Coachella Valley Weekly - March 27 to April 2, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 1

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 27 to April 2, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 1

EAR 2 Y ANNIVERSARY ND

EDITION

JM Couture

pg 3

Dave Lombardo

pg 11

Steak

pg 13

Kobe

pg 20

Acqua Pazza

pg 21

Desert Spirit Gala

pg 30

March 27 to April 2, 2014

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Fashion Week Roundup

Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 27 to April 2, 2014

By tracy dietlin All photos by laura hunt little

JM Couture presents “Life is a Runway” at 2014 Fashion Week on El Paseo

760.501.6228

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

Contents

Fashion Week - JM Couture............. 3 CV Weekly Anniversary.................5 Events- Boxing...............................7 Sports Scene ..................................8 Sports.............................................9 SOL in Palm Springs....................10 Goldenvoice Tickets for the CV...10 LMS- Dave Lombardo of Philm....11 LMS- Desert Opera........................12 DR- Whiskey & Knives..................12 DR- Steak.......................................13 Consider This - 68.........................14 Art- Elaine Matthews...................15 Pet Place.......................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pampered Palate- Kobe................20 Pampered Palate- Acqua Pazza.....21 Screeners......................................22 Book Review ................................23 Community- El Paseo 1st Friday..26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 Dale Gribow.................................27 Safety Tips....................................28 ShareKitchen................................28 Gaemer Girl..................................28 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV.........29 Desert Spirit Awards....................30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Ask The Doctor.............................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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esigner Jim Mullin of JM Couture showcased his amazing designs last week during Fashion Week on El Paseo, where later this Spring he will open his flagship boutique. Mullin, originally from Chicago, partnered with the Saxony Group and decided to open his store here in the desert and start in a smaller market versus LA, NY or San Francisco.

After his show I asked him a few questions.

CVW: So how does this line relate with the desert woman and the store you’re opening on El Paseo?

JM: I’m all about fabric and the way

it hugs the body. I love silk. I love satin, sequins, stones, and in this collection there’s a lot of lace. I really have a passion for lace and I like to layer fabrics with it.

CVW: I noticed you had one piece that had fur and another with bright bold colors that were a bit different from the others.

JM: Well I want to stand out. I’m new here to the Coachella Valley and I want to be different from all the other stores on El Paseo. And I want people to come in and hang out with me. We’re building a beautiful store on El Paseo and I want everyone to be able to feel what it is like to be on the runway when they come in to the store.

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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CV WEEKLY CELEBRATES 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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s the proud Owner/Publisher/ Editor of CV Weekly I would like to say a big Thank You to many people who have made the last 2 years possible. First, I would like to tell my CV Weekly team how much I appreciate each and every one of them for all their hard work and contribution. This is truly a team effort and I have the best. I won’t list them all here as their names are all on page 3 every week.

Second, I would like to thank our advertisers, many who have been with us since the very beginning and took a chance on a new publication. We will continue to work hard to ensure that advertising with CV Weekly brings you the best results.

Next, I would like to thank our readers.

Some of you have been with us from the beginning and others have just recently discovered us. We will do our best to provide you with a publication filled with a full spectrum of feature articles and columns.

Finally, I would like to thank my family and close friends who tolerate me constantly eating, sleeping and breathing CV Weekly. It is the only way we could have made the 2 Year mark.

We have many exciting things up our sleeve for the future. We will be incorporating a few new columns throughout the summer.

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We also have many CV Weekly events that we will be sponsoring and producing including the CV Music Awards, which will be held on Sunday, May 18 at Riviera in Palm Springs and CV Weekly’s Best of Luncheon Awards to also be held in May (date to be announced).

Last year these two events were combined with our 1 Year Anniversary party but, this year we are having three separate events.

The voting for these two events will begin this Thursday on our website www. coachellavalleyweekly.com and will end on Thursday, April 24. Readers will be able to go to the website and vote for their favorites in many categories such as music, restaurants, businesses and charities. There are 5 nominees in each category and they were chosen by a group of approximately 150 people in the CV from all types of businesses so we could get a well-rounded selection of nominees.

You will only be able to vote ONE time from each computer to ensure that the results are as fair as possible to all that are nominated.

The CV Music Awards will have many bands and artists that are nominated performing one song each and awards being given out in between. A fabulous after party

March 27 to April 2, 2014

By tracy dietlin

will follow. More info will be announced in the coming weeks. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

Another event you don’t want to miss is CV Weekly’s 2 Year Anniversary Party combined with Schmidy’s 1 Year Anniversary to be held this Saturday, March

29 from 2pm until 1am. There will be bands and acoustic artists playing throughout the day and night along with fantastic food and drink specials. This is a FREE event so we invite you to come celebrate with us. Details are on the flyer on page 35.

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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“NIGHT OF THE HEAVYWEIGHTS”

March 27 to April 2, 2014

events

FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER MONTE “TWO GUNZ” BARRETT STEPS UP TO FACE UNBEATEN LUIS ORTIZ IN MAIN EVENT ON THURSDAY, APRIL 3. PLUS! FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER GERRY COONEY TO MEET FANS ON FIGHT NIGHT

California Woman 411 with your host Dee Jae Cox

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he April 3 FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes tripleheader is now complete, as former world heavyweight title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett returns to the ring to face unbeaten Cuban contender Luis Ortiz in the main event of the highly anticipated “Night of the Heavyweights” Golden Boy Live! event at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In previously announced televised heavyweight bouts, Vallejo, California’s Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington risks his perfect professional record in the 10-round co-main event against Houston’ Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott and 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale goes for 10 straight wins when he takes on veteran standout Nagy Aguilera.

Plus, unbeaten rising star Diego “The Golden Kid” De La Hoya will appear in a four-round junior featherweight bout, and local favorites Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara, Neeco Macias and Michael Hunter will also be seeing action on this stacked card.

Fight fans in attendance at Fantasy Springs are in for a special treat as former heavyweight contender Gerry “Gentleman” Cooney will be on hand as a special VIP guest to meet and greet those at the event.

One of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history, Cooney is best remembered for his knockout wins over Ken Norton, Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young, as well as his epic 1982 challenge for Larry Holmes’ title.

Currently ranked number two in the world by the WBA, 34-year-old southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (20-0, 17

KOs) graduated from the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program with nearly 350 wins and numerous titles. When he turned professional in his adopted home state of Florida in 2010, he set his sights on gold of a different sort; a heavyweight world championship. Thus far, Ortiz has been unstoppable with five of his last six wins coming by knockout, making it clear that he will take out anyone in the way of his pursuit of a title.

Equipped with top-level heavyweight experience few can match on the current landscape, Queens, New York’s Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (35-10-2, 20 KOs) has been in the ring with the best of the best over the course of his career, including

Wladimir Klitschko, Tim Witherspoon, Hasim Rahman, David Haye and David Tua. Eager to get back in the heavyweight race, Barrett has specialized in spoiling the rise of the highly-touted, handing Dominick Guinn, Owen Beck, Eric Kirkland and Tye Fields crushing losses. He hopes to add Ortiz to that list on April 3.

“Night Of The Heavyweights” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @breazealeboxing, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @ GoldenBoyBoxing and @Swanson_Comm.

For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.

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

KPTR 1450 AM Palm Springs, CA California

CA-WMN-411 www.CaliforniaWoman411.com

Produced by The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project:

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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sports scene

by Julie Buehler

by Flint Wheeler

No surprise that there are lots of surprises so far for March Madness..

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through New York Life and NY Life Securities.

PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” and “The Odds on Favorite Podcast” on Team 1010 KXPS. Contact at 760-409-4612 www.flintwheeler.com

A Whole Latta Effort Required To Be An NFL Player

n sports, stories usually start in a similar fashion: someone tells our protagonist he or she can’t accomplish their goal. Yet, in spite of those uneducated doubts, our fearless protagonist defies the naysayers, spends the extra time in the gym, often wringing out hours of hard work after working full days and leaving alone, dripping in sweat and a dream.

But it’s a sports story because we all know the ultimate glory awaits on the other end of those long hours in the gym and a longer process of patient pursuit.

And then there’s life.

In life, we hear of the guys who almost made it, but the “buts” started flowing and their reality melted into memories that are relived over Guinness and nostalgia.

And then there’s Latta….Greg that is. He’s living the dream drenched in sweat and his story is just beginning, so we’ll tell it now.

Greg Latta was a stand-out basketball player at Palm Desert High School, lettering all four years and earning all-league honors both his sophomore and junior years. He was 6’6” which made him tall on the Aztecs’ squad, but not tall enough to play at the next level.

So, Latta ended up at College of the Desert as a football player. That’s not a typo.

He had never played organized football at any level before he reached the gridiron as a Roadrunner.

But thanks to the success of NFL players like Tony Gonzalez, Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates and now Jimmy Graham and Julius Thomas, the concept of a basketball player wreaking havoc on a football field didn’t seem like a long shot.

Plus, Latta had shaped his 6’6” frame into 265 pounds of muscle thanks to the help of long-time strength and conditioning coach Mike Butler at Kinetix Health and Performance in Palm Desert.

Training him as a high school basketball player, Butler taught Latta explosiveness, lateral quickness and improved his strength to get a jump on the first step. Butler also credits Latta’s insatiable desire to learn

sports

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more, apply what he was taught and be dutifully disciplined in diet, sleep and training. All difficult tasks for a high school kid who knew what dream they were pursuing. Latta hadn’t yet discovered the path his dream would take.

At COD, head football coach Dean Dowty, seeing Latta’s lateral mobility and quickness honed in basketball, tried him out as a tight end his freshman year of college, then Latta moved to the defensive side of the ball his sophomore year where he had nine tackles in seven games his second year.

For Latta, those nine tackles were just the beginning of a journey on the defensive side of football that offered him a scholarship to Purdue University, where he lettered, and now the latest, a workout with the Oakland Raiders.

This past Monday, Latta, without an agent, corralled the attention of the Oakland Raiders, who sent their scouts to Purdue specifically to watch Latta run through field drills, strength drills and test the football acumen he’s been building for four years.

Latta said he’ll be working out for other teams as well and is grateful for an opportunity to showcase that sweat pouring off his brow some 4 years earlier could turn into the reality of living the dream many never realize.

There’s a whole Latta more to his story (sorry, I had to) and Greg knows there’s even more hard work on the other end, to make sure he’s not just telling stories, but living them.

For now, this sports story begins in a very different way, with the goal becoming clear only after the sweat was poured out, and a Palm Desert High School basketball star becoming an NFL prospect because of that.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station.

She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners.

Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010.com or watch the show on Ustream.

• • • • • • •

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fter the early rounds of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, you’re probably wishing you could redo your bracket. But then again, where’s the fun in making all the picks correctly?

Upsets and surprises are what make March Madness so fun.

There’s been plenty of craziness so far in this year’s tournament. And the bracket busting started early.

After the First Four games decided the final four spots in the bracket early last week, the mayhem began on Thursday.

No.11 seed Dayton started things off with a nail-biting 60-59 win over in-state rival Ohio State, a No.6 seed. Dayton’s Vee Sanford made what turned out to be the gamewinning shot after the Buckeyes’ senior leader Aaron Craft’s runner just missed at the buzzer.

That set the tone for one of the biggest upsets of the tournament: One day after Dayton’s thrilling victory, 14 seed Mercer shocked the nation by beating the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils, a 3 seed, 78-71. Mercer (which is located in Georgia, in case you were wondering), was only in its first NCAA tournament since 1985, but managed to defeat a Duke team that is expected to compete for the national championship every year.

Just two days later, we saw a No.1 seed get eliminated, which is always a big moment. Wichita State, which entered its game against Kentucky with a perfect record, couldn’t get past the Wildcats. The 78-76 loss brought an early end to a great season for the Shockers. WSU didn’t have any superstars, but played great team basketball and became the first squad to go 35-0 in one season. Heated in-state rivals Kentucky and Louisville – the defending national champion - will now meet in the

Sweet 16.

Its games like these that keep the madness going. Little guys like Dayton – which plays Stanford in the Sweet 16 on Thursday after beating No.3 seed Syracuse - and Mercer – which lost to Tennessee on Sunday – have had great runs. But star players have not been so fortunate. Duke’s Jabari Parker, one of the nation’s top freshman, couldn’t lead the Blue Devils to a tournament win. Kansas phenom Andrew Wiggins also had an early exit, after his No.2 seed Jayhawks lost to No.10 Stanford in the third round on Sunday. Parker and Wiggins will both be top 5 picks if they declare for the NBA Draft. If their college careers are indeed over, Duke and Kansas fans will be disappointed that they couldn’t see the two lead their teams further in the tournament.

Creighton senior Doug McDermott, considered the best player in the game, played his final collegiate game on Sunday.

The No.3 seed Bluejays were no match for the No.6 Baylor Bears, who won 8555. McDermott scored 15 points in his last game, well below his average of 26.7 points per game this year. Though it was a tough way to end his college career, his hug with his dad, Greg, who is also the team’s coach, near the end of the game was one of the most emotional moments of the tournament.

The three remaining No.1 seeds – Florida, Virginia, and Arizona – will try to avoid being the next team to be upset. Two No.2 seeds – Kansas and Villanova – have already been eliminated. Meanwhile, lowerseeded schools like Dayton and Stanford will look to continue to surprise.

You may not have predicted the tournament would look like it does now, but it’s certainly been another exciting addition of March Madness. The only thing we know for sure is that there’s plenty of great basketball left to be played!

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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SÔL PALM SPRINGS SET IN PRISTINE LOCATION CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS

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et within walking distance from Downtown across from the Convention Center, Sôl Palm Springs has become the newest sought-after modern community in the Coachella Valley. As Palm Springs continues to thrive with popular restaurants, shopping and attractions, Sôl’s resort-style accommodations gives new homeowners a serene sanctuary while having easy access to a vibrant lifestyle just outside the community gates.

