

Palm Springs has demonstrated that when people of different orientations live and work and socialize together, the so-called differences go away and our common humanity is what takes center stage.

We are truly fortunate to live in such a welcoming community.

What is the best part about serving on the PSCC? The best part of serving on City Council is being able to help our residents and businesses.

When residents have an issue they often reach out to me and I am frequently able to help them resolve the matter. By always looking at issues through the lens of what is best for Palm Springs, I hope I am ensuring that the decisions made are what is best for those who live here.

As the liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the many Palm Springs tourism organizations and the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, I am also able to work in collaboration with those who drive our economy to help increase revenue, bring more events and cultural experiences to our City and Valley, and create jobs.

Being able to work with our Sustainability Commission, residents and the Council to pass strong environmental policy has also been very rewarding as it is essential that we protect our environment.

Finally, in my position as co-chair of our Homelessness Task Force, I have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated and selfless individuals to help those in need. The Task Force members, together with our Council and staff, has brought in new resources that has helped 100 individuals get off of the streets and into housing, employed more than 55 people, and helped many get benefits they were entitled to receive. This position is a true honor.

What do you hope to achieve while serving on the PSCC? I hope to continue my work with our tourism and business community to continue the Palm

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Springs Renaissance, protect the environment, help our residents in need, and to ensure that Palm Springs remains a wonderful place to live.

What do you do for fun?

I have recently taken up tennis, which I am really enjoying, and I love hiking our gorgeous trails and playing ball with our puppy Dash!

CHRISTY HOLSTEGE – Councilmember How do you identify?

I identify as bisexual.

How long have you been a resident of Palm Springs?

I have been a resident of Palm Springs since June 2012. I moved here the day after graduating law school to start a Stanford Public Interest Fellowship and build a domestic violence legal clinic at Shelter From the Storm. My husband, Adam Gilbert, is born and raised in Palm Springs, a graduate of PSHS, and a third generation resident on both sides of his family. They have lived here since 1971.

How has Palm Springs shaped you as a person?

The City of Palm Springs is a model city and a leader in so many areas: tourism, mid-century modern style, architecture, resort living, LGBTQ equality, sustainability, and progressive values.

I enjoy living here because of the unparalleled quality of life along with the world-class amenities that other cities of our size do not offer. Living in Palm Springs has shaped me as a person due to the wonderful people, the fantastic quality of life, and the unique business opportunities.

Are you married, do you have children or pets?

I have been dating my husband Adam for 10 years and we have been married for 2 years. We do not yet have children, though we are planning on raising kids in Palm Springs. We have a dog named Layla, who is a five-year old cockapoo, a cocker spaniel and poodle mix.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Sacramento, California. I am a third generation Californian.

What is/was your profession?

I work as an attorney at Gilbert & Bourke LLP in Palm Springs. There, I practice civil litigation, Social Security Disability, employment law, personal injury, domestic violence law, and housing law.

I focus my practice and pro bono efforts serving underserved communities of the Coachella Valley, including people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, homeless individuals, injured workers, personal injury victims, and victims of discrimination and violence.

What does it mean to you to be part of the first all LGBTQ city council?

It is extremely meaningful to play a small part in a historic moment in the history of our city and our country.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com It makes sense to me that Palm Springs is the first city in the nation to elect an all LGBTQ city council, since we have acted as a safe haven where people feel like they can live authentic lives and live free of discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.

What is the best part about serving on the PSCC? The outstanding staff serving our city every day, who bring long-term expertise to the issues facing our city, and the wonderful people of Palm Springs, who are extremely involved in city government. Our City Hall is inscribed with the motto “The People are the City,” and I truly believe that we have some of the best people in the world.

What do you hope to achieve while serving on the PSCC? I plan on addressing homelessness and poverty, promoting solutions to our affordable housing crisis, supporting regional solutions on issues like climate change, investing in infrastructure and amenities for all residents to improve our quality of life, and growing and diversifying our economy to build a Palm Springs that works for all of us.

What do you do for fun?

I love to go hiking in our beautiful canyons and mountains with my husband and our dog.

LISA MIDDLETON – Councilmember How do you identify?

Lesbian and transgender.

How long have you been a resident of Palm Springs?

Since March 2011.

How has Palm Springs shaped you as a person?

Palm Springs has given us more friends, opportunities to serve and respect than any place we have ever lived.

Are you married, do you have children or pets?

Cheryl and I were married in 2013 in our Palm Springs home with my children John and Lauren as our witnesses. We have two Palm Springs animal shelter rescue dogs - Jack and Vicki Where did you grow up?

East LA. What is/was your profession?

Government service. State of California What does it mean to you to be part of the first all LGBTQ city council?

I am proud of our city and the opportunity to severe the people of this wonderful city.

What is the best part about serving on the PSCC? Meeting and working with my colleagues our city staff the leaders of our business community and most importantly of all the people who call Palm Springs home.

What do you hope to achieve while serving on the PSCC? Create a sustainable and responsible budget.

Add public safety officers. Improve public safety on our streets. Reduce homelessness. Make

Palm Springs the leader in the use of renewable energy.

What do you do for fun?

Read. Cheer on USC, the Dodgers, and the LA Kings. Create stained glass. Garden.

J.R. ROBERTS – Councilmember How do you identify?

I Identify As A Single Gay Man. How long have you been a resident of Palm Springs?

17 years.

How has Palm Springs shaped you as a person?

It’s caused me to think, bigger, smarter and to understand the impacts from my decisions will last for many years to come.

Are you married, do you have children or pets?

I’m single with no pets. (pretty pathetic ) My sweet French bulldog ‘moose’ died last year from cancer.

Where did you grow up?

Mostly southern California and in Birmingham Alabama.

What is/was your profession?

CHESTER RUSHING OF STRANGER THINGS APPEARS AT HARD ROCK PALM SPRINGS & RECORDS A SONG WITH PRODUCER/MUSICIAN ESJAY JONES

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hester Rushing, the actor who plays Tommy H. in Stranger Things, appeared at the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs on December 22 at 7 p.m. for an all-ages meet and greet and a live musical performance. The actor and musician took photos and mingled with fans before his performance with local musician and producer Esjay Jones.

According to Rushing, interacting with fans is a top priority for him. “I do a lot of meet and greets… whenever I have the time, usually in between series or in between movies… I’ll go into Comic Con and try to connect with people around the world because it’s such a great experience to get letters and things from Dubai or Argentina or Paraguay or Vietnam. It’s just mind blowing,” he says. “So I try to go back out and meet these people as much as I can because I want to find out about their lives and where they’re from and their stories just as much as they want to find that out about me.” Rushing was also excited to return to Palm Springs after attending Comic Con Palm Springs last summer and seeing some familiar faces. “It was fantastic! I had a blast… people had been writing me for a few days saying that they’re coming… that’s always really nice.

And I’ve seen some of the people here before because of the Comic Con. It’s nice to see a familiar face, and especially a beautiful place like this,” he says.

Another reason that Rushing returned to Palm Springs is to work on making music. He and Jones are working together to produce an EP next year. “Esjay Jones, she said that she would love to work in the studio with me on a new single, so I said ‘Abso-friggin-lutely!’” he says. “We did preproduction the last three days and finished it up this morning.” The Hard Rock Hotel offered them space to record in and they finished a single in less than four days, which was one of the songs that they performed together.” We’re playing a few songs tonight, some old, some covers and then I’m going to try it. I’m going to say ‘Hey guys, we wrote it this morning, show us a little love!’” Rushing jokes. “Hey, why not, we’re all having fun.”

As Rushing tells it, he’s been waiting for an opportunity to make music. He has experience, with his song “Paint the World” reaching number two worldwide, and previous experience performing with a band. “We were playing Gexa Energy Pavilion with some people like Train, The Fray, 5 Seconds of Summer, Smashing Pumpkins, we got to do that on the side stages. We played at the bottom of like, a pizza joint like a pizza basement and people were there rocking out,” he says. That project broke up due to creative differences and his burgeoning acting career, with him saying, “I Had to move to L.A. and I had to work on my film stuff because those opportunities were coming up and I needed to stay focused… they

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018 For most of my career I was a partner in an architecture and design practice. I’m retired, but manage my real estate portfolio.

What does it mean to you to be part of the first all LGBTQ city council?

Interesting question. I’m proud to be part of something that stands for inclusiveness and equality. I hope that sends a message to young people. But that’s where it ends.

I don’t want the message to the straight community that they will get any less access or representation. Or that we will spend all our time on gay social issues. I’m proud to work with this new group and know we can solve some bigger issues like budget, homelessness and affordable housing.

What is the best part about serving on the PSCC? Being able to make a real difference in the lives of others. To give back at a high level tapping on all my skillsets knowing that we are contributing to our continuing success while polishing our international brand, and offering our residents and visitors the highest levels of service available. And, the little secret -- It’ fun!

What do you hope to achieve while serving on the PSCC? Complete the downtown project and new park. Have Indian Canyon be a two way street.

Make substantial inroads on homelessness and affordable housing. Most importantly, grow in smart ways that don’t damage our small town character that makes us so unique and appealing.

What do you do for fun?

Go to the beach. Go to my cabin in Idyllwild.

Travel, and socialize with friends. Biking and hiking. And more travel. I also love restoring vintage buildings. That, and mindless home projects.

BY AVERY WOOD

PHOTO BY ORLANDO WELSH

understood that as well… I knew the direction that they wanted to go wasn’t the direction that I was headed.”

Rushing is still just as passionate about acting as he is about his music career. “I wanted to be an entertainer… I wanted to create and I have this hunger for just learning and making things creatively with people. There’s just a feeling you get when you collaborate with somebody… me and Esjay, we clicked in the studio… those kinds of relationships… the

MUSIC

energy is there between you both, you cannot do any wrong. I think that’s also why Stranger Things worked, because we just wanted to make something great and truthful and fun and whatever comes after that… it’s great. It’s been a humbling experience,” he says.

While working on the sets of Stranger Things and Logan, Rushing also got the opportunity to observe on days he wasn’t filming and seems humbled by that experience as well, saying, “In season one [of Stranger Things] we would go all the time on days we weren’t shooting and sit on set and hang out and watch because we loved it. We wanted to see this, it fascinated us.

The people in the town that we were shooting in… they dressed up in their 80’s garb and came around, they even put some of them in the show!”

He also has a role in a Hulu series called All Night coming out next year. “It’s kind of a growing up coming of age story about the end of high school. It’s really really funny and I play this guy who’s kind of the king of the nerd group and so I get to connect to that because I’m such a big nerd, I love Star Wars, I love going to Comic Cons, I love cosplay, anime… games!... It was my first comedy series so it was a completely different experience than Stranger Things,” He says.

Rushing hopes to release his new music next year. He can be found online at @ chesterrushing on Instagram and Twitter or his website chesterrushing.net.

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

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RUINED VIBES: LOCAL BOUTIQUE VINYL-ONLY RECORD LABEL TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

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uined Vibes is a local boutique vinylonly record label. It was started in 2015

by Jason Hall, Brent Zius, and Robert Chance. The focus of the label is to release collectible vinyl releases that you don’t even have to have a turntable to enjoy. Of course, a turntable is a must have piece of audio equipment, so it shouldn’t be a problem to actually enjoy the music too.