Palm Springs is a spectacular area to live and we are thrilled to have Sôl Palm Springs at the forefront of it all, said Antun Barbato of Family Development. Not only is it a prime location for new homeowners looking to embrace the stimulating atmosphere of downtown, but it is also a perfect choice for a second home considering all the advantages this exceptional community provides.

Family Development has worked diligently to craft Sôl Palm Springs as not only a home, but as a retreat. Situated amongst the San Jacinto Mountain backdrop, the numerous amenities this modern-styled community offers is highly complimented with spectacular views. The outstanding design aesthetics also include a simple yet elegant landscape for a low-maintenance property, enabling homeowners the freedom of a flexible lifestyle. Residents

will enjoy the ability to nestle into the community, yet be able to travel without a great deal of planning for home care.

Luxury accommodations include a thoughtfully designed pool and spa for each home, as every residence is purposefully positioned to provide privacy, including gorgeous rooftop decks which are an added option on most homes. In addition, a private dog park and community coffee hut are at the center of the community giving

residents the option to enjoy the important daily rituals right at their doorstep.

The mindful indoor and outdoor integration is what sets Sôl apart from other communities as it allows the beauty of Palm Springs to speak for itself. With seamless integration, each of the 46 detached twostory homes feels exceptionally grand.

With up to 2,726 square feet, each home is adorned with stunning eight-foot doors and exquisite high ceilings and features a gourmet kitchen, two master bedroom

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suites, a Sôl room, large entertainment areas and two-car garages.

Sôl is located at the northeast corner of Avenida Caballeros and Amado Drive.

Models and the first phase of homes are expected to be completed in May. There is an off-site sales center open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the office closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Sales Associate Kristen Gantenbein can be reached at 760-902-9620 or via email at Kristen@ solpalmsprings.com.

Local Music Spotlight

card. Wristbands will be placed on the wrist of festival attendee(s) by the box office staff and therefore must be present for pick up.

Coachella 1 Resident Purchases and Pick Up Hours: Wednesday, April 9th: 2pm-8pm Thursday, April 10th: 9am-6pm Friday, April 11th: 8am-10pm Saturday, April 12th: 9am-8pm Sunday, April 13th: 10am-6pm Coachella 2 Resident Purchases and Pick Up Hours: Wednesday, April 16th: 2pm-8pm Thursday, April 17th: 9am-6pm Friday, April 18th: 8am-10pm Saturday, April 19th: 9am-8pm Sunday, April 20th: 10am-6pm Stagecoach Resident Purchases and Pick up Hours: Wednesday, April 23rd: 2pm-8pm Thursday, April 24th: 9am-10pm Friday, April 25th: 8am-10pm Saturday, April 26th: 9am-8pm Sunday, April 27th: 10am-6pm This offer extends to those residing in the Coachella Valley from Palm Springs to Mecca. Zip codes include: 92201, 92202, 92203, 92210, 92211, 92230, 92234, 92236, 92240, 92241, 92253, 92255, 92258, 92260, 92261 - 92264, 92270, 92274, 92275, 92276, and 92292.

March 27 to April 2, 2014

By tracy Dietlin

PHILM

Intro by Robin Linn ave Lombardo is an amazing drummer and performer. Born in Cuba and raised in L.A, his love and connection to rhythm was a fire that burned in him from a very young age. As a young student of drums, he was an innovator from early on. Lombardo’s passion and drive for making music saw him making records with Slayer in his late teens. Pioneers in metal, they carved out their place in rock and roll playing speed metal: All masterful musicians who took raw primal emotion and skillfully executed melodic ideas with a skewed sense of time and speed. It takes only moments to become a bonafide fan of all of his musical endeavors.

There is a world full of metal drummers out there, but Lombardo brings imagination and a high level of physical performance to the table that surpasses most of his contemporary rivals. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential double bass drummers of our

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era and his passion for music doesn’t just lie in the realm of speed metal. Dave has breathed life into fusion, metal and Latin influenced rock proving his palette is broad and his abilities as a performer are diverse. His latest endeavor, PHILM, is nothing short of brilliant.

His ferocious drum chops drive the heavy metal compositions into hard rock heaven.

PHILM is the musical incarnation of Gerry Nestler, Pancho Tomaselli and Dave

INTERVIEW with DAVE LOMBARDO of PHILM

Goldenvoice Offers COACHELLA VALLEY RESIDENTS Ability to purchase 2014 Festival Passes Online!

oldenvoice announced they are once again offering local valley residents the opportunity to purchase passes to this April’s Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals. Residents may purchase a pair of passes to COACHELLA WEEKEND 1 (Apr 11-13), COACHELLA WEEKEND 2 (Apr 18-20) and/or STAGECOACH (Apr 25-27) online with proof of residency, while supplies last.

Residents may purchase passes online for Coachella Weekend 1 starting 10am April 4th thru Thursday, April 10th, or while supplies last.

Residents may purchase passes online for Coachella Weekend 2 starting 10am April 11th thru Thursday, April 17th, or while supplies last.

Residents may purchase passes online for Stagecoach starting 10am April 18th thru Thursday, April 24th, or while supplies last. www.coachella.com/residents www.stagecoachfestival.com/residents Passes are $375 for Coachella & $249 for Stagecoach, all fees included. Passes purchased online will be available for pick up from the box office at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Passes are non-transferable and proof of residency must be shown in the form of a California driver’s license or ID

Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Tracy Dietlin

events

CVWeekly: How long has PHILM been together?

Dave Lombardo: Well Gerry and I met back in ‘95 and we had the band until about 2004 off and on. Then I also joined Fantamas and Grip Inc. Then Slayer called and I was just swept in this whirlwind of touring with them and couldn’t continue with PHILM. Then the singer of Slayer went in the hospital for spinal surgery and I thought ‘Wow! This band is going to fall apart. I better get another band together.’ And I called Gerry and we’ve been together since. We couldn’t find the original bass player so that’s when Pancho came on.

CVW: PHILM’s music is described as experimental progressive rock on one site and post hardcore on another. What do you feel best describes the band’s sound?

DL: It’s really difficult but let’s narrow it down. It’s definitely heavy. It would lean more heavy into punk then metal. It has musicality to it. It has a lot of melody to it musically but not so much vocally and it has complex chord structures. I think the music is amazing. It’s really hard to categorize it.

CVW: After listening to Harmonic I feel

like it is a musical gem and kind of runs the gamut and covers the full spectrum of everything. It kind of took me on a mystical journey.

DL: It even has elements of jazz and psychedelic. We were even calling it at one point funkadelic punk. So that’s the genre I would call it…with a punk attitude (laughing).

CVW: So Harmonic was released in May of 2012. And you’re working on a new disc correct?

DL: Yes. We’re actually working on the third album as we speak. The second is already finished and we’re looking to release it as soon as we clear up the details of which record label we’re going with.

CVW: How does the music on the second (to be titled: Fire From the Evening Sun) and third albums differ from Harmonic?

DL: The band has had a chance to grow musically. Harmonic had about 5 songs that were with the old bass player so then Pancho came in and the new songs were written with him after we had gone out on tour together and we’re more of a unit now. Now Pancho really understands mine and Gerry’s writing

Lombardo. Together they take complex heavy metal ideas to unexpected places. Their debut record Harmonic, is full of masterful demonstrations of the band’s ability to maintain that live feel in the studio. On Friday, March 28th at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert, PHILM will be performing a powerful set of hard hitting, experimental progressive heavy metal featuring the “Godfather of Double Bass” Dave Lombardo. methods. The songs on the second album are more concise and structured.

The third album we have about 5 songs that are still in their skeletal form without vocals yet and are much heavier. And I’ve added double bass on the third album which I didn’t do on the first two. I’m kind of rediscovering myself and reinventing myself.

That album is a whole different direction.

CVW: So when you come to the desert will you be performing any of the new material from the two new albums?

DL: No just songs off Harmonic. Although there might be one song off the third record but it’s more of a drum solo. It’s like a piece…a drumming showcase.

CVW: I know you have been involved in several bands over the years but would you say that PHILM is your main priority right now?

DL: At this point yes. I really want the world to listen to these musicians. They offer something new to music. I really like the style and the energy that this band has to offer and I think it’s really different from what’s out there in music today. I don’t think there are a lot of people focusing on the power trio like they used to back in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Sometimes less is more.

CVW: Do you feel like you have more freedom for yourself in PHILM than other bands you’ve been in?

DL: Absolutely. On the second album there’s a song that’s all piano and some light strumming guitars that breaks down in the middle to this Latin session with some horns and percussion and it just shows how the musicians involved in this band are very wellrounded.

CVW: What do you feel you’re inspiration is with the new music?

DL: It’s all the music we’ve listened to throughout our lives whether it be funk, punk, Latin, metal, jazz whatever it might be all put together

CVW: I know you’re doing the smaller venues because you want to really bring this music to the people where they can really appreciate it in an intimate setting.

Can you talk to me about the difference for you playing intimate venues versus big arena shows?

DL: Big arena shows you have all the lights, the smoke, the fire and all the bells and whistles to compensate for sometimes the lack of musicianship. But I think bringing it down to a small club level and getting the underground buzz going is more important.

You really get to see what a band can deliver at that level and if they can do it there then obviously the big stage is not going to be a problem.

CVW: So you’re most well-known as Dave Lombardo the drummer from Slayer and have die-hard fans as a result. Is it sometimes hard to walk out from the shadow of that and get to be Dave Lombardo of PHILM? DL: No. I’m really proud of all that I’ve done in my past with Slayer but the younger alternative fans will probably be more like ‘oh yeah he’s the drummer from Fantamas… yeah he used to play with Slayer’ but they relate to my music with Fantamas (laughing).

It just depends on what genre fans are tapped into. Some people will always think of me as the drummer from Slayer and that’s ok. It’s all part of my body of work.

CVW: What are your future goals for PHILM? DL: Just continue to write music and release records which obviously I love to do and to tour. You know I can’t believe that in all the time I was with Slayer that I only released 2 albums with them and here I am with PHILM about to release the third album and the band has only been together again for a few years.

I love writing and recording because the albums feel kind of like milestones in my life to where I can look back and remember that period. So if I put an album out a year I have those memories. I like to put albums out as frequently as possible. It feels good.

CVW: What are your favorite songs on Harmonic?

DL: That’s hard because I like all of them… but I really like “Way Down” because I like the improvisations and it brings out the avantgarde side of me. It’s reminiscent of those old blues songs from the 60s that explode into the lead section and then back down into the Pink Floyd-esque kind of music. “Held in Light” and “Mitch” is good… and “Dome”. Ya…I guess all of them. (laughing) CVW: Is there anything else you want people to know about you or PHILM? DL: I’m here to stay. I will be drumming until the end. I’m going to keep touring so my fans can always count on that.

PHILM performs Friday, March 28 @ Schmidy’s Tavern 72286 Highway 111, Palm Desert (760)837-3800. With Whiskey & Knives and DJ Habanero.

Show starts at 8pm/ $10 Cover/ 21&over.

PHILM: www.facebook.com/PHILMOfficial For event details: www.facebook.com/ events/411080572369041

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Curtis Hendricks

Desert Opera: Our Valley’s Newest Opera Company

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had the pleasure or attending a delightful show performed by Desert Opera Saturday evening, March 22. The performance was set to give the audience a taste of not only their talented performers, but also the craft developed within each performer. As a fan of opera, they instantly won me over. I was pushed back in my seat as each performer’s voice filled the room with both controlled power and grace. Desert Opera is led by Artistic Director Madam Rose Kingsley and Musical Director Dr. Wayne Hinton.

Kingsley began the evening with an introduction to Desert Opera and their program. Desert Opera is a new opera company making its home here in our valley.

As a subsidiary of the International Opera Institute (IOI), Desert Opera is dedicated to bringing both the opera culture and experience to everyone in the valley through educational and performance opportunities. Their goal is to take those individuals who are serious about opera and prepare them to progress from vocal student to vocal artist. The IOI states, “A vocalist who progresses from high school, to university, and/or conservatory develops many talents and much knowledge. They lack the vocal and artistic knowledge and confidence required by the opera companies. Their voice lessons are generally limited in this academic environment and the student graduates academically informed but without the trained voice the opera companies are seeking. The IOI fills that lack by providing vocal artists an individualized, hands-on program to complete their training and give them the vocal and artistic knowledge and confidence they need. The vocal artist and instructors develop the individualized lessons together according to individual needs of the vocal artist. The IOI recommends that the vocal artist have four or five vocal lessons each week.” Training programs are welcome for all ages.

The performance was grand with each artist introducing themselves and the piece they chose for the performance.

Clearly, this program enriched each artist with more than just music, but also the culture, understanding of opera. Most of the performances were in a language which I did not understand. Much like a song I have connected with, I could still feel the

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ROBIN LINN’S DESERT RHYTHMs

WHISKEY & KNIVES

ROBIN LINN’S DESERT RHYTHMs

hen it comes to Slayer, I have often felt their influence when listening to Whiskey & Knives guitarist Jon Arnold. Jon has infused those speed metal type chops to a punk rock format within the songs of Family Butcher, a band that was a desert staple for over a decade. Jon’s approach to speedy metallic guitar within those 2 minute songs was quite unique. He is a talented guitarist with a predisposition for punk and metal that permeates his very being.

My taste in music was influenced by Jon over the years and I found it more than cool that his new project, W&K would be performing here in the desert opening for original Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo’s newest project PHILM. Jon is a desert survivor, a punk rock musician who has overcome the evils of addiction and fought and won a serious battle with cancer. He has found the passion for his instrument and creating music the constant that pushed him forward. Today he has really come into his own with Whiskey and Knives.

Frontman, Jason Beasley’s vocal approach features a rap sensibility coupled with wild hard rock melodies that can be reminiscent of early Iron Maiden at moments and Rage Against The Machine

at others. The band also features drummer Alfredo Hernandez, who has played with nearly every critically acclaimed hard rock and punk project in the desert including Queens of the Stone Age, Family Butcher, Hot Beat Pussy Fiend, Rawbone and Brave Black Sea, who has a new record out on V2 Records April 7th.

Within the framework of W&K, Alfredo works together with bassist Mike Smith to form a driving rhythm section, a wall of sound, fierce and unrelenting. I have seen the band four times now and I love them more each show. They embrace the spirit of the desert and a sound that is vintage metal. They will be playing on March 28th along with Dave Lombardo and PHILM at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert and heavy metal music fans don’t want to miss this world class rock show. Schmidy’s is a music friendly venue that offers an intimate setting and hosts live music every weekend year round. For only $10 and zero travel time, fans can expect one hell of a hard rock show featuring two of the most innovative drummers in hard rock. I call this my dream drummer showcase!

Whiskey & Knives: www.facebook.com/ whiskeyandknives

March 27 to April 2, 2014

DESERT STONER ROCK BAND, STEAK LONDON BROIL, PROTEIN FOR THE EARS!

ALL THE WAY FROM THE UK TO PS TO RECORD WITH HARPER HUGS AND ARTHUR SEAY AT THUNDER UNDERGROUND RECORDING STUDIO

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music through each artist, which allowed me to understand and connect with the music. I was drawn in with each high and low ranged note that each artist performed with seemingly perfection.

This performance was set as a free show that only asked for donations to help the program remain and grow here in our valley.

The next opportunity to see these artists, and experience opera here in our valley, will be Sunday, May 18, 3:00pm, at the Marque Performing Arts Center. This Performance will be another free show where donations will be greatly appreciated. Any donations will allow Desert Opera to perform and keep ticket prices low for everyone to enjoy. Kingsley said, “We want to bring affordable opera to everyone. We also have an outreach program that helps bring the culture of opera to schools.” Desert opera is committed to the art and culture of opera, and wants open up opera to everyone. I want to encourage everyone to donate and give back to this great cause that helps to enrich our valley.

During Desert Opera will be performing all of their opera season at the Indian Wells Theater. All tickets will be set at generous $35 each. The show times are as follows: La Boheme, October 24 at 7:00pm and October 26 at 2:00pm; Carmen, January 16 at 7:00pm and January 18 at 2:00pm; Cavalleria Rusticana, March 6 at 7:00pm and March 8 at 2:00pm.

Desert Opera artists are available to entertain at events, private parties, and special events. For more information, or to inquire about artist availability, information can be found at www. internationaloperainstitute.org, www. desertopera.org, or by contacting via telephone at (760) 636-0008.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HAT IS DESERT (STONER) ROCK? I have examined this question before and I’m sure I will do it again. How does a band from the UK classify themselves as a “desert” stoner rock band? The answer is as simple as it is complex. Europe has embraced and celebrated the music that has erupted from our desert floor on many occasions beginning with Kyuss in the nineties. Their record BLUES FOR THE RED SUN received critical acclaim and earned them hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe and their music still influences bands today coming up in Europe. Queens of the Stone Age, Unida, House of Broken Promises, Vista Chino, Brant Bjork, Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson, have all been pivotal in creating a genre that defies geography turning “desert” rock into its own genre rather than a location where music is created. Anything that thrives in the desert has a special mystical beauty. Exotic, sturdy, and able to flower and blossom despite the sandy earth, the soaring temperatures, and the rugged conditions, the music that is created here is unique in many ways. Desert (Stoner) rock is known for its heavy rhythmic structures, distorted, fuzzed out, overdriven guitar and bass tones, and its lack of conventionality. Psychedelic in nature, it has many different faces, influenced by grunge, punk and metal, its creators have the ability to draw from influences, throw away the formula, and create something unique unto itself. STEAK has all of the characteristics of an authentic desert rock band. Though they are from London, they are well versed in producing fuzzed out, psychedelic metallic rock that is greatly influenced by the sounds and vibes of the desert. They are currently

here in Palm Springs recording their third record at Thunder Underground Recording Studio and now can throw geography into authenticating the label of desert rock band.

EUROPEAN DESERT ROCK - DESERT FEST (LONDON) 2014 My first introduction to European Desert Rock was via Joerg Steineck who introduced me to Truckfighters, a band from Sweden that creates its own brand of desert stoner rock with fuzzed out perfection. Their highly charged live show is exhilarating to witness and their connections to desert rock that many of us took for granted is inspiring.

They are currently on a US tour in support of their latest record, Universe. Over the past decade many of our own desert rock bands have continued to develop or redefine their

sounds or simply regrouped. Meanwhile their presence in Europe has remained strong and through records and live performances they have turned desert rock into a genre of its own. While QOTSA has gone on to see great success with number one albums and constant world tours, other bands here in the desert have had a tougher go of it.

This isn’t because the music is weak...nor are the musicians playing it. Desert Rock is arguably the most significant contribution to rock music from the U.S. in the last 30 years.

Presently the genre is gaining steam and it’s like a locomotive on a downhill slope...it can’t be stopped. The international relationships that have developed as a result of the music that comes out of our desert is strong and desert rock festivals in Europe are a big draw.

There is a musical family that has developed as a result of their love and appreciation for the music created on both sides of the sea board. People like Arthur Seay and Harper Hug work hard to keep international relationships strong, while Steak guitarist Reese Tee has assembled a team in London that brings Desert Fest to life each year. It’s a labor of love involving many hard working people who want to keep the torch burning for original hard rock in all its glory.

DESERT FEST (CALIFORNIA) 2015?

Being a die-hard desert rock fan who truly loves the genre of music that originated here, it saddens me deeply that we don’t have a legitimate desert rock festival here IN THE DESERT! It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that the shows I want to see most in the world take place accross the pond, thousands of miles away. It’s down right depressing. I KNOW I can’t be the only fan of desert rock that feels this way. Reese Tee’s Desert Fest is described as “The Uk’s Ultimate Stoner Rock, Doom, Phsyc & Sludge festival”. In April of 2014, the festival will

feature: Spirit Caravan, Church of Misery, Master Musicians of Bukake, Elder, Monkey 3, ASG, The Machine, Dragged into Sunlight, The Body, Anciients, Black Rainbows, Arabrot, Slabdragger, War Wolf, Hey Colossus and more. It has now been put on the table that European promoters bring their festival to the California Desert. It’s an idea whose time has come. Imagine all of these great bands in a remote desert location where festival goers can disappear into the music before it disappears again onto the desert horizon. Reese Tee and Arthur Seay are in serious discussions about making my fantasy a reality. Could 2015 be the year of the first REAL DESERT FEST? DESRT STONER ROCK BAND, STEAK....

BECAUSE MEAT’S MEAT AND A MAN’S GOTTA EAT! Stoner rock protein for the head, Steak describes their frantic & enthusiastic stoner rock as sparingly tinged with spacey moments of grace, inherited from the legendary Kyuss, Truckfighters and Fu Manchu. The band has a running comic book theme where they exploit sci-fi and comic book imagery with the help of comic artist, Eduardo Ferigato. Their fuzzed out sound and original compositions are heavy metal laced with psychedelic interludes that put your head in the right place. Their love for desert rock is combined with a common passion for Pink Floyd which accounts for their psychedelic approach to hard rock. Still, their named influences shouldn’t suggest they sound like anyone else but themselves. They are fresh, original, and embrace a beautiful attitude about making music together.

Kippa (vocals), Cam (Bass), and Reese (Guitar) founded the band several years ago.

When drummer Sammy came to see STEAK perform, he liked what he heard. Still he felt their drummer at the time failed to drive the bus in the right direction to achieve the perfect sound. He was already in two bands at the time, but expressed his desire to bring the music to where he believed it could be. It was an absolute match and the band members fit well together as the music took shape and form like never before. Only a few shows into the new lineup, they were seen

by Napalm A&R reps at Desert Fest 2013 and offered a three record deal. With this new record, they knew the sound they are after and thought who better to bring their creative vision to life than producer Harper Hugs who recorded the live Desert Fest 2013? With the support of Steak’s new label, Napalm, they were able to come to Palm Springs where they are currently hard at work in the studio with desert rocker, co-producer Arthur Seay.

The record release party is already scheduled for Saturday, September 5th at Borderline in London. It would be so amazing to see Steak in their drippy, balmy London climate belting continue to page 25

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

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f you are wanting to time-travel back to the late 60s/early 70s and don’t have enough dough for Sherman and Mr. Peabody’s way-back machine, just take a listen to the band 68-75. You will instantly be transported back to the era of bell-bottoms, free love and down-home Southern Rock & Roll.

The nucleus of 68-75 is singer Suzanne Sledge and guitarist Andrew Cylar. The Atlanta, Georgia natives first connected at the beginning of the 21st century in the band Sanctified. When that band came apart, the duo laid low for most of the decade, until 2011 when they hooked up with bassist Steve McPeeks and drummer Matt Kotheimer.

As their name suggests, 68-75 takes their inspiration from that halcyon time when the sounds of Swinging London collided with Stax-Volt. Mad dogs, Englishmen and gritty Soul shouters acted as co-conspirators. The result was a cross-cultural, rainbow coalition that defied categorization. The music was heady brew of Blues, Rock, Country and Soul. Best described in one word, badass.

68-75 has made their reputation as an incendiary live act. In 2012 they released a couple of EPs, Stay The Ride is their first fulllength album. It opens with the one-two

75 “Stay On The Ride”

punch “Kicking Down The Stalls” and “Deal With The Devil.”

“Kicking…” is anchored by a walloping tribal tattoo, rumbling bass runs and slashing power chords. Sledge’s mien is defiant as she abandons an onerous situation… “Whatever you think you got on me won’t stick…”

Sledge barely clears her throat and the band launches into “Deal With The Devil.”

Sunburst riff-age collides with a stopstart rhythm. Cylar’s stinging solo on the instrumental break kicks the track into overdrive.

Three songs, “Detroit,” “Send My Body Home” and “NSC” benefit from the added musical muscle of Marty Kearns on Hammond organ and Jeff Baker on blues harp. The first line of the bluesy ballad resists equivocation…”Fucked up in Detroit, head in my hands.”

Cylar’s sinewy chords snake through subtle organ fills and a steady backbeat, as Sledge cycles between “seduction or extinction” in the bankrupt Motor City.

Consider This

The full-tilt boogie of “Send My Body Home” is, to quote James Taylor, “a churning urn of burning funk.” Kotheimer rides the hi-hat, McPeeks anchors the low end and Cylar unspools a gritty solo. Baker’s moody harp runs connect with Cylar’s dusty licks, creating a swampy pas de deux. Sledge’s urgent vocals crest over the top.

Day-glo organ notes wash over staccato riffs and a chunky backbeat. The steadfast melody belies Sledge’s desperation ….

“Curse the darkness, curse the light/I ain’t got no more fight in me.

The best song here is the title track. Spiky power chords shake, rattle and roll over an insistent groove. The stutter-step rhythm ricochets through the melody. Sledge’s tone is seductive and salacious, assuring a toxic lover “You ain’t got to bring me to my knees, to get me to believe that you are up to no good.” The tune shudders to a stop, right at the point of climax.

Other stand out tracks include “Camel’s Back” and “It’s Only Tuesday.” The former is propelled by a locomotive backbeat and

art

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By rebecca pikus

ELAINE MATTHEWS

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blistering riffs. Sledge is arch and dismissive, as Cylar unleashes a corrosive solo.

The latter blends Sticky Finger-sweet licks and a ramshackle melody. Bad times feel epidemic…. “It’s only Tuesday, and I’m flat busted.” But Sledge perseveres on this Stonesy groover.

The album closes with “Dogtooth.”

Sledge’s canine metaphor is in full effect..“You set me off, now I’m dying to retrieve my dignity.” Cylar’s guitar pyrotechnics are jagged and angular. (Less Lynyrd Skynryd and and more Buzzcocks or Gang Of Four). He pinballs between the tandem time-keeping of McPeeks and Kotheimer.

68-75 is the real deal. If Steve Marriott (Small Faces, Humble Pie) and Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie) had a love child, it would be Suzanne Sledge. She is an earthy soul-shouter, equal parts tough and tender.

Andrew Cylar’s style celebrates the legacy of gunslingers like Duane Allman and Stevie Stevie Ray Vaughn. But there are also traces of lesser known influences, like Eric Gale and Steve Cropper. Steve McPeeks and Matt Kotheimer provide ballast for Sledge’s blue-eyed soul and Cylar’s fleet fretwork.

Stay On The Ride was recorded in three studios over four days by Dan Dixon. The album is already receiving constant radio airplay in Europe and Brazil. Now it’s time for America to take notice.

March 27 to April 2, 2014

CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE PLEIN AIR PAINTER

laine Matthews - “Plein Air” Artist - is an elegant, genteel woman who paints amazingly beautiful landscapes of California and the Southwest.

Her paintings capture the serene, yet exhilarating, beauty of Coastlines, Mountains, & Deserts. Meeting her in person for the first time, I was struck by how incredibly modest she is about her talent & achievements.

Although born in Ohio, Elaine grew up in California. Her formative years were spent drawing and painting the changing light and shadows cast by the sun on the San Gabriel Mountains. Elaine earned a B.A. in studio art from California State University, and an M.A. from Azuza Pacific University. She was an Art Instructor for 30 years in the Anaheim School District, & Chair of Art Department at Savanna High School in Anaheim, Ca. She is also a Member, California Art Club, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, & Head of Plein Air Painters of the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs, Ca. Elaine’s Collectors include Nissan Corporation, AVCO Financial, and many Private Collectors.