The label started with L.A. based garage/ psych band L.A. Witch. Ruined Vibes released L.A. Witch’s first 7” and instantly gained a name for themselves. This release was featured in Thrasher magazine and Spin magazine. L.A. Witch has since gone on to become a mainstay in the rock underground.

DJ Swamp, of Beck fame, was the second release. This release featured many firsts in the vinyl game. For Medicinal Use Only was a full 3D release. The cover and labels were 3D and it came with custom 3D glasses and a 3D comic book drawn by local artist and musician, Joe Lynn, and 3D rendered by amazing graphic designer Robert Chance. It also was the first 7” to feature scratch tools. The 7” scratch tool has become a modern movement with mobile turntablism.

Being heavily seeded in the local scene, Ruined Vibes decided to do a local release and start a sub label, RVjr (Ruined Vibes jr.), to focus on local bands. They’ve released vinyl for local favorites, The Hellions, and long broken up, The Whizards. The Whizards will be doing a one off show to celebrate the long awaited release.

RVjr started a great relationship with local recording studio owner and musician Robbie Waldman. This led to an obvious partnership.

Robbie became a full partner in the label just in time for the newest Ruined Vibes release, All Souls. All Souls features local drummer, Tony Tornay, from Fatso Jetson. This release is a return to the full Ruined Vibes releases and features Danny Carey of Tool on one track, and original artwork by Kat Von D, just for the vinyl release.

We sat down with the Ruined Vibes crew to talk about what the scene means to them and what the future of Ruined Vibes is.

Coachella Valley Weekly: How did Ruined Vibes start?

Jason Hall: “The idea started in about 2008, but I thought it would cost too much to actually put out a record. I finally grew up and realized it didn’t cost all that much in reality; especially to realize my dream. I was living in Austin and my buddy Brent was in Houston. Brent told me about L.A. Witch. I went and saw them while here for Christmas. I knew instantly L.A. Witch should be my first release. I approached them and they agreed. I saw them again in Austin, and it was solidified. Brent came out of a music industry retirement and helped me financially. I

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knew Chance from back in the day and gave him a call. He was immediately made full partner for his awesome graphic design skills.”

Robert Chance: “I’d been doing album art for my friend’s bands for quite a while. When Jason reached out, I knew it was an opportunity to take this to the next level. He and I have known each other for a long time... so there’s a long history of respect and trust. I mean… this guy used to supply me with booze when I was younger. So he brings me the L.A. Witch artwork and asks me to help with just the layout.”

Hall: “That’s not true! You also did the inside sleeve and the labels and turned it into professional quality work. It was their first physical release. It was written up in Spin Magazine and Thrasher Magazine. What an ego booster right out of the shoot.”

Chance: And from there I was on board and was like, ‘What’s next?’ ” CVW: How long were you based out of Austin?

Chance: “I was based out of here in the Valley. The idea of Ruined Vibes was based out of Austin.”

Hall: “Yeah. Really, even before L.A. Witch came out, I was already home. The release was done, but the polaroids the band took on the road didn’t get put into the release until I moved back. Also, the seed was planted for DJ Swamp and a bunch of that was done through email, but in reality, the Coachella Valley has been home to Ruined Vibes.”

CVW: DJ Swamp? As in Beck’s DJ and national DMC champion? How did that happen?

Hall: “I know right?! That was the craziest and most involved release. I reached out to him on Facebook. Within 5 minutes, we were talking on the phone. He had been doing a bunch with old-school anaglyph, red & blue color 3D so I approached him with this idea about doing all 3D artwork, a 3D record, and a 3D comic book.

And of course, you’ll need custom 3D glasses to go with all of this.”

Chance: “Jason wrote out the script and action for this epic short story. We got our mutual friend Joe Lynn on board to draw the comic in black and white and R.C. Torres helped storyboard it. Then I came in and did the backgrounds, coloring, and somehow figured out how to convert it all to anaglyph 3D.” Hall: “I bought everything I could that had 3D. Drawing pads, books, posters, etc. I gave it all to Chance. He figured it out and made it look better than any 3D I’d ever seen. It was like 4 layers of depth.”

Chance: “You know you did good when people were getting headaches from staring at this artwork!”

CVW: Where does Robbie fit in with all of this?

BY RACHEL MONTOYA

LOCAL BUSINESS

Robbie Waldman: “I’d heard of Jason, but never really met him until a benefit show a bit over a year ago. I bought a copy of the DJ Swamp 7” from him. Last February during Modernism Week, we talked. I felt the new Waxy album would be a good fit for Ruined Vibes. We’d bounced things back and forth from then on. In the meantime, he formed a sub label, Ruined Vibes jr (RVjr).”

Hall: “That’s the smaller label Chance and I started, which doesn’t involve Brent. The “jr” stands for Jason and Robert. It’s a project that focuses more on our local scene.”

Waldman: “He helped put out The Hellions on vinyl, and put out The Whizards on vinyl. I’m friends with all of those guys. I just loved what he was doing.”

Hall: “Thanks man! I loved what you were doing. I loved that you had a studio and recorded some serious names. That’s what really brought us together. I asked Robbie to be a full partner in Ruined Vibes. I felt it would be mutually beneficial. We could make a one stop shop.

Record your record and get it pressed with one group of dudes.”

CVW: What’s the future of Ruined Vibes?

Waldman: “All Souls is coming out next month. This is the first release I’ve been a part of. We’re extremely happy about this release. It

embodies what we are about. It’s a super limited vinyl release in 2 versions. One is a tour only version the band will have available, and the other is a very special limited edition. There are ties to the desert, the band Tool, and we have original artwork for this edition only.”

Hall: “This is Tony Tornay’s (Fatso Jetson) new band. It also is Erik Trammell (Black Elk), and Antonio Aguilar and Meg Castellanos (Totimoshi). Danny Carey plays tablas on a song. And the topper is Kat Von D is doing the cover. Tony and Kat are really good friends. I took a chance and asked if he could get her to do the art. She fucking agreed!!! This will be a bit more expensive than we like, but it is going to be original artwork screen printed by Freddy Jimenez over at Blue Hill Studios in Coachella.”

Waldman: “Don’t forget, The Whizards are doing a one-off reunion show for us.”

Chance: “And Waxy’s new album will drop on Ruined Vibes early this year.”

Hall: “Finally!”

Waldman: “We have a bunch lined up. We’re using all of our connections in the desert scene to try to put something really big together, and we’re meeting with a pretty big band to see if we can take on special edition versions of their albums.”

ANDY CAHAN RETURNS FOR ART WALK & WINE TASTING AT THE ART PLACE BY

I

f you missed the season kick-off, Art Walk and Wine Tasting at the Art Place, Palm Desert Design District, you’ll have another opportunity to check out this FREE event Wednesday Jan. 3, 2018. On the first Wednesday of each month from 4pm to 7pm through April, The Art Place, Palm Desert Design District, will host complimentary wine tasting by Craveyon CloudWines from Temecula. After sampling some wines guests can stroll the boutique galleries filled with unique art, furniture and decor. Watch artists create one-of-a-kind sculptures and glass art before your eyes.

Back by popular demand, keyboardist Andy Cahan will return to keep guests entertained with his fun style of playing. Andy Cahan bills himself as “the most famous musician you never heard of” As keyboard player for the Turtles (not to mention associate of Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and many other luminaries), he’s seen the up and down sides of the rock-music world since the 1960s. Mostly up for Andy, who’s putting together a book of his memoirs and who has released a CD of his own material, Snarfel. The CD includes polished and ruff gems representing Andy’s collection of songwriting in the thick of the rock n› roll business. The disk is a unique piece of musical history. Come out and listen to Andy play and have your picture taken with him.

The Art Walk and Wine Tastings will benefit a different desert charity each month.

A portion of the proceeds from the Jan. 3 event

EVENTS

CRAIG MICHAELS

will go to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert.

If you would like to know more about this charity or how you can get involved, call: (760) 568-3977.

The Art Place, Palm Desert Design District is located near the Hovley Ln Post Office at 41801 Corporate Way in Palm Desert. Make sure to “like” The Art Place on Facebook to stay up to date on other special events and exclusive offers. For more information about the event or The Art Place Palm Desert Design District call: (760) 880-3848 or visit them online at: artplacepd.com.

Written by: Craig Michaels Productions 760 880-3848

EVENTS

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REVEREND HORTON HEAT

f you haven’t heard of Reverend Horton Heat, you’ve been living under a rock.

Reverend Horton Heat is the godfather of modern psychobilly. He and his band got their start in Dallas in 1985 and have been going non-stop since. They have released 11 albums and are currently working on their 12th.

The band is a traditional rockabilly trio featuring Reverend Horton Heat on guitars, Jimbo Wallace on standup bass, and Scott Churilla on drums. Their live shows are not to be missed. They have one of the most high energy concerts and they tour often. On January 11, they will be performing at Pappy and Harriet’s.

Coachella Valley Weekly: How did you get your start in music?

Reverend Horton Heat: “Well, I like blues. When I was young, there was a record store near my house that had a lot of blues.

I got exposed to that. I got a guitar and tried learning blues guitar. That led me to my first band. It was a 50’s band. Then I started playing a lot of rock. In high school, I was in a band that got hired for a lot of things, and looking back on it, I was making a lot of money and knew I could make money playing music one way or another, so I just kept doing it.”

CVW: What lead you in the direction of rockabilly/psychobilly?

Reverend: “Like I said, I was a blues kid. I was learning Chuck Berry licks and Elvis licks. I would hang out with a lot of record collectors who had that stuff. They also had a lot of rockabilly. I started getting interested in that stuff and started collecting records and getting people to make cassette tapes of that stuff.

LOCAL MUSIC

O

n November 17, 2017 my son Ruben and I were honored to attend the JIMI FITZ AND FRIENDS show at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California along with more than 900 other attendees.

The show featured performances from Faults of Andreas, Lauri Bono, Kal David, Will Donato, Kevin Henry, John Stanley King, Ronnie King, Barry Minniefield, Penny Unniversity, Will Donato, Sergio Villegas and what seemed like a legion of musicians supporting these respective artists. It was a spectacular turnout for an alllocal contingent of local working musicians. I felt so much satisfaction to know that these magnificent performers are from my own backyard. I think Ruben put it best, “I liked how there were different genres of music. Oh, and I loved the part at the end of the show where everyone got on stage together to perform one last song.” FITZ certainly has a formula that is successful and making waves for our local artists.

FITZ is recognized for supporting many Coachella Valley musicians through his morning radio show on CV 104.3 like Gene Evaro, Jr., Courtney Chambers, Kelly Derrickson, Mozaiq, as well as musicians from Orange County such as Micah Brown, The Outriders and Zen Robbi.

FITZ has also produced shows for local artists at The Gardens on El Paseo, The River at Rancho Mirage and Schmidy’s Tavern. He is a vital reason why local artists have a platform to share their passion and voice.

I spoke with some of the performers after the show and here are some highlights of my conversations:

Some of those records were already collector’s items back then so you’d have to find someone who had the record and hopefully they’d make a cassette for you. Also, I remember seeing The Cramps. I thought I was going to see a punk rock show, but it was The Cramps. They were playing songs like “The Way I Walk” by Jack Scott. It was old style rock n roll bit high energy.