Elaine travels extensively throughout California & the Southwest: “The beauty of California attracts people from around the globe. It is the primary inspiration for my work. I hope by viewing my paintings, people will be reminded of times spent experiencing the splendor and continue to page 25

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Spencer’s Restaurant - Bougainvillea Room 701 W. Baristo Road • Palm Springs, CA 11:00 am to 1:30 p.m.

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

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Visionary Awards Presented to Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Volunteer of the Year Award Presented to Jim Fox Awards Sponsored by Leeds and Son

Reservations Call 760-327-8577

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

The Lucy Pet Foundation and Joan Rivers Arrive in Indio!

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t was an exciting day when the colorful Lucy Pet Foundation “spaymobile” rolled into the Indio Municipal Golf Course this month. But when canine loving comedienne Joan Rivers arrived, the magic of star power brought a renewed energy to the effort to solve the pet overpopulation problem. Rivers gently held one of the dogs who was about to be neutered, a sweet Spaniel mix named Koala Bear, as she mingled with pet owners and toured the mobile spay and neuter clinic. Rivers quipped to their vet, “I wish you could do some of Melissa’s (her daughter) boyfriends!” but then turned serious when she addressed the media.

Rivers proudly announced that she is the owner of four rescue dogs. She explained, “I love rescues and mutts. Rescue dogs know they’ve been rescued, and it creates much more of a bond. It’s always the one that gets pushed aside that needs the love and will love you back that much more.” Hollywood stars as Rivers, Pierce Brosnan, Bob Barker and Betty White lend their voices to fight for homeless animals.

These celebrities generate media attention

Orange Tabby This friendly mellow 2-yr-old boy waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. He’s cat ID#A1092988.

Call (760) 343-3644.

bull Terrier This 2-yr-old Bull Terrier girl is an active, playful companion. Come meet her at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

She’s dog ID#A1083535.

Call (760) 343-3644.

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and help raise needed funds. The weapon to prevent the annual killing of six million adoptable shelter animals is free or low cost spay and neuter services. Many pet owners cannot afford the several hundred dollars this service costs at a private veterinarian.

Joan Rivers is a long time friend of Joey Herrick, founder of The Lucy Pet Foundation.

Decades ago, Rivers was the opening act for a band when a young Herrick played drums for the group. Rivers paid tribute to the man who now crusades for animals, “Today Joey is a huge animal rights activist, and it’s absolutely amazing what his foundation is doing to help them.”

In 2013, Joey Herrick sold the Natural Balance pet food company, a business he started decades ago. An ardent animal lover, Herrick was determined to make a dent in the number of homeless animals flowing into our nation’s shelters. “I wanted to give back to the animals the good life they had provided to me and my family. I realized I could make a major change with this spay and neuter mobile clinic. I want to use my marketing skills to put 50 of these clinics on the road in every state in America.”

Local animal advocate Jacque MercierBerman drew upon their 40 year friendship when she asked Herrick to bring his spaymobile to the Coachella Valley. Indio welcomed them, and elected officials Mike Wilson, Elaine Holmes, and Jason Chan worked side by side with the “Lucy” team to ensure success. During their March visit, 91 dogs and cats were sterilized at no cost, and free vaccinations were provided to over 500 pets. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Walter Clark Legal Group partnered with “Lucy” to provide additional funding.

Lulu, the beautiful brindle Pit Bull/Chow mix dog pictured here was brought in to be spayed by Carlos Scherzer. Carlos stated, “Lulu was born to my mother’s pit bull, and her birth could have been considered a mistake. There is an overpopulation of puppies, and I wanted Lulu spayed before she added to the problem.” Pit bull dogs are the largest group entering shelters, and the largest group being euthanized.

One pet owner walked some distance from her home on her walker with her two dogs in a push cart. On disability, she had no money to pay a vet. Like many low income pet owners, the folks who waited hours to get the free vaccines love their animals and want the best for them. After her dogs were

spayed, Herrick drove the woman home with a large supply of dog food.

Why is the Foundation needed in Indio?

Last summer, the public animal shelter in Indio closed its doors. Their stray animals are now transported to the already crowded shelter in Thousand Palms operated by Riverside County. This shelter serves 8 local cities, but Indio accounts for the largest number of impounded animals, 15% of the total which amounts to 1,862 dogs and cats for this fiscal year. Sadly, over half of these animals are euthanized. Other abandoned animals are killed by cars or perish from the elements.

When asked why his organization plans more events in Indio, Herrick quickly responded, “We had no choice but to bring The Lucy Pet Foundation back to Indio. The first time we came here in January, we were not able to meet the demand for services.

The people in Indio were so appreciative.

Many of them came up to shake my hand.

We were on television on Monday, and by Wednesday we had over 700 emails and 400 phone calls from people wanting to get their pets spayed and neutered. It was unbelievable. We’re looking forward to coming back soon!”

You may have seen Daniel the miracle Beagle on the Foundation’s float in the 2014 Rose Parade. Daniel became famous after surviving an Alabama shelter’s gas chamber.

With Joan Rivers as their spokesperson and Daniel the Miracle Beagle as their official “spokesdog”, nothing can stop this organization in their mission. The Lucy Pet Foundation returns to Indio on April 4th and April 5th. For more information go to www.lucypetfoundation.org. jmcafee7@verizon.net

March 27 to April 2, 2014

by Rick Riozza

Hey! Who ordered the pizza? With wine, beer, or a Coke?

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t seems like everyone chimes in with what goes best with a pizza. And—the best answer is what you usually like to drink with all that pizze.

Back in the day of sorts, when they had all these big American pizza parlors around (anyone remember Pepe’s ?), pitchers of beer were always the call. Sometimes it was even watered down in scratchy plastic pitchers—but as long as it was cold and refreshing, it worked.

Now-a-days with all of the fancy pizze being offered in quieter venues, in more romantic restaurants, and even at dive bars, with all the wine varieties around the world available and with all the different and flavored craft beers spewing from taps, consumers are seemingly straying away from the simple life: They wish to bombast both their taste buds and their significant others with a pairing that will send them to heaven.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a pizza with a cold beer or some tasty wine.

And that combination is another way of realizing that God really loves us. And we really love pizza! (Therefore logically—God really loves pizza!)

Of course God doesn’t want us to hate our neighbor, so why take sides when it comes to the beverage of choice for the pizza pie? How many times have we seen dirty looks exchanged between tables when that one has frosty mugs upon it and this one has alluring colored wine in a sleek sexy glass?

Actually—perpetuating the myth that each side has their own war banner is all Madison Avenue. Most wine enthusiasts I know simply love the suds (and the real tasters love the IPAs); interesting though, staunch beer lovers don’t think about wine as much as we vino heads think about beer.

And so it goes…

Because pizza begins with bready, yeasty, fermented bread, we can see why beer matches up wonderfully on the bridge of yeasty, grainy flavors that each has. My friend Master Brewer Chris Anderson over at CV Brewery told me that when he was learning his trade up in Alaska, his favorite pizza was a Five-Cheese—with mostly Italian like Gorgonzola, Parmesano, Provolone, etc.

His beer of choice up there was an India Pale Ale. Locally, with a pepperoni and sausage

pizza, he recommends his CVB’s Kölschella.

It’s a light golden hybrid ale, fermented warm and then lagered to produce a crisp, clean, and refreshing brew—“It cuts through and cleanses after each pizza bite.”

The bigger question for wine enthusiasts is: Which is the best wine to go with pizza?

Now that’s the million dollar question and God surely knows the million dollar answer but in His infinite wisdom & mercy, He’s allowed us to play around with it all.

Of course it’s not a stretch to imagine an Italian wine. For a basic pizza, the combination of acidic tomato sauce and creamy cheese calls out for a wine with good acidity and plenty of fruit. A fine Dolcetto or Barbera are the usual recommendations, which work well with this style of pizza. The flavors and texture of the wines tend to mirror that of the pizza.

I even remember a Northern California 1988 Barbera from Louis Martini—at $5, just being the bomb! Does Gallo own that vineyard now? I’ll pay for that info! But let me tell you right off—Barbera is a godsend of a grape for pizza-pairing. It has all the rich black fruit that people love, with a nice silver lining of acidity. It’s the one I’d take to a pizza-pairing throwdown—winning!

If you wish to really keep it authentic—

Gragnano [Grah-nyah-no] is the true “spritzy” pizza wine, served chilled in Napoli, in the land where the San Marzano tomatoes flourish in the lava-rich soil of the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. It’s where pizza was invented and thrives and what every new pizzeria in our valley and around the U.S. attempts to copy. And that is very good news because that style—thin, crisp and chewy, fresh quality ingredients & an 800 degree oven charring—is wonderful!

Problem with the frizzante Gragnano— who can find it here?

The trick, of course, is to consider your toppings. If you keep adding ingredients, you’ll generally want to move up to a more intense wine. Meaty pizze open the doors to wines like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Shiraz and Cab/Shiraz blends.

If you’re looking at a pizza with peppers on it, then try something with a green edge, like a Cabernet Franc for a red, and, think of Sauvignon Blanc for a white—especially if its heavy laden with peppers. It works well, again mirroring some of the flavors of the pizza.

MIRA CVWkly Spa Pamper Me 4.87x5.62 021314.indd 1

Heavy on the mushrooms or exotic cheeses on a pie will call for an assertive wine with aged flavors that can work with the savories here. Consider a Rioja Reserva or Chianti Riserva as a good choice, or even better, a nice mature bottle of Nebbiolo (Gattinara, Barbaresco, Barolo) would really do well here!—that definitely would be an up-scale pizza dinner.

A final look into our Acme wine bin, we find the inexpensive Chilean Carménère works great with its lively herbaciousness that pairs well with the fresh and dried herbs in many a Neapolitan-style pizza. A dry Lambrusco is always great with pizza (and tamales too!) And, a very sexy choice for a light afternoon pizza is a Portuguese wine, Monte Velho Red. DaMichele in Napoli is by far the best and the most popular pizzeria in that city, and I think they still only sell water and Coke.

Hey—I just ordered, a meaty, cheesy, tomato and anchovy pizza. Heaven awaits!

Cheers!

Rick continues host wine events and always orders anchovies. Contact winespectrum@aol.com

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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Club Crawler Nightlife

340 N PALM CANYON DR. PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

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

THUR MARCH 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer & Bobby 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 Spotlight hosted by Symara Stone 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Lola Rossi, Rob Carter and Denise Motto 5-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Rob Martinez & Todd Ashley 8:30pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 Industry Night w/ Karaoke in the Lobby 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Locals Night w/ All Night Shoes 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE RESORT; IW; 760-341-7200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Snowapple & The Wild Reeds 8pm

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PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Machin’ 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Carolyn Martinez & The Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Casey 5:30pm, Slim Man Solo Show 7-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Spring Break Party w/ Mr. Miami and The Mixicans 9pm

FRI MARCH 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Darklands w/ Victoria Rawlins 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Nash 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Nesteggg Foodbank Benefit Show 7pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 DJ 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 T.B.A. 8:30pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision 9pm Lobby, DJ Shasta & MC Esjay 11pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Castle Pines, Keyser Soze and Tribesmen 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Gennine Francis-Jackson 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Spindrift w/ Daydream Machine 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 212 Band 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Marcella Sidebar Patio 7pm, Honeyrock Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Sweet Brush Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Philm w/ Dave Lombardo on drums and Whiskey & Knives 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Alyce Bowie 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm

VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Inca Kings 5:30pm, John McCormick & The Mac Band w/ DJ Randy Johnson 9:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm, Stomp Out Cancer Country Show 8pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Rob & jb 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT MARCH 29 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Stronghold presents Reggae Sol noon poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Chix Mix 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ Aaron C 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 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 CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 House Party w/ The House Whores 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 T.B.A. 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Refills 8:45pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Demetrius 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision w/ DJ Kid Wonder, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Bridger, Burning Bettie and Blown Speaker Gospel 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm,

Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Agave Blues Masters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 (((FOLKYEAH))) presents An Evening w/ Linda Perhacs 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 Aced-Hi 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Saints & Demons 3 Year Anniversary Party w/ Bohemio 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm,Marcella, Sidebar Patio 7pm, Honeyrock Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly and Schmidy’s Anniversary Party w/ The D Phillips Band, Mark Gregg, Lisa Lynn Morgan & Patrick Mahon, Mikey Reyes, Rebel Noise, Lightin’ Woodcock, Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss w/ a special guest Simon Stokes 2pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Jeff 5:30pm, Slim Man 9:30pm

March 27 to April 2, 2014

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 David Roales 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ 9pm

SUN MARCH 30 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

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

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

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

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

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

continue to page 24

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Pampered Palate Kobe Japanese Steak House

W

hen dining out in the desert, I am always looking for the total experience. Of course food quality, presentation and service are all important, but more and more I am lacking an entertainment factor to complete the whole dining experience. That is why I gravitate toward places like Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. For 25 years, Kobe has set the bar for Japanese cuisine in the Coachella Valley. My recent visit to Kobe provided much more than dinner and it was easy to see why people return again and again.

When we arrived, we took our time to admire the Koi pond and the surrounding décor. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a smiling staff with all eyes on us. It was refreshing to have such immediate attention as it is often that I find host staff and management busy with personal conversation. We decided to begin with a cocktail in the lounge where we were so comfortable that we enjoyed a spicy tuna roll. The sushi roll was generously stuffed with tuna and a perfect start to our evening.

We were ready for the show!

We were seated at the corner of a communal table where we would be able to view our master chef prepare our meals before us. Our server was quick to offer drinks and appetizers, dressed from head to toe in authentic attire. We continued our tasting with a Dragon Roll made with fresh seared eel while our chef was prepping for the evening. It was savory and sweet, quite delicious! Our teppanyaki experience would begin after our miso soup, which is included in each meal. Once our chef began to sharpen and toss his knives, we knew the show was about to begin!

Our chef, Eric was engaging yet focused.

He prepared and sliced shrimp before tossing them at each of us to catch in our mouths like hungry dogs. Apparently I have

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Raymond Bill

March 27 to April 2, 2014

The Pampered Palate

By David Wayne

a knack for this, catching a few pieces. The menu offers many combinations so that there is likely something for every palate.

Steak and Prawns, Steak and Chicken, Chicken and Prawns… you get the idea. If one cannot easily decide, there are extras to add. I ordered the Fresh Halibut and added on Scallops. My girlfriend ordered Filet Mignon. The steak and seafood were prepared to our liking. Eric was generous with butter and soy, making each bite full of flavor!

Each meal includes steamed rice but for

an extra charge, fried rice is prepared on the iron flat top grill. I recommend someone from the table do this. It adds to the teppanyaki experience and there is usually a little extra left over to share. We would also all enjoy fresh vegetables prepared before us. A signature teppanyaki technique allowed for us to view the “Onion Volcano” where onion rings are stacked to resemble a volcano, then doused with oil and set ablaze. Our table guests were engaged and entertained.

We finished the meal with our choice of Green Tea Ice Cream or Orange Sherbet. The Staff was truly wonderful and welcoming. I can see why tourists return year after year and why locals celebrate special occasions here at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Kobe is a family friendly restaurant and is great for children of all ages. There is also an incredible and affordable early bird menu and Happy Hour is offered twice per day. In addition to the main dining area that features teppanyaki, there is also a sushi bar. With so much going on, I recommend visiting their website at www.koberanchomirage.com. I will definitely be returning to enjoy some more sushi and sake!

Acqua Pazza, California Bistro at the River in Rancho Mirage

T

he Coachella Valley is in full season now, and it was obvious at the River in Rancho Mirage, as it was packed with people buzzing all over the place. While my wife and I strolled along the beautiful walkway past one of the cutest little girls I’ve ever laid eyes on, seeing us adoring her, she gave us a precious smile and a happy wave, as we turned into Acqua Pazza.

We were greeted by a very friendly host, and he whisked us away to our cozy booth.

Arriving at our table right away was Rick, our new favorite server. He was extremely professional, and had a way about him that made us feel right at home. He got us our drinks; my wife had a glass of Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet, and I had a sugar-free Redbull on the rocks. The Cabernet was a medium to full bodied complex mix of many notes of fruit and spices.

Rick was assuring that we would love his suggestions, and started us out with their lightly fried zucchini appetizer, battered and served with chipotle and marinara sauces.

We also had a creamy spinach dip with crisp focaccia chips. Both had us not wanting to stop enjoying them to save room for the main courses. Along with the appetizers, he brought us an Iceberg Wedge salad that was topped with hickory smoked bacon and

Roquefort cheese dressing. My wife tried to keep the salad away from me, but I managed to get in a few delightful bites.

We contemplated our entrees, and Rick suggested that my Filet mignon with a light roasted garlic topping, sautéed mushrooms, mashed red skin potatoes and fresh asparagus was a perfect choice. I have to agree, it was amazingly tasty. My wife had pan-seared Maine Sea Scallops in a mango Beurre blanc, served with a large portobello mushroom, mashed red skin potatoes and asparagus.

She said the scallops were cooked just right, soft and tender with a full flavored sauce. She savored their Key Lime Pie martini with her awesome meal.

For dessert I had a Swiss Chocolate Hot Fudge Sundae, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. The Swiss chocolate was so good I had to stop myself to allow my sweet wife to have a few bites of what I was raving about.

She devoured their crème brulee, made with vanilla and fresh berries, and also had to hold back from finishing it before I was able to have a few delectable bites. I sipped on a cappuccino with dessert that was strong but refreshingly smooth and creamy.

With its running waters and flowing planted walkways, the River complex is the perfect place to dine, especially if it’s at Acqua Pazza. Special thanks to Willie Rhine, who not only graciously invited us to Acqua Pazza, but had accommodated us at his sister restaurant Lulu a few weeks ago.

Acqua Pazza California Bistro at the River in Rancho Mirage 78-100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Walk-ins welcome but reservations are recommended.

Call for hours at: 760-862-9800

“THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD THE WEST HAS TO OFFER!” Our wonderful staff is committed to giving you the best dining experience. We have a nicely stocked bar and great desserts as well. Our authentic mexican food main courses are truly mouth watering.

We have an award winning sweet corn tamale that you just have to try for yourself.

Once you dine at Pueblo Viejo Grill, you'll be back for more soon!

3PM TO 6PM

$2 DRAFT BEERS $5 APPETIZERS

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

36901 COOK ST. STE.#3 PALM DESERT, CA 92211 (760)836-1133

81931 HIGHWAY 111 INDIO, CA 92201 (760)342-5900

WWW.PUEBLOVIEJOGRILL.COM

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

NOAH’S BOAT FLOATS

E

ver since I was a kid, the story of Noah and the Great Flood has been a source of fascination. And I’m not alone. After all, it’s the most-told story on the planet. By a casual count, there are about 200 independent “flood” stories that are organic to cultures both modern and primitive. Of course, Christianity, Islam and Judaism share the same core story. But was there a cataclysmic event at the far edge of history that accounts for all these rather similar stories about one family and the seeds of life surviving a deluge brought on by angry gods? And what does it mean? We still call big natural catastrophes like floods or earthquakes “acts of God” even though few of us believe it to be literal -- or do we?

The intensity of the story is so persistent numerous expeditions continue to search for the remains of Noah’s ark on Turkey’s Mt. Ararat, the region of the Biblical landing place. During the 90s, I co-produced a segment of NBC’s popular “Unsolved Mysteries” on the subject and shot footage around Ararat and interviewed eyewitnesses who saw something huge and manmade that has been preserved in the permanent ice cap of Greater Ararat. I showed a special cut of this footage (RIDDLE OF ARARAT) at our local

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Short Film Festival a few years ago and was invited to show it in London. Both screenings got wide attention and drew full houses.

What is it about this story that still resonates with us on such a deep level?

NOAH Darren Aronofsky has been working on this film for 15 years in one form or another.

He’s known as a visualist and uncompromising filmmaker who loves stories about obsessive loners who are compulsively driven to the brink of madness in their quest to find God. In NOAH, he has fashioned a $130 million epic film that reboots the Biblical myth with a

Screeners No.105 NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: MIRAGE MEN

bold look and modern sensibility. The film has already raised the ire of some conservative religious groups that think they have the only interpretation of this scriptural disaster story. They don’t. The power of myth is that it has relevance to each successive age and Aronofsky has delivered a film that’s a fine fit for the 21st Century as well as a great return to the popular Biblical epics of 50 years ago.

The fine cast features Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson and Ray Winstone. Crowe is a wonderful Noah who may be fighting a private madness.

He is a dark and intense protagonist full of existential angst. Who can’t relate to that? He does not exactly hear the voice of God, but get’s the message of his mission and the impending disaster in an acid-like dream. Anthony Hopkins is a scene stealing (and scenery-chewing) Methuselah who endorses his grandson’s dream. If there’s an antagonist, it’s Ray Winstone as Tubal-cain, an environmental raping leader of a rogue army who attempts to hi-jack the ark. There’s a terrific ten-minute battle sequence that looked like something out of Tolkien.

The production design and art direction throughout are superb and I liked the computer graphics that made the migration of the animals and the horror of the flood vivid and hyper real.

I hope this film makes big bucks so that other mythic and Biblical tales can be realized on the big screen with all the personal vision of artists like Aronofsky. In many ways, he’s the Kubrick of the 21st Century.

Forget the negative things you may have read or heard about NOAH. Be assured, it is not sacrilegious, even though it may not be what you expect, it is an authentic retelling of this ubiquitous, enigmatic and powerful story. For those conservative believers who are uncomfortable with the movie’s theme of environmentalism and stewardship of the planet, it might be helpful to read the Biblical book of Revelation that specifically damns those who “destroy the earth.”

But does NOAH have meaning? Well, that’s up to you. For me, it’s a potent reminder that we are one human family and the earth is our ark. No matter how you look at it, we are truly all in the same boat. But first and foremost, NOAH is a grand, big screen, spectacularly satisfying entertainment that dazzles the eye and provokes the mind.

What more can you ask for? Now showing.

Cinemas Palme d’Or.

I was riveted by this mind-bending, tantalizing documentary adventure into paranoia, madness, disinformation and UFOs. What I was ready to scoff at suddenly became a disturbing and not ironic look at how the government works at the expense of sincere citizens who seek answers. Mark Pilkington’s book to movie gets its online premiere March 27 via Yekra followed by expanded DVD release in June.

What makes this film especially compelling is the brief mention of NSA data collections and snooping as it pertains to a specific case.

Singled out is Richard Doty, former counter intelligence operative of U.S. Air Force Special Investigations (AFOSI). On screen, he claims to have spent much of his career spreading falsehoods about extraterrestrials.

He admits to feeding false information to a Paul Bennewitz, a WW I vet and electronics expert who lived next to a USAF base in New Mexico and was concerned with what he saw and recorded. The government considered him a “useful idiot” and beamed fake alien messages into his house and planted bogus UFO wreckage in the hills nearby that he was allowed to see. The Government’s black propaganda efforts were apparently to conceal actual alien related research in an effort to make Bennewitz seem crazy.

They succeeded in his case. The once sane Bennewitz eventually died in an asylum.

Don’t miss this eye-opening film about the callous and despicable disregard by our government of it’s concerned citizens. I don’t know any other way top put it.

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 27 to April 2, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

Lunch with a Spy: Rancho Mirage 17th Annual Literary Luncheon

L

ast week, the Rancho Mirage Public Library Foundation hosted its 17th Annual Literary Luncheon. Held at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, 330 people attended to enjoy lunch with a secret agent novelist.

Speaker Jason Matthews had a career in the Central Intelligence Agency that spanned over 33 years. He was a former officer in the Operations Directorate, which is now known as the National Clandestine Service. Matthews may be retired, but he isn’t done with espionage. Red Sparrow (Scribner, 448 pages) is Matthews’ first novel and it resembles his past career and the organizations he worked for and against.

The story is about Russian intelligence officer Dominika Egorova, who struggles to survive in the post-Soviet world. Against her will, she becomes a “Sparrow” – a trained seductress in the art of “sexpionage.” When she is assigned a young CIA officer, Nathaniel Nash, their worlds collide and a dangerous game of counter intelligence ensues.

Matthews made a few references and remarks about his book, but mainly spoke about the fascinating world and life inside the CIA. Both he and his wife held tandem positions in the secretive organization. The couple raised two daughters abroad.

Red Sparrow

By Jason Matthews Fiction

“People are very curious about what it is we do,” he said. “The short answer is we steal secrets. We steal secrets from governments to enable our leaders to make informed national security policy decisions.”

Matthews said intelligence work was similar to “clandestine journalism.” Like a reporter seeking a story, the intelligence officer recruits a source, gathers information but instead of publishing a story, files a report with Washington. Just as a journalist protects a source, so must the case officer.

“It’s different than Hollywood movies,” Matthews said. He defined the difference between agent and officer. An agent is a recruited foreigner who has accesses to secrets and will surreptitiously meet and share the secrets with officers like Matthews and his wife. “Recruitment by any intelligence service is an irrational act.

It’s counter intuitive,” said Matthews. “An

intelligence officer asks a prospective agent to break the laws of his or her country, to commit treason and in some cases take tremendous risk.”

Regarding a “Sparrow” school equivalent in the United States, Matthews said the US does not use sexpionage because an agent working under duress or coercion is unreliable and prone to disinformation.

Matthews spoke about how the CIA has developed an acronym for assessing human motivation and vulnerabilities when recruiting agents: MICE -- money, ideology, conscience and ego. He said the risk can be a blood sport and the survival rate of Russian and Eastern European agents was in his time 18 months. Matthews said the job was arcane and eclectic, experiential and intense.

After retirement, Matthews had to find something interesting to do, so he wrote Red Sparrow. He admits it was partly as therapy.

The book is fiction, but is a mosaic formed by his experiences. Matthews wanted to write a story like authors John LeCarre, Charles McCarry, Ian Fleming or Charles Cumming who were actually involved with intelligence work. He wanted to get away from the default plot of a former officer being chased by colleagues, and tell a story that would to be evocative of the old Cold War. Matthews signed a secrecy agreement with the CIA, which required that Red Sparrow be read by the CIA Publication Review Board to ensure no critical information was revealed.

Taking questions, Matthews was asked mostly about contempory issues and current events. Regarding Edward Snowden, he said he believes Snowden may have been recruited by the Russians and only five percent of the information he stole was about domestic surveillance!

Matthews felt that Snowden’s information may have been partly responsible for the NSA’s inability to anticipate Putin’s move into Crimea. “I think Snowden’s a traitor,” said Matthews. “He’s in a lot of trouble and when the Russians are done with him, they will crumple him up and toss him away.”

Questions were asked about Aldridge Ames, Francis Gary Powers, Jonathan Pollard and Valerie Plame. Matthews

was clueless about the disappearance of Malaysian flight 370 and didn’t intimate it was something clandestine.