I thought ‘man, this whole blues and rockabilly thing can work in punk rock.’ Another band I saw who did that was The Blasters. They were even more straight on rockabilly. Psychobilly is really a European thing. I never thought of us as psychobilly, but we wrote “Psychobilly Freakout” which got widely accepted.”

CVW: How did you and Jimbo meet?

Reverend: “He was a Houston guy and I drove down there with my band. I had a bass player a few years before I met Jimbo. Jimbo came up on stage after the show and started slapping his bass and doing this double slap thing. I thought he was pretty cool and got his number. It wasn’t long after that my bass player quite, so I called Jimbo and drove down to Houston and got him to join my band.”

CVW: Standing on Jimbo’s bass is sort

AT PAPPY & HARRIET’S ON JANUARY 11

of a signature move of yours. Weren’t you worried about crushing it?

Reverend: “Ha Ha. Yeah! We kinda knew it would hold up though... watching all the videos of the old guys standing on them. We knew from watching Bill Hailey. The funny thing about that is that was definitely our signature move and we did it for so long. Then some guy said, ‘you know Jim, that stand on the bass thing, you’ve been doing it for so long. Don’t you think it’s time to stop that?’ I felt like maybe it was getting old. We stopped doing it and almost immediately, everybody is standing on their bass. So we quit doing it for 2 months, and felt like we needed to start again. We didn’t want people to take credit.

We thought, ‘oh, they’re just copying us.’

In reality, all we were doing was copying Bill Hailey.”

CVW: In terms of gear, you use Gretsch guitars and amps. To me it sounds like these were made for your sound. Are they vintage or newer?

Reverend: “They’re newish. They started making a Reverend Horton Heat Gretsch in 2004. They sent me 4 of them and

JIMI FITZ & FRIENDS REVIEW FITZ: “My fellow musicians played their butts off tonight to an appreciative audience for our local music community as we had the biggest audience for a local concert featuring exclusively just desert talent two years in a row now!”

Ronnie King: “jimi FITZ is one of the most organized promoters that I have ever worked with on every level and I have been involved in many shows from The Hood to playing the Rhythm Wine and Brews Experience with Pepper last year. FITZ’s organizational skills are as professional as anyone.”

Barry Minnifield: “Being a part of FITZ AND FRIENDS is like a family reunion with great talent and friends that are able to get together once a year thanks to FITZ. I love it!”

Charlie Ellis (Faults of Andreas): “jimi FITZ is one hip cat. He and Wendy know how to throw a party that’s for sure. What an honor getting to share the evening playing with so many of the desert’s brightest and best. It was extra special that I got to play bass with my old high school band mate Jimmy Palmer and my long time friend and drummer Jeff Bowman, on the same stage where the likes of George Burns, Lucille Ball and Johnny Cash have performed. We made it from the ‘Iron Door’ to the McCallum Theater and it only took us close to 30 years!”

Penny Unniversity: “We were honored to be a part of a wonderful night for the local talent of the Coachella Valley to showcase for our friends, family and fans of our desert community!”

Sergio Villegas: “This is a show that should be toured throughout the world! I had such a great time supporting my friend FITZ and being on

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

BY JASON HALL they’re really, really nice. Barring one little modification to the bridge, they’re great out of the box. The guy who winds the pickups makes them like Filtertron pickups would be wound. They guy who makes my amps tries to reproduce what an early Fender amp would sound like. The guy who made those Gretsch Executive amps makes Victoria amps and those are really good.”

CVW: Where is your favorite place to tour?

Reverend: “I pretty much like everywhere.

I do have to say the West Coast is pretty fun because usually the weather is pretty nice and when you’re cooped up on a bus all day, you get a little weird. Some of the tours in the wintertime, we get cooped up. It’s always nice to get out and walk around. But the fans are great everywhere. It’s a wonderful thing. ” CVW: You’ve played Pappy’s before. Can you explain the vibe of that place in your own words?

Reverend: “Yeah we’ve played once or twice at least. To me it feels like you’ve got a lot of people into rich music which is great. We have a blast there. There are a lot of people who like the same roots music that I like. The building is pretty cool. The whole place is cool.

With Pioneertown it’s like playing outside of the Alamo or something. It’s like playing on the set of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.”

CVW: Your last release was in 2014.

Any plans on recording a new album in the immediate future?

Reverend: “We’re working on one. We’ve got 9 or 10 tracks already cut. We had our drummer quit in the middle of all that, so it’s been a bit tough. It’s imminent.”

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

PHOTO BY MARC GLASSMAN

the stage with world-class musicians. I had the opportunity to share my passion with all those wonderful people. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, (guitar, charango, accordion, percussion), so it was a beautiful thing to be able to do what I love with people I love.”

Tracy Dietlin: “What an amazing show from start to finish. There were so many stand- out moments that I hate to single anyone out, however Kevin Henry playing the piano and singing Prince’s “Purple Rain” and then Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” completely blew me away as it was the first time I had ever heard him perform. His son Nicholas on sax was also a hit for me along with sax man Will Donato, as was Scott Carter on guitar. Brothers Ronnie and John Stanley King performing together were nostalgic, awesome and poignant! I’m also always amazed by Kal David and Laurie Bono;

the way they bounce off each other’s talents is a treat. But Faults of Andreas closing the night out with a couple of jimi’s original songs and then “Rockin’ in the Free World,” by Neil Young, was as priceless this year as it was last year. This will surely have to be a tradition!”

On behalf of our community, we want to thank FITZ for all that he does to present our musicians and their music in a top-notch manner and as frequently as he does. I look forward to what FITZ comes up with for FITZ AND FRIENDS 2018! jimifitz.com – faultsofandreas.com – cv1043.com – barryminniefieldofficial.com – pennyunniversity.com – ronniekingmusic.com sergiovillegasguitar.com – willdonato.com – kaldavid.com – gotothenest.com (Kevin Henry) Find ‘The John Stanly King Band’ on iTunes.

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

MAVIS STAPLES

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

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“IF ALL I WAS WAS BLACK” (ANTI- RECORDS)

hen I say my life matters, you can say yours does too/But I betcha’ never have to remind anyone to look at it from your point of view” That’s Mavis Staples on the song “Build A Bridge,” wading directly into the Black Lives Matter controversy, but she has been socially conscious before there was a name for it.

Born in Chicago in 1939, Mavis began performing with the Staple Singers in 1950.

A true family affair, it included her sisters Yvonne and Cleotha, brother Pervis and father, Roebuck “Pops” Staples. Her dad had been a steel worker and meat packer, originally from Mississippi, the group initially played churches and community settings. They signed their first recording contract in 1952.

Initially, their sound was immersed in traditional Gospel and Blues. During the ‘50s they recorded hit versions of “Uncloudy Day” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” They cycled through a couple of record labels like Checker and Riverside, before landing at Epic. There Pops wrote a song called “Freedom Highway” that became something of an anthem for desegregation During the late ‘60s, the Staple Singers began add their spin to more secular songs, adding a soulful and earthy gloss to Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall.” Each song contained a spiritual subtext that mirrored the struggles of the Civil Rights movement.

In 1968 the Staple Singers signed with the Stax/Volt label out of Memphis, Tennessee.

Although Stax never as big as other R&B labels like Motown and Atlantic, they were responsible for introducing the world to seminal R&B acts like Booker T. & The M.G.’s, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and Mable John. In fact, Atlantic poached several hit makers from the Stax stable like Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and Sam & Dave.

The Staple Singers achieved their greatest critical and commercial success during their Stax years. From 1968 to 1975 they created eight Top 40 hits with instant classics like “Respect Yourself,” “I’ll Take You There,” and “Let’s Do It Again.” Their sound had evolved into a Soulful alchemy, wrapping themes of self-empowerment and spiritual satisfaction in catchy Soul-Funk melodies.

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Despite their musical acumen and timetested sound, the Staples lost their way a bit during the Disco era. At that point Mavis opted to go it alone and embarked on a solo career.

Surprisingly, she only really recorded three albums from the mid ‘70s and throughout the ‘80s.

Luckily, Prince counted himself a major Mavis fan. He signed her to his Paisley Park label, (a boutique imprint distributed by Warner Bros.). He made it his mission to champion her sound to a younger audience, specifically, his loyal fan base. He went on to produce two of her albums; Time Waits For No One in 1989 and The Voice in 1993. Three years later, she recorded an homage to her musical mentor, entitled Spirituals & Gospels: A Tribute To Mahalia Jackson.

The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999. A year later Pops Staples passed away, succumbing to complications from a concussion. Rather than retreat into her grief, Mavis has managed to reinvigorate her career.

Much like Johnny Cash, Tom Jones, and more recently, Glen Campbell, she enlisted a sympathetic producer and released her 10th solo album, Have A Little Faith in 2004, critics hailed it a glorious return. Three years later she signed with the Anti-label.

An off-shoot of the legendary Punk label Epitaph, Anti-provided asylum for outlier artists who had been marginalized by bigger labels. Everyone from Mose Allison, Neko Case, Merle Haggard, Nick Cave, Marianne Faithfull and Tom Waits have sought refuge there.

Initially, Mavis paired with legendary musician/producer Ry Cooder and released We’ll Never Turn Back, a concept album that included traditional and original songs that revisited the Civil Rights movement of the ‘60s. Universally acclaimed, the record topped myriad critics’ lists. 2010 saw the release of a live effort, Live: Hope At The Hideout her first Studio collaboration with producer Jeff Tweedy, You Are Not Alone.

Of course, Jeff is best known as one of the progenitors of the alt.country/Americana sound that took hold in the late ‘80s. First, he co-founded Uncle Tupelo with Jay Farrar, and then splintered off as the front man for Wilco.

He has also spearheaded side projects like Golden Smog and Loose Fur, and recorded a couple of solo efforts.

You Are Not Alone was a potent effort; it even won a Grammy for Best Americana Album. Mavis and Jeff reconvened three years later for the even more assured One True Vine.

The songs were a mix of originals, favorites and Public Domain stalwarts, the record struck a balance between the spiritual and the secular.

It did well commercially, debuting at #67 on the Billboard Top 200.

While Jeff was busy with Wilco, Mavis enlisted musician/producer M. Ward to shepherd her 15th album, Livin’ On A High Note, it arrived at the beginning of 2016. An all-star affair, it featured contributions from Nick Cave, Neko Case, Jon Batiste, Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper and Bon Iver. Now, after a fairly quick turnaround, Mavis and Tweedy (as she calls Him, rather than Jeff), have re-teamed and the

result is her new effort, If All I Was Was Black.

The record quickly gets off the ground with the Swamp-Blues thump of “Little Bit.” Rumbling bass connects with a kick-drum beat, cowbell accents and yowly guitars.

Mavis’ measured tones, (matched by calland-response backing vocals), belie lyrics that zero in on the renewed climate of violence and hostility aimed toward young black men.

“Poor kid they caught him without a license, that ain’t why they shot him, they say he was fighting/So…that’s what we were told, but we all know that ain’t how the story goes.” Tensile guitars ripple and ache on the break, acting as a wordless Greek chorus.