Regarding Putin, Matthews said he was a modern day Stalin and despot. “What he did in Crimea is incomprehensible. He’s a nationalist,” said Matthews. “Maintaining his personal power and restoring the grandeur of Russia is a priority. He doesn’t want a resurgence of the old Russia, but wants to destroy NATO and weaken the Euro Atlantic alliance.” Matthews was asked about a sequel to Red Sparrow and if Putin would continue to play a big part in the story. He said he was considering an affair between Putin and his protagonist Dominika.

Now living here in the Coachella Valley, Matthews was happy to talk about his work and the notorious world of spycraft. In writing fiction, he has found a voice that still keeps him busy in the world of espionage.

“We were interested in Jason Matthews because of his topic and the fact that Russia is in the news,” said Susan Cook, Principle Librarian and Author Luncheon Committee member. “People are always fascinated with current events and we wanted something that would appeal to everybody.”

Rancho Mirage Public Library Foundation sponsored of the event. The foundation is the fundraising arm for the library and is the largest ongoing non-public supporter of the library.

Library Director David Bryant spoke before introducing Matthews. “We are in the golden age of the Rancho Mirage Public Library,” said Bryant. “I really believe that.

I think we have positioned ourselves in a marvelous community of very intelligent people and what we have to offer is truly extraordinary. What we offer is nurturing the human mind and how many place can say that.”

Matthews certainly provided provocative insight into the dangerous ever-shifting world we share.

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KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am Singles Night !!!

THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Michael Holmes Trio 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Open Mic w/ Esjay Jones, Sidebar 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Ben 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova Trio Jazz 6pm

continued from page 13

out the tunes from the album yet unnamed, recorded here in our desert. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

STEAK tries to stay away from sticking to the formulas of any particular genre or influence. They prove this beautifully with their 2012 release, “Corned Beef Colossus” which was recorded and produced by Truckfighters at their bombshelter/recording studio in a remote area of Sweden. Bassist Cam remembers fondly arriving to the shelter in the snow covered forest of Sweden just after midnight and said “it freaked the band out a little”. The resulting record produced such heavy metal psychedelic relics as “Acid Dave” and “The Butcher” which are savory consumption for the hard rock palate. The fuzzed out guitar tones are as much a result of finger expression as pedal expression as Reese deeply explores each idea and pushes it to the outer limits. Sammy is what a metal band wants in a drummer, precise, expansive, dynamic and powerful.

The rhythms are heavy and deep and the vocals are gritty and gorgeous. After listening to tracks in the studio at the end of our visit at Thunder Underground, I was left craving more meat! The track I heard was enthralling and exhilarating. Special desert friends dropped in to support Steak in the studio while they have been here. Gary Arce, John Garcia, and Arthur Seay all provide guest performances. I can’t wait for the record to be finished to see how the Palm Springs sunshine and the desert vibe seeps into their sound. I am betting it’s going to be the best continued from page 15

ruggedness of the California landscape. I consider myself a traditional artist influenced by the California Impressionists, particularly William Wendt and Benjamin Brown.”

Wherever Elaine travels, she finds abundant subject matter to paint from her singular, interesting viewpoint in evocative color, brushstroke, and composition.

“En Plein Air” or “Plein Art” is a French expression which means “in the open air” -- or, painting outdoors. Although artists have long painted outdoors, in the mid-19th century working in natural light became particularly important to the Barbizon school & Impressionism.

The popularity increased in the 1890’s with the introduction of paints in tubes.

Previously, painters made their own

STEAK I ever had.

THUNDER UNDERGROUND RECORDING STUDIO There are some legendary studios in the Coachella Valley and the high desert that have produced some amazing records.

Thunder Underground is one of them. Many of the new bands that have recorded there are actually comprised of desert players that have been seminal to the desert music scene. Bands like STEAK who have traveled all the way from the UK have put their creative vision in the hands of Thunder Underground.

They have a proven track record producing world class stoner rock, metal, space rock and more. Harper Hug is devoted to making the best record possible. Most of the clients they

take on at Thunder Underground are people that they have built relationships with over the years. Trevor credits John Garcia with influencing him to make the move from LA to Palm Springs 4 years ago. Their 20 plus year friendship helped expose Trevor (Whatever) to the amazing music coming out of the desert. John has had an equally impactful relationship with producer Harper Hug. It was at John’s suggestion that Harper go to London to record Desert Fest 2013. The live record offers the best of the best of the UK festival recorded live from the show and then brought home to Thunder Underground where it was mixed, mastered and put onto vinyl. The roster of the bands that have put their music in the hands of Trevor and Harper

March 27 to April 2, 2014 are: Vista Chino (John Garcia/Brant Bjork), Jesika VonRabbit, Zun (Gary Arce), Mars Red Sky, Unida, Brant Bjork, The Borderliners, Waxy, Mondo Generator, Steak, Nick Oliveri’s solo record (the rough mixes of that record smoke so bad you have to wear a gas mask!), and now John Garcia’s solo record which features a star-studded desert cast of guest characters. The seed planted by John Garcia and Kyuss all those years ago still blossoms today as they continue to inspire another generation of stoner rock bands. They created music that is timeless and at the nucleus of a genre, Desert Rock. Garcia, like so many of our desert’s influential players, still carries the torch for desert rock today.

I am waiting with great anticipation for his new solo record.

Find Unida on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/UnidaBand Kyuss on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/ Kyuss/105820622786192# Desert Fest (London) on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DesertfestLondon DESERT FEST 2013 LIVE RECORD www.thedesertfest.com/London Find STEAK on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/steakuk www.facebook.com/stonersteak Hell Fest 2014 (The lineup is almost hard to believe and includes Unida and House of Broken Promises!) rockerparis.blogspot.com/2013/12/ hellfest-2014-complete-line-up.html Thunder Underground Recording Studio www.facebook.com/kathug8

paints by grinding and mixing dry pigment powders with linseed oil. With the advent of the “Box Easel” (or “French Box Easel” or “Field Easel”), artists were able to take their easels and their tubes of paint to the great outdoors. Trekking outdoors to fields & forests, mountains, streams, oceans, with their large White Umbrellas, the Plein Air artists were able to capture the natural light & luminosity of their surroundings in their paintings. Elaine is a 21st Century Plein Air painter! She has continued a wonderful tradition in Impressionist Paintings.

Elaine Matthews lives in Rancho Mirage, Ca - Website: www.elaineartist.com; Email: elaineartist@yahoo.com. Elaine will be one of the Featured Artists in the upcoming Rancho Mirage Tour of Artists Homes/ Studios on Sat. April 12, 2014

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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No fooling! April 4 th is the next First Friday on El Paseo

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here is no better way to take in a spring evening in the desert than a stroll along El Paseo for First Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 4.

The street’s shops and galleries stay open a bit later as part of Palm Desert’s First Weekend promotion that runs through May. All events that night are free to attend and open to the public.

April’s First Friday is April 4, 2014, and includes: Art Walk: From Old Masters and sculpture to Pop art and emerging artists, the galleries along El Paseo celebrate the visual arts with receptions and exciting exhibits from 4 to 8 p.m.

Cruise Night: If you loved the cruisers in “American Graffiti,” you’ll want to be on El Paseo for this cruise night. More than 300 antiques, hot rods, classics and muscle cars take over the strip, in an orderly fashion, of course! The cars and their owners meet up

events

more than 250 shops and restaurants, including top national brand stores, unique local boutiques, cafes and dining from sandwiches and sushi to seafood and steaks. For more information on El Paseo, First Friday or a directory of stores, visit www.ShopElPaseoPalmDesert.com.

on the upper level of the parking garage at The Gardens on El Paseo at 3:15 p.m., at the corner of Larkspur and El Paseo, to chat and get organized and then cruising from 4 to 6 p.m.

Extended Shopping Hours: There is more time to explore the 250 amazing shops and boutiques along El Paseo on First Friday with shopping until 8 p.m. Not in the mood to walk? Take the Yellow Courtesy Cart to get to your favorite stores.

Free First Fridays at the Galen: If you

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Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

The Happiest People in the World

A

re you happy? The Founding Fathers of our great nation felt that the pursuit of happiness was an inalienable right and as such included this in our Constitution.

An independent group of scholars from around the world coordinated via The Earth Institute at Columbia University prepared a World Happiness Report and ranked the countries of the world in a quest for the happiest people.

Overall, sixty countries are happier, 41 less happy and 29 about the same than they were in 2007.

The ten happiest countries are: Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden,

haven’t yet discovered the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, First Friday is the night to catch the entertainment in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden and take advantage of the free admission from 4 to 8 p.m. to the museum at the corner of El Paseo and Highway 111.

The final First Friday of the 2013/2014 season will be May 2. First Friday will return next season!

At more than a mile in length, El Paseo is a shopping destination that offers

Canada, Finland, Austria, Iceland and Australia while the least happy was Togo followed by other vacation spots like Benin, the Central Africa Republic, Burundi, Rwanda and Syria.

Where was the United States?

Seventeenth. Other notables were Israel (11), New Zealand (13), Mexico (16), the UK (22), France (25), Germany (26), Russia (68), China (93), Iraq (105), India (111) and Egypt (130).

In formulating these results, they found that happiness essentially consists of your emotional feelings right now as well an evaluation of your life as a whole.

While you might think that money buys happiness, they found that mental health is the most important factor to happiness.

Next is a sense of well-being as well as robust social interaction with others. While money is an important component to happiness, it is not because of material things that wealth can provide but the ability to feed yourself and your family while being able to maintain one’s health in the avoidance of illness. Acts of altruism add to one’s good feelings as does the sense that you have the freedom to make your own choices in life. Corruption was seen as one of the greatest negative impacts on happiness.

Dale Gribow On The Law

20 SECRET WAYS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR ACCIDENT CASE

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

ast week we attempted to answer the question “What is my case worth?”

Today we learn 20 Secret Ways to Increase the Value of Your Accident Case.

A PI case is always about treating injuries and then about recovering the maximum amount of money for your pain and suffering.

You are entitled to as much money as your lawyer can get for you.

The TIPS below will help you get more money than your neighbors when you have an accident. l. Call the police. The police obtain information and lock in liability so you do not later have “a phantom wit”. Do not admit liability to the police or guesstimate speed. If you guess the speed at 45 mph and it turns out to be 15mph the defense will argue you exaggerated everything… including your injuries.

2. Write down the name, address, phone and email of all parties and witnesses.

3. Use your cell phone to take pix/video of the scene, the cars, everybody’s injuries, and take a statement of the other party and wits.

4. Go with paramedics via ambulance to the hospital & don’t be macho. Do not have your friend pick you up and/or drive there yourself.

5. Tell the ER and the treating doctors everything that hurts starting with the top of your head and working down to the bottom of

your toes.

6. Tell EACH doctor ALL of your symptoms.

If you do not tell the doctor everything and 3 weeks later remember to tell the doctor about a pain on your side, the insurance company will argue, how do we know the Victim did not slip and fall getting out of the shower and saying it was part of the accident!” If one of your biggest injuries is your inability to lift a young child whose hands go in the air to be picked up right after the doctor has told you not to lift that weight and you worry if this will damage the young child. Share that with your doctor and a psychologist.

7. Do not treat with your own doctor.

Your doctor may be a great physician but not be experienced in preparing a medical/ legal report which is essential to getting top dollar.

8. Do not take your car to the body shop of the insurance company or your neighbors for a “deal”. It is harder to settle a case with reduced property damage of $3500 than if the PD is $6500.

9. TAKE DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. A good attorney will tell clients to remove Facebook & other posts. When you claim injuries and post yourself golfing or playing tennis after you told the doctor about your pain it makes you look like a liar.

10. Do not miss doctor’s appointments. The defense will argue you were hurting you would

As it relates to the United States, the study found that the aggressive push for greater income in the United States during the Bush Administration came at the cost of greater corruption, greater mental illness and a lower sense of community due to a decline in ethics and trust.

All of the countries ranked ahead of the United States have lower income except for Norway. Scholars concluded that “hyper-consumerism” as experienced in the United States does not advance happiness as it causes excessive greed; less social cooperation for public goods (like healthcare); insufficient honesty (required for a stable financial system) and; insufficient concern for the poor. They further concluded that the United States will continue to be less happy so long as we have an inadequate social safety net and lowered ethical behavior in all walks of life.

A concerning consequence of hyperconsumerism is that workers are less stable in their jobs and increasing must relocate in

search of work. This has serious negative consequences on community and tears apart family units.

Another global concern is that increased time watching the television or using the Internet erodes social conductivity which is critical for happiness.

Lastly excessive hedonism leads to greater unhappiness, addictions and physical and mental illnesses.

So what creates more happy people?

Virtue Ethics. ‘Virtue Ethics’ is the respect for human life and the environment; justice and fairness, honesty and tolerance as well as mutual respect and working in partnership with others along with civility in business and government.

Happiness is improving most in Latin America and the Caribbean and least in the Middle East and North Africa. While the world as a whole is happier than it was seven years ago, the United States is less happy.

The study showed that happiness can best be found from the ancient teachings of Aristotle and Buddha. Helping others makes one happier themselves. Living a life of honesty and compassion are two critical traits toward personal happiness.

have kept your doctor’s appointment. The same is true when you delay medical treatment after the accident. You are decreasing the value of your case.

11. Dress nicely and be well groomed with clean nails and polished shoes when you have an appointment with an adjuster or have your deposition taken. My first job with an insurance defense law firm was to write a letter to the carrier describing the claimant. They want to know how “saleable” the victim will be to a potential jury as it is a factor.

12. Hire a local lawyer with lots of PI experience and is well respected in the community. A lawyer from out of town will not have the connections with the court and they will be more inclined to not drive down here for depo’s etc….and god forbid you want to meet with them to discuss your case!

13. Have your lawyer try to negotiate to reduce your medical and insurance liens. Every dollar they save goes to you not them.

14. Don’t give a statement. It can ONLY hurt your case if you are not 100% consistent in the future or if the adjuster writes down something incorrectly. Remember, the insurance co is not your friend.

15. Make a statutory policy limits demand when appropriate thus giving the insurance company 30 days to pay. Otherwise they arguably “open their policy” so that if the award comes in for more than the amount of insurance coverage they are on the hook and have to pay.

16. Review jury verdicts to see what other juries have awarded with a similar factual scenario in this county.

17. Read my Overview of an Accident Case to learn what happens on these cases. If you do not have one contact me via email or phone and I will send to you.

18. Hire a lawyer who understands how the insurance companies Colossus computer settlement program works.

19. Treat with an MD rather than a chiropractor for maximum value. An experienced doctor will order regular physical therapy rather than saying “take an aspirin for pain and come back in a month”.

20. Be Patient. Accident cases do not settle as quickly and for as much money as they did years ago.

Remember, When you drink don’t “Pull a Bieber” and get behind the wheel and have an accident (whether it is your fault or not) or get arrested for a DUI: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI…IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME! If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com

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March 27 to April 2, 2014

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safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.

How Are You Looking Lately?

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Gaemer Girl

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

Dark Souls II - Another Controller Down

T

he way you drive directly reflects the way you look says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The way you conduct yourself behind the wheel is how others view you. Let’s take a look…

Good looking drivers practice safe driving, are courteous and always follow the rules of the road. They are patient and deal effectively with the bad and ugly drivers.

They don’t speed, are not distracted by cell phones or others and are focused. They don’t drink and drive. They are responsible individuals and look good!

Bad looking drivers want to look good but are basically clueless. Easily distracted by their cell phone and passengers, they neglect paying attention to surroundings.

They are unaware of the rules of the road, pay no attention to their speed and never use turn signals. Unaware, clueless and preoccupied behavior places others at risk while looking bad and disheveled as a driver.

Ugly looking drivers feel entitled and have big ego’s. They are rude and have no regard for others. They care less about the rules of the road and more about them self.

28

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

EVENT CALENDAR

M

An all about ‘me’ mentality, they tailgate, speed, talk on the phone, text and never use turn signals. Cutting people off, they place everyone in harm’s way. Often projecting that look of “look at me, I need attention” gives them that ugly look!

So the next time you’re out and about driving, take a moment and ask yourself “how do I look today?”

For additional safe driving tips visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

arch Madness. There it is. Spelled out. A sum up in inky black type. Chic…

Final. Where white is the absence of color, black is a mashup of all colors on the palette, and unsavory on the palate unless your diet includes Caviar---salty and expensive and not good for your blood pressure. In any case, a conventional idiom since the 17th century, the month of March is known to “roar in like a lion and go out like a lamb,” That pretty much sums it up everywhere in the USA but California. Moreover, “Beware the Ides of March” is a familiar poetic, yet sad bleating in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” (Unfortunately, the title character missed the memo.) Further research revealed that “March Madness” was most recently defined as “the time of the annual NCAA college basketball tournament, generally through the month of March. Who knew? No one I knew.

Sigh. Romantic? Not.

E

veryone in gaming gets angry.

It’s just science. Laggy gaming, losing connection to hosts and, in the cases of Dark Souls and Dark Souls II, it’s the sheer terror of in-game death. I blame the game developers, who obviously love to see things break.

For instance, Dark Souls is the only game I’ve encountered in my career that caused me to break a controller. I was halfway through the game, and after slaughtering almost everything in my path, I was killed by a meandering skeleton I didn’t see behind me.

Normally, you just start at the previous check point, but the Dark Souls titles don’t utilize these to your benefit. You don’t get any.

This highly anticipated sequel developed by The Software, jumps right back into the story where Dark Souls had left off. You start by choosing one of eight characters, slimmed down from the ten choices offered in the original. Different enemies will provide many challenges and possibilities in game play. Pay attention, most enemies will give you clues to your survival in your first encounter with them. Some whimper from specifically forged weapon, and cower at the sight of the torch next to you.

Full character customization is a key development tool in your early success.

Agile characters might move faster, but you will not have the comfort that the Knight’s armor would provide you.

There are plenty of things to pick up on your exploration, and it’s imperative that you do so. Explore early, and find

things to boost you to max HP. As an ode to Dark Souls, dying early can be a harsh, blood boiling feat. You now have an additional penalty to dying. After one or two deaths, you will learn patience is a virtue. It isn’t that big of a deal, until you are stuck on a boss, and dying over, and over, and over, until your HP is just a speck in the distance.

In all, Dark Souls II is what sequels should strive to be: Seamless story integration, challenge, creative enemies and environments, all encased in a challenging marriage of art and ingenuity, and trimmed of excess nonsense. I loved playing Dark Souls II, and fortunately, I did not break a single controller :)

Friday, March 28. Recline/Design: Art and the Aesthetics of Repose, an exhibit featuring drawings, painting, photographs, and sculptures shows how the body’s posture enlivens artistic expression when captured.

Wait! There’s more! To complement, there will be a free screening of the film “Koolhaus Houselife, France, 2010,” a design masterpiece of contemporary architecture. The house was designed to accommodate the director’s father who was confined to a wheelchair and helped to “reassert the position of the French male within the family,” said architect Koolhaus. At the Palm Springs Art Museum, 72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert. For more info, including hours, call 760-346-5600. Or go to www.psmuseum.org Friday, March 28, Reception 5:30pm.

The American Documentary Film Festival to host Film and live opera event at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. A special Osher Lifelong Learning event will feature the opera extravaganza, “I Love to Sing,” the critically acclaimed South African documentary and performance film by Julie Cohen that focuses three of the first black opera students to attend a prestigious post-apartheid opera school for a year in the program. Critics called it “moving and inspiring.” The film serves as a stirring backdrop for the live musical performance by its stars in the campus’s Indian Wells Theater to conclude the evening. For info, call 760-341-2883, ext.14428 or78121.

For tickets, go to the film festival website, www.americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com, or call760-322-3689. The CSUSB Palm Desert campus is located at 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert.

Sunday, March 30, 9am-4pm. Vroom!

Vroom! Ready, set, go! It’s time for the thrilling Concourse Italiano, the world’s most

extensive exhibit of exotic Italian cars, now being launched for the first time by its creators in our desert, designated by the city of Palm Desert as an official event during Monterey Auto Week, and held at the Shadow Mountain Resort in Palm Desert. Celebrating everything Italian including cuisine and music, as well as swoon-worthy dream cars, this year it will celebrate Maserati’s 100th anniversary, as well as benefitting the nonprofit Desert ARC. Another first: Italian artist Monica Lotti will show her dynamic works of art inspired by her love of automobiles, remembering the auto body shops from visits with her father in her hometown of Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna.

Disdaining brushes, Lotti applies acrylics using spatulas with quick gestures for energetic works that are exhibited in fine museums and homes. General admission, $70, El Paseo Club tickets, including access to the exclusive Pavilion, $300. Retired military and Seniors with ID, $20 discount. Available at door. More info, go to www.desertconcorso.com

Wednesday, April 2, 11am-1:30pm.

Tune-Fool! Tune-in as “Fools Folly Goes to Broadway” for a musical afternoon to benefit The Well in the Desert as its major fundraiser of the year. Listen as professional (and surprise!) performers entertain diners singing favorite scores heard from the on stage along the iconic Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Great White Way. Enjoy the special menu by an award-winning chef! Applaud as Visionary Awards are presented to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, and the Volunteer of the Year 760-327-8577 award goes Reservations to Jim Fox.CallReservations, call 760327-8577. Table of Ten, $950. Individual seats, $95. The luncheon will be held at Spencer’s Restaurant, 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs.

Spencer’s Restaurant - Bougainvillea Room 701 W. Baristo Road • Palm Springs, CA 11:00 am to 1:30 p.m.

Visionary Awards Presented to Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Cabazon Band of Mission Indians

Volunteer of the Year Award Presented to Jim Fox Awards Sponsored by Leeds and Son

March 27 to April 2, 2014

Saturday – Monday, April 3 – 6, Multivenues, multi-times! All that Jazz is coming to town during Dinah Shore Weekend presented

by L&G Events. The Festival features over 30 national and international celebrated female jazz musicians who’ve earned their chops, from smooth jazz superstars trumpeter Cindy Bradley and saxophonist Pamela Williams, Grammy-nominated vocalist Perla Batalla, living blues legend, vocalist Lady GG, jazz guitar-great Mimi Fox, and so many others who are known in the rarified air of jazz music.

For tickets and info on the world-Class line-up, go to www.pswomensjazzfestival.com.

Thursday and Friday, April 3 & 4, 8pm.

Curtain up! With a powerful voice and presence, two-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone returns to the McCallum Theatre for two performances of her new show “Far Away Places, an eclectic mix of contemporary songs from the world of pop and Broadway, plus a selection of Paris and Berlin cabaret songs from the 1930s and the war years of the 1940s. Author of the New York Times best-selling autobiography Patti LuPone: a Memoir, the actress/singer recently starred in roadway’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. LuPone swept the 2008 theater awards winning the Tony, Drama Desk and the Outer Critic Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance for her performance as Rose in the acclaimed Broadway production of Gypsy. Tickets are $105, $85, $65 and $55 and are available online at the McCallum Theatre website, www. mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the box office 760-340-2787. The McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert.

Friday, April 4, 7pm. Hold on to your tiaras, ladies! But don’t bother practicing your curtsy when Indian Wells Theater welcomes “Three Queens of Hearts” to the stage. The trio are celebrated actresses, singers and irreverent gad-abouts Anna Maria Alberghetti, Ruta Lee and Mary Ann Mobley who gather front-andcenter at the footlights to do their thing proving they were born to entertain!. Alberghetti, who made her vocal debut at Carnegie Hall when she was 13 years old and was pronounced a singer with “the purest, loveliest sounds ever heard,” by the New York Times’ critic. Ruta Lee, the daughter of a Lithuanian tailor, has performed in film musicals (“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Funny Face”), film and TV dramas and comedies and on stage. Mobley, a former Miss America, has worked in film, television, Broadway, as a documentary filmmaker and in recurring TV roles and the Game Show Network. Tickets are $50. Call the Indian Wells Theater box office, 760-341-6909.

Parking is included. The Indian Wells Theater at Cal State Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St, Palm Desert.

Saturday, April 5, 4:30 – 7:30pm. “You’re invited to come casual or dressed to the nines, to the “Desert Chic Wine and Cheese Social,” given by the Twewntynine Palms Historical Society, in partnership with the Broadview Hacienda, as a benefit to continue to preserve the local history and culture, and to keep the doors of the Old Schoolhouse Museum open. Mike and Anne Congdon have opened Broadview for this event where guests, members and non-members can experience the beauty of this historic home while enjoying the camaraderie of old and new friends, and perhaps even learn about the right pairing of wines and cheeses. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served. Lift the pen to participate in a silent auction of irresistible treasures.

Minimum donation ticket, $25. Tickets will be available at Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Dr; Bowden Frame Shop, 73355 Sullivan Rd; Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce, 73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy. All in 29 Palms.

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

29

March 27 to April 2, 2014

Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Denise Ortuno Neil

The American Cancer Society’s Desert Spirit Gala, a Celebration Event

I

t is a reality that most of us have been faced with. We have either known someone who has personally fought the menacing disease, know someone who has lost their life to it, or have even battled it in our own body. Whichever the case, the degree of separation from cancer is small. But for 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been on the front lines of the fight against cancer, and will be celebrating their century long efforts in tandem with their marquis fundraising event, the 25th annual Desert Spirit Gala.

The American Cancer Society established the Desert Sprit Gala 25 years ago. The event is put forth to assemble hundreds of business leaders and the community, to recognize the strides that have been accomplished in the fight against cancer and as a progressive fundraiser to continue the organizations incredible efforts. The Desert Spirit Gala is in the top 5 of American Cancer Society chapter galas and has raised $1 million to date.

This year’s Desert Spirit Gala will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sunday, March 30th starting at 5:30pm.

The event’s logo and theme is “Picturing a World Without Cancer” which encapsulates the American Cancer Society’s purpose.

The aesthetic theme is geared towards a Hollywood Oscar night, as explained by

30

event co-chair, Melissa Neiderman, “It will have Hollywood glamour and we’re having fun with it, complete with a red carpet,” said Neiderman.

The event will start with a cocktail reception and have Frank DiSalvo on hand for entertainment. The night moves forward with dinner which includes top desert restaurant stations that include; Casa de Frida, Cliffhouse, El Mirasol, Spencer’s, Le Vallauris, JIAO, Kaiser Grille, Wally’s Desert Turtle, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, plus many others.

The stations provide for a more interactive evening opposed to the traditional sit down dinner, “It’s more of a social event where you get to talk to people who are not at your table,” said Neiderman.

Bobbie Eakes will open entertainment during dinner followed by the New Sensations Band for the duration of the night.

The evening program includes appearances by Honorary Chairs Gavin Macleod, his wife Patti, and actress/singer Kaye Ballard. KESQ News Channel 3 Anchor Karen Devine is emcee for the event, with Local CBS 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans and All My Children’s Walt Willey as celebrity auctioneers, for the fundraising auction. Alex Newell from “Glee”, whose father was taken by the disease, will be involved in the “I am Your Dollar” part of the program, where attendees come up to the stage and briefly say why they are part of the American Cancer Society.

The event will have four honorees who will receive awards. Sally West Brooks will be given the “Celebration of Life Award” for her part in helping to create and co-founding the Desert Chapter of the American Cancer Society and for her superior fundraising efforts of her and her late husband, Dr. Marvin Brooks, who passed away from cancer this year.

Music star Naomi Judd will receive the “Inspiration Award” for sharing her own fight against cancer with the world.