All the songs here are written by Tweedy, or co-written with Mavis. The themes seem directly inspired by recent specious claims that we must “make America great again.” These songs assert that America hasn’t lost any of it’s greatness, but we do need to change. Take “Who Told You That,” blistering guitar riffs anchor the track, the insistent and irresistible wah-wah is buttressed by vivid Hammond B3 colors, a chunky back-beat, steadfast bass and electrifying lead guitar. Concise lyrics push back against the idea that change is affected through docile conformity. When instructed “Now hold back, my, my, don’t explode, we don’t want to rock the boat,” Mavis indignantly counters “Who told you that?”

The aforementioned “Build A Bridge” splits the difference between a relax-fit Samba and traditional Cha-Cha-Cha. Over a sultry Batucada rhythm and languid, liquid guitar riffs, the high falsetto backing vocals echo Mavis’ late great champion, Prince. But don’t let the slinky vibe fool you, deadly serious lyrics address the Black Lives Matter crisis and despair over the country’s increasingly divisive climate; “Look around at our country, at the people we don’t ever see/ Standing side by side us divided, lonely in the land of the free.”

“Try Harder” is something of a call to arms.

Fuzz-crusted guitars growl and scratch over fluttery keys and a jump-cut rhythm. Here, she acknowledges “there’s evil in the world and there’s evil in me…don’t do me no good to pretend, I’m as Good as I can be.” Rather than accept that status quo, she calls on all of us to “Try harder.”

The wonderful thing about this record is Mavis doesn’t bludgeon the listener with her message, she just nudges us in the right direction. The title track is the absolute epitome of what Otis Redding called “Sweet Soul Music.” Shang-a-lang guitar connects with

a loping conga rhythm and tinkling percussion.

Building off the Reverend Martin Luther King’s assertion that people should be judged “not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” she asks “If all I was was black, don’t you want to know me more than that?”

“Ain’t No Doubt About It” is a tender testament to Mavis and Tweedy’s friendship.

The melody shares some musical DNA with Sly & The Family Stone’s exuberant “Everyday People.” Churchy piano intertwines with Wurlitzer, Country flavored guitar licks and a rock steady beat. The pair trade verses lifting each other up; “Sometimes I feel like talking and then I don’t know what to say/Sometimes I have the answers, but my questions get taken away, that’s when I call your name.”

There’s a deceptive simplicity to “We Go High,” carnival keys wash over rumbling bass lines and a tumbling beat. The lyrics draft off Michelle Obama’s infamous bit of positivity, “when they go low, we go high.” Here, Mavis quietly insists “When they tell their lies, spread around rumors, I know they’re still human and they need my love.”

The album’s centerpiece is “No Time For Crying.” A sweaty Soul-Funk workout, built off a four-on-the-floor back beat and roiling bass. Guitars shapeshift from honeyed licks to coiled rattlesnake menace, the musical piece de resistance is an organ solo that goes from sanctified to swampy. There’s no time to mince words; “People are dyin,’ bullets are flyin’/No time for tears, no time for tears, we got work to do.”

Two tracks return Mavis to her Gospel roots, “Peaceful Dream” and “All Over Again.” The former locks into a rustic back porch groove fueled by a handclap rhythm, Hammond B3 and splayed acoustic riffs. She offers this straightforward epiphany; “Oh I know I did complain, even on Sunny days, I know I moaned about some little things/But I kept my Spirts up, and I set aside enough love to keep us dry when it rains.”

The latter, which closes the record, is stripped down, rueful and Bluesy. Just Mavis’ vocals and bottle-neck guitar. She quietly reflects “Time is slow, and the world gets cold/ Sometimes I have Regrets, but I ain’t done yet.”

More than 50 years ago, Mavis and her family were at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement. Marching With Dr. King and lending their talent to the cause. At age 78, she probably assumed those days of intense activism were behind her. But recent events would indicate otherwise.

There’s a climate of hate in this country exacerbated by an Oval Office occupant who receives accolades from a former Grand Wizard of the KKK and is seemingly supportive of White Supremacists. “Driving while Black” has never seemed more dangerous.

As she eases into her golden years, she has made her most powerful album to date. If All I Was Was Black, effectively pays homage to her Chicago Gospel Blues origins. Never preachy or didactic, her words are shot through with love and optimism. Thankfully, Mavis looks forward.

She presses on.

ART SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

BY ANGELA ROMEO

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: REX MAURICE OPPENHEIMER

O

ne has to take notice of a Renaissance man; one who can write poetry, compose a song, paint a portrait, cut a dashing figure and fix a broken faucet. Rex Maurice Oppenheimer is all that and more.

Holding French and American citizenship, Rex’s art is an amalgamation of “wanderlust, romanticism and artistic passion.” Rex’s unconventional life took him through four continents and various employments, from songwriter to vagabond with a dash of the dark side just for flair. These experiences have proffered the subject matter for all of Rex’s artistic works.

“I have written nonfiction and fiction works. My poetry began with the hubris of youth but settled into the wisdom of experience. My writing, in fact all my art, is my experiences and me. Sometimes raw.

Sometimes idealized. Always me.”

“My painting is empowered by my ability to place pigment on a canvas,” said Rex. “That, in turn, allows me to create the color, texture and form of people, places and things in a way that somehow displays and evokes more than just ‘those things.’ It reveals magic in the ordinary and speaks to a mystical connection, a feeling more than a thought, with those forms.”

Primarily self-taught, Rex studied briefly with Santa Fe based Artist Roger Williams.

Williams’ paintings tell of where he has been and what he has seen. Like Williams, Rex’s landscapes are beautiful places that have held him captive. “Color and design are essential elements in my work, and while it has strong representational aspects, these elements incorporate large doses of abstraction and imagination. I hope to find the intersection of the unknown and the commonplace, to bring the soul of the mountain to the surface of its stones,” continued Rex. Rex’s work is not limited or bound by landscape, abstraction or figurative. It is distinctly his work – void of the critics’ conventions that an artist “must be” or “must do.” Rex is not afraid of bucking those notions “I know very well that galleries and critics like an artist to present groups of paintings whose similarity appears as an identifiable body of work. I understand and appreciate that, yet as an artist, there are some rules and laws I must, or choose, to obey, that isn’t one of them. I paint bold and fast, guided only by my

love of creation.”

Rex’s is currently showing at ART IS Gallery, Westfield Mall, Palm Desert. His work is also part of a two-person show at the Simeon Den Gallery in Cathedral City. “That show,” noted Rex, “is titled Landscapes – Virtual and Abstracted. The show includes works by photographer Gary Borgstedt, whose work comprises imagined landscapes that he fabricates out of fabric and then photographs.

I thought it was a great idea, and indeed I believe the show speaks for itself.”

I have slithered through the Underground Partied in penthouses I’ve ridden in rickshaws And been chauffeured in Rolls Royces I’ve been sober, I’ve been drunk Been a playboy, and a punk, And I still don’t know What’s goin’ on For more information visit www. rexoppenheimer.com.

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR DOG LOVERS

T

his week, dog lovers and their 4-legged companions ring in the New Year 2018. In 2017, we made great strides in reducing the plight of shelter and otherwise homeless dogs and cats.

“Rescue” is becoming the favored route to adopt a dog, as the public becomes more aware of the problems with puppy mills, backyard breeders, online pet sales, and pet stores.

Pictured here, ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2018, is adorable Sammy. This adorable Chihuahua girl was once a stray and frightened dog named Petunia at the Devore San Bernardino County Shelter.

Rescued by Loving All Animals, this little pup would not let anyone touch her when she arrived at Quannah Combs’ foster home.

Gradually she began to sit next to him on the couch, moving closer each day. With her next foster mom, Jan Cooksley, she continued to trust and love humans. This New Year Eve, in a loving forever home with Linda and Kurt Smith, she plays happily with her new sibling pup.

While our canine companions provide affection and companionship, there is a special love and wisdom bestowed from rescued dogs in their “second chance”

MEET ZIGGY & SMOKEY These precious, loving boys became best buddies as kittens. Now 6 yrs old, they seek a home together after their human passed away. Rescued by www.

ForeverMeow.org, contact (760) 335-6767 to meet them.

MEET GRACE & SHADOW This bonded brother and sister Cocker Spaniel pair hope for a home TOGETHER for the Holidays! Just 2 years old; 18 lbs and 20 lbs of doggie love. Rescued by Furry Angel Foundation, furryangelfoundation.org, (760)831-6166.

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home. These animals will not only bring us increased health and happiness in the New Year, but they can also be part of our New Year’s Resolutions. Here are some ideas for your New Year’s resolutions for 2018.

GET HEALTHY – Having a dog will improve your physical health, including reducing your blood pressure. If you decide to quit smoking this year, your pet will give you another reason because a smoke filled environment also jeopardizes their health.

BY JANET McAFEE REDUCE STRESS & DEPRESSION - Holding and petting a dog immediately makes you relax. Their loving companionship reduces stress, depression and anxiety. Dogs are utilized by our combat veterans to reduce post-traumatic stress. They work daily miracles for all of us humans, bringing joy to our lives.

LOSE WEIGHT – Obesity in both pets and their people decreases life expectancy of up to 14 years in humans and up to 2.5 years in their animals. As you select healthier foods, make sure to provide better nutrition for Fido. Avoid serving harmful human foods to pets. However, fresh carrots, cooked green beans, steamed broccoli, banana slices, and apple slices are great diet options for you and your dog.

EXERCISE & GET FIT – Walking a dog keeps you healthy, alert, and happy. If you are athletic, enjoy the outdoors even more hiking and jogging with Fido.

MEET NEW PEOPLE – Dogs are natural ice breakers, and that adorable pup you walk down the street can result in new friends or even a new love interest. You score extra points with them when they learn your dog is a rescue dog.

VOLUNTEER IN THE NEW YEAR – If you resolve to help people in the New Year, dogs may also play a role. If your dog is calm and likes strangers, consider getting

him certified as a therapy dog and bring joy to hospital patients and nursing home residents. Volunteer at a public shelter or private animal welfare organization. Walk a dog for sick or elderly neighbors.

ADOPT A RESCUE PET IN THE NEW YEAR – The New Year is always the time for new beginnings and second chances. If you are still “dogless” go visit the thousands of animals waiting at shelters and rescue organizations. Adding a second or third dog usually works out well, as long as you thoughtfully plan and introduce them on neutral turf.

Visit the Coachella Valley’s largest county shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. View their adoptable animals at www.rcdas.com and call (760) 343-3644 for more information. To meet some amazing dogs like Petunia, go to the Devore San Bernardino County shelter at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino or call (909) 386-9820.

View the Devore shelter animals at www. petharbor.com. Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 or www.lovingallanimals. org for a list of all rescues and shelters.

Happy New Year 2018 to you and your 4-legged family members!

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THE VINO VOICE

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

BY RICK RIOZZA

BUBBLY WITH AN AMERICAN ACCENT

H

appy New Year to all! And thanks for joining in and walking with us through the wonderland of wine during this past year. Experiencing some of the zaniest times in recent political history has fortunately been assuaged by the onslaught of good, tasty, and reasonably priced wine, and hopefully this column brought many of these wines to light.

And so now: Toast-worthy bubblies for your table and celebrations!

With certain fun and irony, I can already envision some of you loyal readers—who simply bleed California wine—rolling your eyes as you expect me to extol ebullient over this French Grand Cru or that Italian Franciacorta, this Prosecco or that Crémant! Well should New Year’s bells ring or what!!

“Making American Bubbly Great Again!” is a ridiculous rant. The Golden State has been making great stuff for a long long while now that are rich with bright California fruit, but layered with lively acidity. Without hesitation, how about these two new sister sparklers just on the scene: The sleek and elegant yet richly complex 2016 Sterling Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, and, the up-front lush fruit but crisp and lively 2016 Sparkling Rosé!

That’s right folks! Sterling is introducing their first-ever sparkling wines robed in striking gleaming silver and rose gold bottles. These wines just made their debut this fall, in time to grace our holiday tables and festivities. Take note Coachella enthusiasts: it’s sort of a limited release—so after reading this piece, I’d get over to your local wine purveyor stat to secure your sparkling intentions!

We California wine devotees already know Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley as a landmark that enjoys a rich heritage, including groundbreaking wines, diverse vineyards, a

historical winery with stunning architecture, and much more. Their aerial tram is the only one of its kind in Napa Valley, where visitors ride up to the hilltop winery offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valley.

Recently I had the honor to chat with Sterling’s Director of Winemaking, Harry Hansen, about the story and release of the new bubblies. Harry has a stellar résumé; having attended UC Davis obtaining a BS in Genetics and a Master’s in Enology. After graduating, he went on to sparkling wine production over at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards in Sonoma and then Edna Valley Vineyards in San Luis Obispo.

And how many of us have enjoyed the selection of sparklers from Gloria Ferrer through the years—yeah!

Harry also revived Edna’s Reserve Wine program, making some exciting reserve quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs utilizing cuttingedge vino technology; and I guess that brings us back around to the sparklers: While both sparkling wines are available nationwide at around $35, Sterling is also pleased to present a limited-edition gift set, in a black linen gift box and striking seal.

The gift set will retail for $75, exclusively at sterlingvineyards.com.

Harry speaks of the 2016 Blanc de Blancs, “which is comprised of 100 percent single vineyard Yountville Napa Valley Chardonnay and produces beautifully concentrated Chardonnay with excellent varietal character. This vintage Blanc de Blancs is a glistening pale straw color in the glass with ribbons of fine bubbles. The aromas of green apple, lemon citrus, pear and lemon cream are distinct. The palate is fresh with fruit-forward flavors, floral notes and a soft, creamy texture; a sophisticated and elegant wine with balanced fruit, structure and acidity.”

As your friendly neighborhood wine steward, I see how popular the blanc de blancs sell: Any French blanc de blancs always goes for $60 and up; high-end California blanc such as from Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, Iron Horse, Roederer Estate and the like can hover at over $40, thus showing the value quality of

the Sterling bubblies that sell for said $35 a bottle.

Harry continues, “The 2016 Sparkling Rosé is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, fermented in stainless steel to maintain freshness, with limited skin contact to give it body and depth. Exhibiting an elegant pale salmon pink color in the glass, this wine boasts fresh aromas of strawberry, cherry blossom, rose petal and crisp apple, leading to a lush palate of upfront fruit flavors, balanced by creamy texture and bright acidity. Enduring effervescence lends to a crisp, clean finish.”

Like it or not, I couldn’t hold off uncorking the bubblies, as I had to sample these babies and review the wines for this readership—I know, woe is me. Of course Harry really hit it on the head as to the sparkler’s flavor profiles, but allow me to add one thing: once I poured these wines in the glass, I simply sat back with amazement on the quality of just the aromas

emanating: the autumn citrus orchard fruit nose from the Chardonnay in the blanc de blancs, and, the fragrant cherry blossom and rose petal hits from the Pinot Noir in the rosé causes one to pause and behold the talents of our day’s winemaking artistry and expertise. I could have “nosed” the glass for minutes on end.

The good news for “us” California wine lovers continues: Harry has agreed to take us through some of his other award winning wines—such as the famed 2014 Iridum Cabernet Sauvignon, for another up-coming article. Stay tuned!

A few columns back, I introduced you to some of the wine wise gals that I work with at Total Wine & More in Palm Desert. Ms. Maria, our beloved associate manager who is also an accomplished sommelier, is quick to recommend this season’s deal of the day rosé sparkler: Jacqueline Leonne Brut Rosé which sells for only $14.99!

It’s a non-vintage bubbly produced in New Mexico that looks and tastes très français: Bright steely pink in color with toasty, fruity aromas and flavors of fig-berry tart and lemon scone with a silky, vibrant & green apple finish.

A crisp and quenching rosé sparkler versatile for meals and celebrations. C’mon by to say hi and enjoy a taste—Cheers!

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THUR DECEMBER 28

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 Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Sets by Dxsko, Sxclsv and Addemup 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry, Bob and Riz 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 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 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm LA QUINTA OLDTOWN TAPROOM; LQ; Right On Right On 8-11pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Neil Morrow 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 Adobe Collective and Pat Kearns 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Worden 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Tony Patler Project 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI DECEMBER 29

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Son of a Velvet Rat 7:30pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bebop Night w/ Shelley Yoelin and Friends 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Seven/Six 4 Year Anniversary Party w/ DJ Sets

by Aaron G, Journee, Kvluf and Jakkz 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Southbound and Co. 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; TBA 8pm 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 HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Minor Emergency 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Heavy Revel 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 5-7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 TBA 8pm LA QUINTA BREWING CO.; PD; 760-200-2597 Courtney Chambers 7-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Dude Jones 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Gennine Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys 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 The Buddy Holly Review 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7:30pm 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 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm 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 Crimson Crow 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

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JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Adrian Crush 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 On The Rocks 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, The Paul Chesne & Bill 6:30pm band 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Basic PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke Tendencies DJ Sets 11am poolside, William 7:30pm Reed DJ Set 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm Karaoke 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Richard Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm Shelton: Sinatra and Me 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rich RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6pm Brandon and Special Guests 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm 7pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 HiFi MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Academy 8:30pm Blues 8-11pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 5566 DJ 9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Brothers 8-11pm 6-10pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Tuzzolino 5:30pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron 6-9pm James 6pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin 200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm Music 10pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill 3560 TBA 6pm Baker 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Off DESERT FOX; PD; Angel & Buddy Greco Jr. 9pm Da Cuff 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 7601199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm 5391 DJ 10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jack Ruvio 6pm Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm Music 7pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 TBA 7pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 365-6633 Dana Larson 5-8pm Michael Keeth 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm 8:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; Live Music 7pm INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm 9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm David Macias and Los Gemenis 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Master of the Ceremony Vol.5 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill’s NYE Show 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Dublab Presents: DJ Lady C 11am poolside, NYE Party 6466 Bob Allen 6pm VENUS DE FIDO; PD; 760-834-7070 Michael D’Angelo 6-9pm, Carl Davis Dance Lesson 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 30

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

w/ Wavves, The Love Language and Desert Daze DJs 8pm, NYE Party w/ C. Love DJ Set 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Trish Hatley and Barney McClure 11:30am, NYE Party w/ The Carmens 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 NYE Party w/ Femme A, Amavida and Imdead 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Lisa Lynn & Friends 6-8:30pm, 1980’s Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party w/ Pop Gun Rerun 80’s Tribute Band 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Lori Yeary 6-9pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 6-9pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 BB’s 34 Annual Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 NYE Party w/ DJs The No Miracle and Shurper Fuzz w/ TK going live on 93.7 KCLB at 10pm 9pm 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 continue to page 20

SUN DECEMBER 31

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

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THEPAMPERED PALATE SALVATION AT COUNTER REFORMATION

F

or salvation from the norm in foodie land, Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs will bring you into enlightenment with imaginative small plate food creations, and a sublime wine menu, all in a candlelit, clandestine setting.

There’s always been something ultra-cool about the Parker Palm Springs. The hotel seems to be on the edge of conventionality, trying its best, and succeeding most times, to push the limits.

From its provocative décor, to its decadent dining options such as Mr. Parkers, the hotel and its offerings are not for the prudish or easily offended.

But it is that in your face, whimsical play on vices, that makes the Parker Palm Springs one of the most exclusive and hippest places to stay in the Coachella Valley. And with their restaurants such as Mr. Parkers and Counter Reformation, the place to dine too.

When I first heard of Counter Reformation, which will be celebrating it one year anniversary in January, I was immediately intrigued. Admittedly, my intrigue was fueled by the mention of one of their menu items, a Foie Gras Macaron. I did the whole, “What did say?”, with slightly cocked head thing when I heard it. I mean, who would come up with such a cruel and delicious delight that would taunt those who indulge in it with wanting more?

Well, that would be Parker Palm Springs Executive Chef, Herve Glin, who has been at the helm of Counter Reformation and has been coddling it from conception.

After actually locating the restaurant ( I got lost in the garden), which is not clearly marked on the hotel grounds on purpose as to retain its hush-hush allure, I sat down with Kathleen Brown, who runs the kitchen at Counter Reformation.

She explained to me that renowned Chef Glin created the menu with pinpointed creative flare.

Chef Glin incorporated French cuisine inspired ingredients, while retaining liberal integration of other components. The result is a menu where no two dishes are alike, each shining under their own spotlight.

There is no denying Chef Glins clear European influence to the restaurant, which is discernible upon entering the cave like dwelling. The twenty seat counter dining spot is accented with rich hues of orange and brown, an actual confessional (great for photo opts), and biblical themed pictures on the wall. Not even the introduction of rattan style bar stools can lure away the feeling of being in a kind of monastery speakeasy.

The small plate menu has fourteen selections, and can be shared, or devoured on your own. The small plate aspect encourages guests to embark on a food adventure, omitting the hazard of getting

full too fast with traditional full plate portions. On my visit, Brown presented me with several menu selections to try…and with my mouth slightly salivating with anticipation, I happily accepted.

First was their Sautéed Hen of the Woods Mushrooms with Marcona Almonds & Watercress pesto. This type of mushroom is extremely meaty, and with the added pesto and dusting of Manchego Cheese, the dish could possibly make a vegan out of any fan of meat. I then tried the Seared Sea Scallop, with a Mint-Pea Puree and Lobster Glaze.

The large scallop was perfectly attended to, with the mint-pea puree providing a breezy element, and the lobster glaze a silky sheet of luxury.

The Shucked Oysters were up next, served over ice with a Grapefruit Tarragon Mignonette.

They serve the freshest of seasonal oysters, which that day happened to be Capitol Oysters from Washington. The oysters were super cold and excellent, especially with the mignonette, giving them just a bit of tang from the grapefruit. A serving of their Jamon Iberico would further my experience at Counter Reformation. The imported cured ham from Spain is made from the countries Black Iberian Pigs, which are fed a hearty diet of acorns, giving the ham a nutty flavor. The ham literally dissolved in my mouth….incredible!

Brown completed my eating journey with the menu item that I was most desiring, the one that brought me to the discovery of the restaurant to begin with, the Foie Gras Macaron. The macaron is filled with a Foie Gras mousse and has a sprinkling of Truffle Chimchurri relaxing on the plate around it. Shavonne, who attends to the guests at Counter Reformation and who has impressive wine knowledge, suggested that I try a bit of their Charles de Cazanove Champagne to go along with

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diner’s choice Winner Top 100 Dining HoT SpoTS in the U.s.!