Jackie Lee Houston’s daughter-in-law, Lisa Houston will be given the “Jackie Lee Houston Award” for her support of the organization.

Patricia Carr Bosley, whose husband Tom Bosley from the television show “Happy Days” passed away from cancer, will be given the “Caregiver Award” for the tireless care that she gave her husband during his battle.

Tickets are being sold for the event at $300 per person with tables seating 10 available for $3,300 which include advertisement in the evening’s program.

With cancer touching everyone’s lives

in one way or another, it is imperative that the fight against the nefarious disease continues. It has been a 100 years that the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to eradicating the disease, through research, education and assisting those fighting for the lives. With the public’s ongoing generosity and community efforts in supporting the American Cancer Society, we get closer to winning the battle, and it is with that togetherness that grows our “Spirit” of humanity.

For more information and tickets visit www.desertspirit.net For information about the American Cancer Society visit www.cancer.org

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of March 27

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I have coined a new word just for your horoscope this week. It’s “zex,” short for “zen sex.” Zex is a kind of sex in which your mind is at rest, empty of all thoughts.

You breathe slowly and calmly, move slowly and calmly, grunt and moan slowly and calmly. You are completely detached from the sensual pleasure you are experiencing. You have no goals other than the intention to be free of all goals. Zex is the ONLY variety of sex I recommend for you right now, Aries.

APRIL FOOL! I lied. Zex may be fine to practice at any other time, but not these days. The style of sex you need most is exuberant, unbridled, expansive, and even zany.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In Somalia, there’s a law that forbids you from putting your used chewing gum on your nose and walking around in public.

Fortunately, you don’t live there, so it’s fine if you want to do that. In fact, I encourage you to go right ahead. To do so would be right in alignment with the cosmic omens. APRIL FOOL! I lied. You should definitely not take yourself too seriously this week; you should look for opportunities to playfully lose your dignity and razz the status quo. But there are craftier ways to do that than by sticking gum on your nose.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Tata Massage is a salon in San Francisco that provides an unusual beauty treatment: face-slapping. The Thai masseuse named Tata claims to be improving your complexion as she smacks your cheeks and forehead with her hands. She also does “massage boxing,” in which she administers health-giving punches to your body with her fists. Is there a comparable service available where you live? I highly recommend it.

APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s the truth: You should be absolutely firm that you won’t tolerate whacks and wallops -- including the psychological kind -- even if they are supposedly good for you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Now would be an excellent time to launch a new tradition or instigate a fresh trend or make a beautiful thing that will last for a thousand years. I’m talking about an amazing marvel or useful innovation or unique creation that will improve the lives of countless humans all over the planet for the next 40 generations. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating a bit. Producing something that will last a thousand years is too ambitious.

How about if you simply launch a new tradition or instigate a fresh trend or create a beautiful thing that will last for the rest of your long life -- an amazing marvel or useful innovation or unique creation that will continue to teach and amuse you all along the way?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your patron saint for the next three months is surrealistic artist Salvador Dali. Regard him as your muse and role model. In fact, you might want to spout some of his famous declarations as if they were your own. Start with these: 1. “The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad.” 2. “I do not take drugs; I am drugs.” 3. “Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature.” 4. “Have no fear of perfection.

You’ll never reach it.” APRIL FOOL! I lied. Salvador Dali is your patron saint, role model, and muse for only the next 14 days, not three months.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You know how Jesus could supposedly turn water into wine? Well, St. Brigit, a sixth-century Irish nun, was legendary for an even greater miracle. When visitors came to her monastery in Kildare, she changed her old bathwater into beer for them to drink. I think there’s a good chance you will develop that precise talent sometime soon. APRIL FOOL! I kind of lied.

You won’t really possess St. Brigit’s supernatural power. However, you will have an uncanny ability to make transmutations that are almost as dramatic as changing bathwater to beer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The band Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last May. Guitarist Alex Lifeson delivered an unusual acceptance speech. For the two minutes he spoke, he repeated one word endlessly: “blah.” “Blah-

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

blah-blah,” he began. “Blah-blah-blah blah-blah blah-blah.” Many hand gestures and shifting vocal inflections accompanied his rap, always in support of variations on “blah-blah.” This is the spirit you should bring to all of your important conversations in the coming week. APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, the opposite is true. It’s crucial for you to speak very precisely and articulately in the coming week. Say exactly what you mean. Don’t rely on meaningless bullsh-- like “blah-blah.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When a human embryo begins to develop in the womb, the very first body part that appears is -- can you guess? -- the anus. This scientific fact led the witty commentators at QI.com to declare that “Every human being starts out as an assh---.” They were making a joke, of course, hinting that every one of us has an unattractive quality or two that make us at least a little bit of a jerk. That’s the bad news, Scorpio. The good news is that you now have an unprecedented chance to transform the assh--- aspects of your personality. APRIL FOOL! I lied. You’re not an assh--, not even a little bit. But it is true that the coming weeks will be an excellent time to try to fix or at least modulate your least attractive qualities.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To be in strict compliance with cosmic necessity, you should attend a party every day in the coming week. Dance ecstatically, make love abundantly, and expose yourself to previously unknown pleasures. Feast on a wide variety of food and drink that introduces you to novel tastes. Make sure you experience record levels of sensual enjoyment, nonstop excitement, and dynamic socializing. APRIL FOOL! I’m exaggerating, although just a little. Try doing a 70-percent version of what I advised.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Lifehacker.com has a step-by-step guide to set up your home as a command center where you can pursue your plans for world domination. The article provides advice on how to build a surveillance system, encrypt your computer files, and prepare for black-outs and weather emergencies. Do it, Capricorn! Get the lowdown at http://bit.ly/secretlair. APRIL FOOL! I lied. You don’t really need to create a high-tech fortress. But you would be wise to make your home into more of an ultra-comfortable, super-inspiring sanctuary -- a place where you feel so safe and strong and smart that you will always have total power over yourself, and never feel driven to fulfill anyone else’s standards of success but your own.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The planetary omens suggest that you need to experience all possible flavors of Doritos corn chips. Here’s the problem: The place where you live offers only a limited range. That’s why I urge you to drop everything and travel to Japan, which is the world leader in Dorito variety. There you can sample coconut curry-flavored Doritos, along with fried chicken, corn soup, smoked bacon, tuna and mayonnaise, and many others. Buy your plane ticket now! APRIL FOOL! I lied. The truth is, you will benefit from communing with a wide variety of sensations and experiences and ideas in many areas of your life, not just Doritos.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): According to a survey by Public Policy Polling, four percent of the population believes that “shape-shifting reptilian people control our world by taking on human form and gaining political power to manipulate our societies.” My own research suggests that 62 percent of those believers are Pisceans. Are you one? If so, now is a good time to intensify your fight against the shape-shifting reptilian people. APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, I strongly encourage you NOT to feed your paranoid delusions and fearful reveries.

This should be a time when you bolster your positive fantasies, constructive visions, and inspiring dreams.

Homework: Describe what you’d be like if you were the opposite of yourself. Write Freewillastrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

March 27 to April 2, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

PROPS TO YOU

F

rom mats to straps, blankets and blocks, bolsters and eye pillows.

Props help ensure support to deepen your practice. Greater support means heightened awareness, greater movement and an increased flow of energy in your practice. Sometimes we need a little extra help and props enable us achieve our overall goal or end result. vThose new to yoga may ponder why all the gear?

The first yoga prop you will need to acquire is a yoga mat often referred to as a “sticky mat.” I adopted my mat fourteen years ago and use the same one to this day.

I without remorse love my mat. Or, perhaps I should reference my mat as my magic carpet.

Abundant magic has happened on my mat the past fourteen years. Owning a mat is important. Your mat will give you stability, traction and support.

Yoga blocks are essential to your yoga practice. Yoga blocks come in different shapes, sizes, colors and firmness. They are ideal for beginners. The block can help support the student in numerous postures.

The block allows the student to experiment at different levels in standing or seated postures. A block can also be useful for restorative postures.

Bolsters come in different sizes and shapes. A bolster provides support especially in restorative yoga classes. They are also wonderful for deep stretching and helpful with supporting your back, belly, hamstrings and chest. Typically they are firm and dense, lending exceptional support.

Straps come in different lengths. The strap allows you to facilitate your goal.

Imagine you are seated on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. You are precluded from touching your toes.

Wrap the strap around the bottom of your feet, hold onto the strap, and lengthen your chest towards the top of your thighs. The strap simply gives you the confidence that you can reach and extend a little more.

Blankets are exceptionally helpful for your yoga practice. Many students shy away from using blankets simply because they do not know what to do with them. A blanket can be of help to anyone’s practice to get grounded, offer support and much more. Using a blanket is helpful for a seated meditation. While seated on the blanket your hips can release and relax as well help extend your spine. Seated on the blanket prevents rounding in the back. Blankets support you in challenging postures such as pigeon (a hip opener). Threading a blanket under the hip eases any sensations of pain, pressure or pulling in pigeon posture. Plus, blankets are comforting. Placing the blanket under your knees in savasana supports the lower back.

If you are new to yoga, props may be an essential component to your practice. I love the support that props lend to the practice.

Join a yoga class near you and experience the joy of the practice.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga in La Quinta. www.e-volveyoga.com (760) 564-YOGA ~ 50-991 Washington Street, La Quinta

31

March 27 to April 2, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Kismet, Karma or Just Plain Hard Work?

I

t was an exciting week for two of my peers, both received calls “out of the blue” alerting them to exciting job opportunities. Coincidentally neither one was in an active job search. I chuckle and wear my secret grin when we think the gods of serendipity randomly smile on us sending good karma our way. In reality, interesting prospects rarely have anything to do with chance. My explanation is anchored in this quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson. “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

I would bet money the two individuals experiencing good fortune earned it. They both employ solid networking strategies in person and online. To prove my point I did a quick search on LinkedIn, the “go-to” social networking business platform. My research revealed both have completed profiles, a significant number of connections and some impressive recommendations.

Additionally, these ladies understand networking is about sincere reciprocity.

Posted on each individual’s profile were numerous recommendations they wrote for others. It is important to mention if I were to call either one of them for help I would get their immediate assistance.

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Ask The Doctor

by dr peter kadile

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

Dr. Kadile will be writing a regular column for CV Weekly. Please send any medical questions you have to editor@coachellavalleyweekly.com for him to answer.

Have you tried counting sheep?

Dear Dr. Kadile, I have difficulty

sleeping sometimes. What is the minimum amount of time a person needs to sleep? -Joan, Indian Wells

Feeling envious and thinking you want to attract these kismet opportunities? Begin by developing a network composed of people who know and trust you. Building a network is by no means a solitary event.

Savvy business people treat networking as a life-long journey. Think of it as a courting process. The initial “connection” is like a first date; a time set aside to meet and get to know an individual. As the courtship continues you develop a friendship, a sense of trust and arrive at the point where you can ask for assistance, required information, an introduction to someone outside of your network, etc. Always be sensitive to the needs of others. Who in your circle is in a job search? How can you help? Whose business can you refer to your friends?

Expanding your network is a continual process. Keep the momentum going by attending both live and online networking events whenever possible. Check-in with social networks such as LinkedIn often. You can correspond with others by reaching out with a quick email or forwarding a link to an interesting article. Warning: do not get overly comfortable with online relationships. Pick up the phone from time to time or arrange a lunch or coffee date.

Keep your connections fresh and your outreach flowing and don’t be surprised when a bolt out of the blue strikes you.

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

Joan, adequate amount of sleep is extremely important for a person’s overall well-being. Poor sleep or not enough sleep adversely affects a person’s health, physically and mentally. The necessary amount of sleep needed varies from individual to individual, but studies have generally agreed that the average amount of time for quality sleep for an adult is seven to eight hours a night. Again, this can vary depending on age, gender and race. For example, my wife needs at least eight hours of sleep a night in order to function, while I can do well on six hours.

Whenever patients see me complaining about difficulty sleeping, I will start off by educating them about proper “sleep hygiene”. Lifestyle modifications are very important when treating insomnia.

-Establish consistent times when to go to bed and get up, maintain the schedule even on weekends -Try and maintain a nightly, relaxing routine before going to bed -Create a dark, quiet and cool environment that is conducive for sleep; comfortable mattress, pillow, sheets.

-Avoid watching television, using a computer or reading in bed -Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed -Exercise regularly -Avoid caffeine, high carbohydrate and alcohol products close to bedtime.

Dear Dr. Kadile, what is a good dose for melatonin? -Ann, La Quinta Ann, melatonin is a natural hormone supplement that can assist with sleep. It is

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 27 to April 2, 2014

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not meant to be like a traditional “sleeping pill”. Melatonin is naturally produced in your brain and tells your body that it’s nighttime and time to go to bed and sleep. It works best for frequent travelers, shift workers or anyone that knows they are going to have a major shift in their sleep schedule.

Unlike sleeping pills, the higher the dosage of melatonin does not necessarily improve one’s sleep. I typically see over the counter dosages of melatonin ranging from 3mg to 10mg. Patients will frequently complain to me that they have taken the maximum available dosage and still have difficulty sleeping. The widely available over the counter doses are way too high. Melatonin should actually be started at the lowest possible dose, I recommend starting at 0.3mg to 1mg. Higher doses of melatonin may actually disrupt sleep and may also cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or irritability.

Dear Dr. Kadile, I am having trouble going to sleep. My uncle tells me to just have a cocktail or two before bedtime. Is that a good idea? -Ron, Palm Springs

Ron, no, it’s not a good idea. While alcohol can cause drowsiness and sleepiness, it actually disrupts quality sleep by interfering with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is when we dream and is the restorative part of sleep. Drinking alcohol before bed, not good.

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