BY DENISE ORTUNO my macaron. Emphasizing that you almost can’t have one without the other. And she was right. My first bite of the macaron...I actually muttered, not so quietly, “Oh my gosh!!” And with a little sip of the champagne, I was in heaven….I had found my foodie salvation.

The wine selection at Counter Reformation is as unique as their food offerings. Every wine is selected to not reflect any other restaurant wine list in the Coachella Valley, they make a point of it.

It is also meant not to price gauge either. Guests can either enjoy a 3 oz. pour ($6), 6 oz. ($11) or a bottle, which is priced fairly down the line at $40 a bottle. As Brown proclaimed, “We are not trying to be chichi…it’s been really fun here, with a lot of positive, great reviews”.

There’s nothing quite like finding something new in the foodie world in the Coachella Valley.

It’s so exciting to walk into a restaurant and be completely transported, not only visually by the surroundings, but by the food as well. Counter Reformation accomplishes all of that, and with the added pleasantness of a staff that clearly love what they do.

I personally found some serious foodie salvation at Counter Reformation. With small plate innovation, amazing wine and candlelight…maybe you will too.

Counter Reformation is located at the Parker Palm Springs, 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-770-5000. www.theparkerpalmsprings.com.

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

SCREENERS

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE NOW SHOWING: DOWNSIZING

Alexander Payne steps out of his comfort zone, instead of a comically infused intimate human drama in the real world with which we are familiar, he gives us a surreal eyecatching sci-fi fable about a future society in which people can miniaturize themselves so they can improve their lives materially.

He film opens with “Norwegian doctor” Rolf Lassgard, a announcing an incredible medical breakthrough that allows humans

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 297

to be miniaturized to mere inches; it’s a big plus in the fight against the world’s dangerous population explosion. The opportunity to get small sweeps the world and many people sign on. And it’s all voluntary, not government enforced. So far so good, but unfortunately, this creates a separate group of humans versus “the rest of us.”

A decade after the announcement, we meet middle aged childless couple Paul (Matt Damon) and Audrey who decides to undergo the procedure hoping to reduce or eliminate the stress in their lives Payne’s movies are mostly character

driven and this one is no different. Perfectly cast Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph, Waltz, Udo Kier and Hong Chau share billing. It’s fun to see the fine cast shrunk down to a height of five inches but find themselves in circumstances in which they must engage with normal sized humans.

The special effects are as convincing as the emotional elements of this very odd, but all-too human drama.

Everything changes when Kristen Wiig, playing Damon’s wife Audrey, goes back on her promise to downsize herself along with her mate Paul so they can move to a new, smaller, “downsized” community that would hopefully remove or at least reduce the stresses in their lives. Her refusal triggers life-altering events rife with unexpected emotions and dangers, setting

the couple on a new path and adventures.

It would be unfair to describe much more of this fun film that’s filled with surprising twists and turns that will not be anticipated.

The plot gets a shot of adrenalin when Paul hooks up with two aging, cigar-smoking European playboys (Christoph Waltz and the Valley’s Udo Kier) show up and we understand that not only Paul’s fate but also that of the world itself hangs in the balance!

Damon and Wiig are great together.

They have a natural chemistry that makes real the unexpected emotional situations their characters must navigate. One can only hope they continue working together.

The clever production design and superb visual effects are a nice fit. Rolfe Kent composed the fanciful score that reinforces and reminds of the film’s fundamental comedic tone. The admittedly crazy premise is as liberating as the twisty storyline.

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE OSIRIS CHILD: Science Fiction Volume One When a dangerous outbreak threatens to destroy everyone living on a newly colonized planet, Lt. Kane Somerville (Dan MacPherson) goes against orders and leaves his station to rescue his young daughter (Teagan Croft). Desperate to get to her before it’s too late, Kane enlists the help of an escaped prisoner (Kellen Lutz) as they battle their way through the chaos of a world on the verge of annihilation. With the odds stacked against them, saving his young daughter may turn out to be humanity’s last chance of survival as well.

The conceit of a group of strangers teaming up and working together for the greater good is a welcome and refreshing element of this often too predictable story.

Director Shane Abbess delivers an acceptable and nice looking genre film considering it’s low budget, Aussi B-movie pedigree. Some cool sci-fi action but the heavy-handed screenplay is a tough hurdle to overcome in this oddly titled chapter of what appears to be the opening salvo of a franchise from Down Under. RLJ Entertainment. Blu-ray. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

PSIFF BOOKS TO SCREEN

T

here is a great deal of anticipation in reading a book and then seeing the adaptation on the big screen.

There is a level of intimacy we have with a book. As a reader, images unfold in our head. An author may create a world, but the reader gets to personally shape and interpret that world.

This inherently becomes problematic for filmmakers when adapting a book into a movie.

Sometimes filmmakers get the adaptation right, and sometimes you wonder if they even read the book.

Books are such a private experience, while watching a movie is a public one. Without a doubt, there are significant challenges turning several hundred pages into a satisfying, ninetyminute movie.

In just the last few years, the Palm Springs International Film Festival added a “Book to Screen” component reaching out to authors, filmmakers and Hollywood industry professionals to share the process of adapting a book for the big screen.

Originally founded by locals Susan Rosser and Barbara Keller, readers and film fans got the best of both worlds as they delighted in several days of conversations and panel discussions about the power of books and the movies they became.

This year the presentation has changed, but it remains an exciting event. There are four “Book to Screen” film events followed by a discussion.

All are held at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs.

“The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside the Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made” by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissel – Nonfiction (Simon & Schuster, 288 pages) The book divulges the true events around the making of an independent film called “The Room,” which cost $6,000,000 to produce. The movie was written, produced, directed and starred a mysterious wealthy social misfit named Tommy Wiseau. The movie made a disastrous debut earning only $1,800 at the box office.

It closed after two weeks, but a decade later, “The Room” became an international cult phenomenon.

Author Greg Sestero, screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber will discuss how they adapted the true story about the genesis of one of the worst films ever into one of the most poignant and hilarious comedies of 2017.

The film is directed by James Franco who also plays the title role. The cast includes Dave Franco and Seth Rogen. January 5, 3:45pm.

“The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly

Obsession in the Amazon” by David Grann – Nonfiction (Vintage Books, 400 pages) In 1925, the legendary British explorer Percy Fawcett ventured into the Amazon jungle in search of the fabled civilization El Dorado. When he came across an artifact he believed proved his theory, he returned time and again throughout his life, until on his last trip, he disappeared and was never seen or heard from again.

This is an epic adventure and beautiful film that recounts the true story of a man who risks everything in hopes of discovering a legendary lost city.

Writer, director James Gray will talk about bringing the book to the screen. The cast includes Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller. January 6, 3:30pm “Last Flag Flying: A Novel” by Darryl Ponicsan - Fiction (Skyhorse Publishing, 228 pages) Darryl Ponicsan’s debut novel “The Last Detail” catapulted him to fame when it was first published. The story of two career sailors assigned to escort a young seaman from Norfolk to the naval prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire -- and of the mayhem that ensues -was made into an award-winning movie starring Jack Nicholson.

Set thirty-four years after the events of The Last Detail, the film brings together the same beloved characters ― Billy Bad-Ass Buddusky, Mule Mulhall, and Meadows ― to reprise the same journey, but under different circumstances. The story reunites the old characters for a whole new adventure.

Writers Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan will talk about this sequel.

The film is directed by David Linklater and stars Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishbourne and Steve Carell. January 9, 12:45pm.

“Call Me by Your Name: Novel” by André Aciman -– Fiction (Picador, 256 pages) A complicated love story set in the Italian countryside in 1983 is centered around the sexual awaking of 17-year-old boy who loses his virginity to his summertime girlfriend, but falls in love with an older man.

The adaptation is written by three-time Academy Award Nominee James Ivory and is directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film stars Armie Hammer, and PSIFF Rising Star Award recipient, Timothée Chalamet. January 12, 3:30pm.

The Books to Screen is one of the beloved PSIFF events. To be able to hear authors and filmmaker discuss the creative process is a great opportunity and loads of fun.

Be sure to check the schedule as it is subject to change. For tickets and more information go to www.psfilmfest.org or call 800-898-PALM.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

RINGING IT IN RIGHT!

N

ew Year’s Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

“However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities.”

Following are a few safety tips that will ensure you’re safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the New Year!

• Designate a Driver: If you are going to be driving New Year’s Eve, don’t drink and drive. If you have a friend who does not prefer to drink, make sure they take the wheel • Be Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting. Stay away from those who are out of control and might cause harm. Taking preventive measures is key. If someone is really intoxicated, prevent them from trying to drive or leaving with someone they do not know • Don’t Drive: If you don’t have to go behind the wheel, avoid it. More people will be driving under the influence on this particular night, so avoid a potentially dangerous accident by staying off the road. Otherwise, be alert and drive defensively. Most importantly, wear your seatbelt! If taking a cab is too expensive,

crashing at a friend’s place nearby is a convenient solution • Stick Together: This way we can look out for our friends and family. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night, so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment is imperative • Monitor your alcohol Intake: A majority of people will be drinking on New Year’s Eve, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to pay attention to how much you and others are consuming. Be responsible • Don’t forget about your pets! They are just as much a part of the family as everyone else • Be careful with open flames: If you’re burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in • Plain and simple, no fireworks!

Everyone wants to have an unforgettable night (in a good way!). By simply using some common sense, we can keep it that way.

Happy New Year!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Closed Gregg 5-9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ LF THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888and Friends 9pm 999-1995 NYE Party w/ Bumptown 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; Tuzzolino 5:30pm 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 10th Anniversary Rock n Roll New Year’s Eve NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Bash 8pm Karaoke 8pm-1:15am PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Black THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm Crystal Wolf Kids 9:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 New Year’s Open Mic 7pm Eve Party w/ Rose Mallett, Mark Kahny and Sharon Sills 5pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy 3560 The Myx 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 NYE Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Party w/ Paul Z, Jae Rawkwell and Luthergates 3560 T.B.A. 6pm 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Closed John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Gennine Francis Closed 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 NYE Bash w/ The Stanley Butler All Stars 7pm

MON JANUARY 1

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

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Live Music 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm

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TUE JANUARY 2

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Strictly Vinyl w/ DJ Richie Rich and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Trio 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED JANUARY 3

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 L’il Friday DJ Sets w/ Kidnap Kate 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Womxn Cruch Wednesdays w/ Porsia Camille, Giselle Woo, Femme A and La Jefa 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:308pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-

1199 Karaoke 7:30pm FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live Music 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm 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 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Cinch 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barbara Morrison Piano 4:30-6pm, Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Dude Jones 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HADDON LIBBY

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

N

ew Year’s resolutions - nearly half of us make them yet only one in ten keep them. The most common resolutions relate to improving one’s health, wealth and happiness.

One resolution that most of us could benefit from but few consider involves improving our finances. Poor finances consistently show up as one of the primary causes of stress, relationship issues and substance abuse. In fact, last month the American Psychological Association released a report called Stress in America that confirmed that money is a primary cause of stress for most people. Financial worries cause 36% of people to feel anxious while 35% behave with anger and 34% feel tired or fatigued as a result of financial matters.

Unless your finances are so good that money is not a factor in your life, think about starting 2018 with some financial planning.

If you want to avoid feeling overwhelmed by this exercise, break your financial goals down into smaller pieces.

Start by focusing only on 2018. While thinking about your finances, consider where are you now and where would you like to be this time next year. If your job

pays you less than you believe that you should earn, answer this question: ‘Is there another job that you would like to do that you are qualified for?’ If your answer is yes, formulate a plan that gets you into that new job. If your answer is no, think about what you most enjoy doing that pays more than your current situation. From there, you can develop a plan that will help you get into that occupation. This might require more education or a job change that might not pay more now but has great prospects for the future. Think about this as your shortterm plan. Write it down and check your progress from time to time.

Once you have set a plan of action for 2018, think about your needs and goals for the next three to five years. Do you want to buy a house, a new car, child’s braces, higher education or simply get your debts cleared up? Think about the path toward achieving these things and write it down.

This is your medium-term plan.

With short and medium term needs and goals outlined, work on your path to retirement. Let’s face it, social security is barely adequate for today’s retirees and benefits are not likely to get better given the ever increasing deficits incurred by the

federal government. As such, you need to begin planning early unless you can count on a large inheritance.

How much should you save?

The average income per household in Riverside County is approximately $5,000 per month, a 40% increase from thirty years ago. If this trend continues through 2050, a household will need to earn $7,000 per month to maintain the $5,000 a month lifestyle that they have today. This means that you will need to save more than $1 million to maintain a $60,000 a year lifestyle.

If you have 30 years until retirement, you will need to save $1,000 a month and get an annual return of 7% to maintain that $60,000 a year lifestyle. If you have twenty years left to work, you will need to save $2,400 a month. If you wait until you have only 10 years left to work, good luck as you will have to put away $7,000 a month.

As financial planning is something most people struggle with, find yourself a financial advisor who is also a fiduciary and discloses every penny that they or their firm make. Remember that advisors who are also brokers often embed extra fees in ways that are hard if not impossible to identify. Stay away from any person or firm who will not put every penny that they charge in writing in font sizes that do not need a magnifying glass.

Haddon Libby is a Managing Director, fiduciary and founder of Winslow Drake Investment Management ad can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@WinslowDrake. com. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

HOW AN ACCIDENT CASE WORKS?

I

f you or a friend were in an auto accident between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you need to know that Auto accident litigation is confusing for lawyers.

For non-lawyers... it is a nightmare. Most lawyers, unlike our office, fail to educate their clients about what to expect.

There are 4 phases to Accident Lawsuits: Initially a lawyer attempts to settle the matter but may have to file a lawsuit.

This is the Pleadings phase where the victim explains in the complaint what the defendant did and how much they are demanding. The defendant often files an Answer or Demurrer claiming there is not enough evidence to proceed.

The Discovery phase is next and is the most time intensive. This is where both sides share evidence. It could involve written questions called Interrogatories or Depositions in front of a reporter.

Discovery discloses facts, hopefully resulting in a settlement, dismissal or trial in front of an Arbitrator or Judge. At trial, the plaintiff’s lawyer presents facts, allowing the trier of fact (Jury, Judge or Arbitrator) to evaluate and rule for them. If the lawyer for the plaintiff can’t convince the judge or arbitrator that his/her client is entitled to money then the case could be dismissed.

Most cases are settled because trials on a soft tissue case are so costly. Each side

presents experts which are often doctors, who often bill $1000 per hour to prepare a med report, driving to court and waiting to testify.

Unfortunately law is not an exact science and an expert can be scheduled to appear in court at 8 am and the court may be tied up from the day before and thus everyone waits. Sometimes this goes into the afternoon and sometimes the matter is put over to the next day or several days later.

The Post Trial Stage comes after the trial. If there is no insurance or not enough insurance the lawyer must try to collect the judgement. The judge’s ruling is just his/her decision and not an order. Now the lawyer has to try to find assets.

An investigator is hired to find assets so that the lawyer can levy on the assets of the other party. This judgement can be renewed every 10 years if they cannot find assets initially. Unfortunately if the defendant files for bankruptcy that will wipe out the judgement and the plaintiff does not collect anything nor does the lawyer for all his work........and all the money spent on the case.

If the defendant disagrees with the verdict he can hire an appellate lawyer to file an Appeal. An appellate lawyer is different from the initial lawyer and often forces both sides to hire appellate lawyers

on an hourly basis.

It is often said if you have to try a soft tissue case you have lost... because of the tremendous costs involved. In addition lawyers know that the best case can be lost and the worst case can be won. It is not just the lawyer but the luck of the draw with the jurors who may dislike one side or the other.

I once won a case that should have been lost. I asked the jurors outside what convinced them that my client deserved to win. I got answers like “The other lawyer’s nails were dirty; his belt was old and worn; his shoes were scuffed etc.” In other words nothing to do with the case............so a trial is always a potential crap shoot.

Suggestions for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER.........THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT OR ARRESTED AND CALLING ME. LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER” DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 2011-2018 (PI) “TOP LAWYER” Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

21

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

SPORTS SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY FLINT WHEELER

LONZO NOT BAD - BUT NOT THE BEST ROOKIE, YET..

T

he pressure on Lonzo Ball ahead of his first season with the Lakers is huge, and the 19-year-old only has his father to thank for that.

Long before his son was drafted by L.A., LaVar Ball was in the habit of creating hype around Lonzo. He has claimed his son is better than Steph Curry of the Warriors, while picking arguments with NBA standouts past and present, like Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James.

The very public comments didn’t escape the attention of the other Lakers. In fact, they began to build an image and create expectations, veteran Andrew Bogut says, of what Ball would be like. They turned out to be false.

All the hype with what his dad has done with the brand means people want to knock him down. That reflects on Lonzo as well, but he is the complete opposite to what I thought.

Lonzo is softly spoken, has a good sense of humor and doesn’t say a lot. Nobody has had any issues with him.

People’s true colors come out as the season goes on, but I don’t think he is like anything that has been reported.

But none of that will stop LaVar Ball from doing interviews, or promoting Lonzo and his two other sons, or picking fights.

“The next thing for Lonzo is to become the

best player in the world. He ain’t got nothing but time,” LaVar said.

“Then my other two boys are going to chase him and be better than him. I hope all my boys end up on the Lakers. I guarantee they will win a lot of championships.”

He continued: “They are bold words, but they are my bold words. I have my own opinion on things. I don’t need anybody to tell me what to think. I know what I put in with my boys, that’s why I said he was better than him.

Whatever I think, I genuinely think.”

The Boston Celtics were almost certainly never going to draft Lonzo Ball.

There were a variety of reasons for this.

Pre-draft, Ball seemed very focused on ending up with the Los Angeles Lakers and reportedly declined to work out for the Celtics. Danny Ainge also reportedly coveted Jayson Tatum

CANNABIS CORNER

above all other prospects from the start, and then-Celtics-star Isaiah Thomas seemed to be pushing for Markelle Fultz in the point-guard class.

But Ball also didn’t make a lot of sense for the Celtics from a personnel perspective. The Celtics prefer lengthy wings who can develop into talented two-way players, especially with so many good point guards available in today’s NBA. That logic turned out to be good -- Boston drafted Tatum, Kyrie Irving requested a trade, the Celtics ponied up big value, and both rookie and star point guard are now thriving.

The Lakers took Lonzo -- and all the Lavar Ball drama that comes with him -- as well as forward Kyle Kuzma with the 27th pick.

Pitting their touted rookie classes against one another. The game is a chance for fans of both

rival franchises to bicker loudly on Twitter about who came out ahead in the 2017 NBA Draft, so here are a few thoughts one day before.

Tatum is starting for the Celtics and has contributed to winning basketball, while Kuzma and Ball have had the ultimate green light both as shooters and (in Ball’s case) as the primary show-runner. The players are different and the roles are different, so once again: Take all stats with an entire salt shaker.

That said ... Jayson Tatum has fit the Celtics perfectly, while Lonzo Ball has struggled.

If you’ve been paying any attention whatsoever to the Celtics, you are aware Tatum has been good.

How good? Try 52.9 percent from 3-point range, and 54.8 percent during non-garbagetime minutes, a total which places him in the 96th percentile among NBA wings. He’s been reliable from other distances as well -- he’s making 43 percent off his long two-pointers, which places him in the 70th percentile among wings. Long twos aren’t a staple of the Celtics offense, but they add depth to Tatum’s game.

He hasn’t been particularly good around the rim, finishing just 52 percent of his shots (19th percentile among wings), but he has shown potential utilizing his length and touch.

BY PATTE PURCELL

THE DESERT’S FIRST RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY, PSA ORGANICA

C

ongratulations go out to Julie Montante, owner of PSA Organica, who snagged the first recreational marijuana license in the desert. They will officially open on January 1 from 6 am to 10 pm. I asked her what she thought about the recreational licensing and she told me “that more sick people will get their medicine without the stigma.”

This is the next step in a journey for her that started when her mother got cancer and she looked for an alternative treatment.

She’s been in the cannabis industry for 7 years.

I asked her how it would change what

22

Julie is also involved in bringing new cannabis products to the market. Her latest product is called Ruby Sugar, which is a THC or CBD enhanced product that can be used in cooking or baking or simply poured into coffee or tea. They have 20 milligrams in each packet. An easy way to get your Cannabinoids! She’s also in development on other products.

She has also applied for a license for Palm Desert who is going to issue 6 dispensary licenses. She is looking forward to serving more people with their health needs at her second location. We will keep you updated on progress for the new licenses.

happens now. She told me that both recreational and medical marijuana will be able to be purchased from the same place.

You will still have to register when you get in, but the taxes on the recreational will be substantially higher.

We discussed how the changing laws will affect the small businesses that have started and innovated the industry. She explained that she will have an umbrella company that will help out the small manufacturers and growers. She’s looking to help the small businesses who can’t afford all of the licensing, testing, and fees that the new tax scheme requires.

Montante has also received permission from Palm Springs to hold ‘The Cannabis Cup’ in 2018. She envisions a Coachella size event. Ginny Foat the former city council woman for Palm Springs is heading it up.

She was the one that brought medical marijuana to Palm Springs and has gotten great support from the businesses in Palm Springs. She says that are very accommodating.

Stay tuned to see what this dynamic business lady is doing. She admits to being an aggressive competitor in the industry.

She loves to stock the latest in products and has a full line of cooking products including ‘terpenes’ which are poised to bring some new highs to cooking with cannabis.

Congratulations to this enterprising entrepreneur! PSA Organica is located at 400 E Sunny Dunes Rd, Palm Springs, has a very friendly and knowledgeable staff (my favorite is Blake). Phone 760-778-1053.

Patte Purcell holds cannabis/jazz upscale events. The next one is “A 420 Jazz Soiree” on Monday Jan. 22, from 4:20 to 7:30 with 3 national jazz and blues acts and a jazz jam.

Text your name and email to 1-702-2196777 to get on the invite list.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 28

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I need more smart allies, compassionate supporters, ethical role models, and loyal friends, and I need them right now!” writes Joanna K., an Aries reader from Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the other hand, there’s Jacques T., an Aries reader from Montreal.

“To my amazement, I actually have much of the support and assistance I need,” he declares. “What I seem to need more of are constructive critics, fairminded competitors with integrity, colleagues and loved ones who don’t assume that every little thing I do is perfect, and adversaries who galvanize me to get better.” I’m happy to announce, dear Aries, that in 2018 you will benefit more than usual from the influences that both Joanna and Jacques seek.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Scots language spoken in Lowland Scotland, a watergaw is a fragmented rainbow that appears between clouds.

A skafer is a faint rainbow that arises behind a mist, presaging the imminent dissipation of the mist. A silk napkin is a splintered rainbow that heralds the arrival of brisk wind and rain. In accordance with the astrological omens, I propose we use these mysterious phenomena as symbols of power for you in 2018. The good fortune that comes your way will sometimes be partially veiled and seemingly incomplete. Don’t compare it to some “perfect” ideal. It’ll be more interesting and inspiring than any perfect ideal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 2018, halfburied residues from the past will be resurfacing as influences in your life. Old dreams that you abandoned prematurely are ripe to be re-evaluated in light of what has happened since you last took them seriously. Are these good or bad developments? It will probably depend on your ability to be charitable and expansive as you deal with them. One thing is certain: To move forward into the future, you will have to update your relationships with these residues and dreams.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Poet Diane Ackerman tells us that human tongues, lips, and genitals possess neural receptors that are ultra-responsive.

Anatomists have given unsexy names to these blissgenerating parts of our bodies: Krause end bulbs, also known as bulboid corpuscles. (Couldn’t they have called them “glimmering rapture hubs” or “magic buttons”?) In any case, these sweet spots enable us to experience surpassing pleasure. According to my understanding of the astrological omens for 2018, Cancerian, your personal complement of bulboid corpuscles will be even more sensitive than usual.

Here’s further good news: Your soul will also have a heightened capacity to receive and register delight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Mise en place is a French term whose literal translation is “putting in place.”

When used by professional chefs in a restaurant kitchen, it refers to the task of gathering and organizing all the ingredients and tools before beginning to cook. I think this is an excellent metaphor for you to emphasize throughout 2018. In every area of your life, thorough preparation will be the key to your success and fulfillment. Make sure you have everything you need before launching any new enterprise or creative effort.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Experimental composer Harry Partch played one-of-a-kind musical instruments that he made from objects like car hubcaps, gourds, aluminum ketchup bottles, and nose cones from airplanes. Collage artist Jason Mecier fashions portraits of celebrities using materials like noodles, pills, licorice candy, bacon, and lipstick tubes. Given the astrological configurations for 2018, you could flourish by adopting a similar strategy in your own chosen field.

Your most interesting successes could come from using things as they’re not “supposed” to be used.

You could further your goals by mixing and matching resources in unique ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I wish I could make it nice and easy for you. I wish I could proclaim that the forces of darkness are lined up against the forces of light. I’d like to be able to advise you that the opening

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

months of 2018 will bring you a showdown between wrong and right, between ugliness and beauty. But it just ain’t that simple. It’s more like the forces of plaid will be arrayed against the forces of paisley.

The showdown will feature two equally flawed and equally appealing sources of intrigue. And so you may inquire, Libra, what is the most honorable role you can play in these matters? Should you lend your support to one side or the other? I advise you to create a third side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2018, your tribe will be extra skilled at opening things that have been shut or sealed for a long time: heavy doors, treasure boxes, rich possibilities, buried secrets, shy eyes, mum mouths, guarded hearts, and insular minds.

You’ll have a knack for initiating new markets and clearing blocked passageways and staging grand openings. You’ll be more inclined to speak candidly and freely than any other generation of Scorpios in a long time. Getting stuck things unstuck will come naturally. Making yourself available for bighearted fun and games will be your specialty. Given these wonders, maybe you should adopt a new nickname, like Apertura (the Italian word for “opening”), Ouverture (the French word for “opening”), Šiši (Yoruban), Otevírací (Czech), Öffnung (German), or Kufungua (Swahili).

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict that the coming months won’t bring you the kinds of opportunities you were imagining and expecting, but will bring you opportunities you haven’t imagined and didn’t expect. Will you be alert and receptive to these sly divergences from your master plan?

If so, by September of 2018 you will have become as smart a gambler as maybe you have ever been.

You will be more flexible and adaptable, too, which means you’ll be better able to get what you want without breaking stuff and wreaking whirlwinds.

Congratulations in advance, my daring darling. May your experiments be both visionary and practical.

May your fiery intentions be both steady and fluidic.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hungarian psychiatrist Thomas Szasz dismissed the idea that a person should be on a quest to “find himself” or “find herself.” “The self is not something that one finds,” he said. Rather, “it is something one creates.”

I think that’s great advice for you in 2018, Capricorn.

There’ll be little value in wandering around in search of fantastic clues about who you were born to be.

Instead you should simply be gung-ho as you shape and craft yourself into the person you want to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there anything about your attitude or your approach that is a bit immature or unripe? Have you in some way remained an amateur or apprentice when you should or could have become fully professional by now? Are you still a dabbler in a field where you could be a connoisseur or master? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, the coming months will be an excellent time to grow up, climb higher, and try harder. I invite you to regard 2018 as the Year of Kicking Your Own Ass. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2018, one of your themes will be “secret freedom.” What does that mean? The muse who whispered this clue in my ear did not elaborate further. But based on the astrological aspects, here are several possible interpretations. 1. You may have to dig deep and be strategic to access resources that have the power to emancipate you. 2. You may be able to discover a rewarding escape and provocative deliverance that have been hidden from you up until now. 3.

You shouldn’t brag about the liberations you intend to accomplish until you have accomplished them.

4. The exact nature of the freedom that will be valuable to you might be useless or irrelevant or incomprehensible to other people.

Homework: Name ten items you would put in a time capsule to be dug up by your descendants in 500 years. Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

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

December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

IT’S A WRAP… BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!

I

t’s absolutely true… the years go by faster as we mature (age). For myself, the precise and friendly reminder are my two daughters. Watching both of them grow and mature brings back memories of being a tween and teenager. Aside from the blessing of raising two girls, I began reflecting upon 2017 and how much has developed.

I’d love to encourage you to take some time to meditate on your 2017. Each of us have had highs and lows but rather than dusting any sadness or big accomplishments under the rug… now may be a very good time to reflect, reminisce, be thankful, and pray about your beautiful 2017.

Reflection requires time and effort.

You can also look at reflection as a way of meditation. It may be helpful to makes notes. Perhaps separating your list into sections (more may be created as you build your list) of the events which occurred in your life. It’s a process that requires patience and digging deep. The patience is that of

taking the time. It can also be a place of vulnerability. Naturally, all of us experienced something unfortunate. It could also be that of loss. No matter what may have saddened or disappointed you, it’s still healthy for your spirit to reflect.

Once you’ve made your list and checked it twice its time to get to work for 2018.

• What would you like to accomplish in 2018?

• What personal goals do you have?

• What professional goals do you have?

• What can you do differently than you did last year?

• How can you better improve yourself?

• How can you better serve another person?

Be mindful to remain patient in 2018. All occurs in its perfect timing. Remain diligent, focused, and dismiss any negativity.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga and www.bronwynison.com 760-564-YOGA

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December 28, 2017 to January 3, 2018

ASK THE DOCTOR

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BY DR PETER KADILE

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

TIS’ THE SEASON TO BE HEALTHY

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very year, my patients use the holiday season as an excuse or “free pass” not to watch their diet so they can enjoy cookies, candy and sweets that are a mainstay of December. When January comes, it’s not unusual for people to want to “get back in shape” because they overdid it during the holidays. Here is some dietary information about a few holiday treats that aren’t very helpful for your waistline.

alcohol such as bourbon. One cup of eggnog can have up to 343 calories and 21 grams of sugar. The store bought eggnog in a carton will usually contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Hot Toddy

Fruit Cake This holiday classic may contain a lot of fruit, but it also has plenty of sugar, butter, corn syrup and sometimes alcohol such as rum. A slice of fruitcake may contain up to 410 calories and 13 grams of fat.

Yule Log The Yule log associated with dessert is mainly composed of chocolate, heavy cream, butter and sponge cake. Some recipes may also include pecans and coconut. A grocery bought cake mix may contain up to 420 calories and 47 grams of sugar!

Eggnog Traditional eggnog recipes consist of milk, sugar, raw eggs, and spices, usually nutmeg.

Cream or gelatin may be added along with

This party favorite is a mixed drink made of liquor and water with sugar and spices, served hot. The liquor can be bourbon, brandy, rum or whiskey.

Depending on the type of alcohol used and spices, an eight ounce serving may be 150180 calories.

Gingerbread Cookies The gingerbread man always makes an appearance at Christmas parties. The amount of calories in a cookie is dependent on its size, but the gingerbread cookie is very calorie dense with about 114 calories per ounce. The gingerbread man may contain up to 22 grams of sugar!

I certainly don’t want to put a damper on your holiday season by discussing the nutritional value of some Christmas treats.

Just remember, everything in moderation.

A little bit of dietary discipline this month may mean less weight that needs to come off in January. Enjoy! I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

REACTION CONTROL

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bout one day too late I read an inspiring story about a driver. The account was told by a fellow coach who hired this driver for three days while on a Canadian business trip. Our hero, the driver, a big guy named Ryan, while chatting with the coach explained that people honk at him all the time. Rather than responding in a negative fashion, he does something quite unusual. Trying his best to catch up with them at the next stoplight he gets out of his car and lightly, with a kind smile on his face, taps on the horn blower’s window. When they consent to rolling the window down he gently reaches in and surprises them…with a hug!

When I finished reading the account of this gentle giant, I had what I call a “V-8 moment” which I’ll get to in a minute. (I’ m reminded of that old commercial where an individual slaps his forehead declaring he could have had a V-8 instead of whatever he was drinking).

The other day, a man seriously out of line, sat a light behind me rudely beeping his horn encouraging me to make a left turn when I did not have proper visibility. Getting frustrated I had a “blonde moment,” made the turn, and almost got nailed by, you guessed it, a car I

could not see coming. When I pulled into the driveway to our development, my rude horn-blower followed at what he considered a distance safe from my retaliation.

Throwing my car in park I stormed back to his vehicle and initiated a bit of a shouting match. I was angry with him, but truth be told, it was my own fault for letting this impatient driver get a rise out of me. I know better than to make that turn when a car on the other side of the light is blocking visibility to oncoming traffic.

My V-8 moment occurred when I wondered what might have happened if I “pulled a Ryan,” and reached into his car to hug him. Certainly would have been a bit of a shock to both the impatient man and his wife who sat next to him wagging her finger at me.

Displaying my temper is very rare.

Reacting in a bit of road rage is inexcusable.

Ryan’s story reminded me we get to choose how to react to a situation. Next time an impatient driver honks, I may not get out an offer up a hug, but I vow to at least flash a smile. Wishing you a year filled with more smiles than honks.

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

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