we used to say live and let live
As
if 2.4 million annual visitors per year, Childish Gambino’s sold-out all-night concerts, a shiny new national monument, Desert Daze (which we enjoyed listening to—from three miles away), a story on what to see and do in JT—in GQ, and a host of finely bearded hipsters and fauxhemians wandering about town looking like trendy Amish tourists, weren’t enough to remind us our beloved little corner of the Mojave is most definitely undergoing some drastic changes, Sir Paul McCartney arrived recently to perform at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, in beautiful downtown Pioneertown. Though the show was reportedly supposed to be intended by the McCartney folks for locals, that definition evidently included all of Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the Inland Empire, promoted on plenty of non-local media, like KCRW, which probably picked up the news because it was announced to the entire world on McCartney’s own website. This resulted in slightly more “locals” showing up for tickets than Pappy’s could handle, though on some weekends, it does seem like all of southern California is there. Our sources told us traffic was building in and around Pi-town shortly after the 10 a.m. announcement on Thursday, October 13. Later accounts from locals ranged from ecstatic (they got a ticket, or they informally listened to the performance from outside, which included a sound check in the Likker Barn down on Mane Street) to bitter commentary on how the line for tickets was handled, though trying to manage that crowd had to be a security nightmare. There was a guest list that ensured some locals did get in, and we’re pleased that Pioneertown’s Linda Herzel not only got in to the performance, but also received the set list from the concert (though someone reportedly tried to grab it from her). Overall, most hi-desert locals seemed to be quite pleased with having Sir Paul play an intimate concert at Pappy & Harriet’s, one of the smallest venues he’s played since his Cavern Club days (I’ve been there and it’s a bit claustrophobic for my taste). Kudos to Robyn and Linda for pulling off a magical night at Pappy’s and adding to the ongoing mystique of the hi-desert’s iconic musical roadhouse. Mane Street may never be the same. –SB Have a hi-desert photo or story you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to us at: tortoisetelegraph@gmail. The ol’ Tortoise would love to hear from you!
In this issue:
You know we did, you know we did, you know we did...
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ere’s our Tortoise Telegraph photo of Sir Paul McCartney touring Pioneertown prior to his concert with none other than big Beatles fan, Vladimir Putin (Photo courtesy of www.kremlin.ru). Putin was taking a break from the US presidential campaign circuit and had been taking in the Desert Trip concerts in the low desert when he heard the announcement Sir Paul would be playing Pappy & Harriet’s. Putin was exhausted after standing in line for over three hours to get his ticket, but is reported to have enthusiastically enjoyed the performance, at one point pulling off his shirt to join Sir Paul on stage for a duet of All You Need is Love (and nukes). OK, this photo is really from a trip Sir Paul made to Russia in 2003, but since we weren’t trendy and hip enough like those non-hi-desert publications to get a press pass for the McCartney concert at Pappy & Harriet’s, this’ll have to do. Both Pappy’s and McCartney’s people ignored our media request for a photo, so you get Putin. See what happens when we don’t get invited to stuff? Tortoises are sensitive little beasties, after all. The photo below, sent to us by our actual friend and associate (Chris) Brewster, is as close as we got to the McCartney concert since we didn’t have a day free to stand in line, and yes, that’s security coming towards Brewster to chase him off. All we can really say about the McCartney concert is, ‘Nice buses, dude.’ Brewster was rewarded (not by us) with passes to Desert Trip where he got some really cool photos that we’re not going to print because they’re from the low desert and we don’t do low desert. That’s just how we are—all hi-desert, all the time.
artist snake jagger continues his true life story in the second installment of becoming snake jagger
joshua tree music fest was fantastic, of course. so was the hwy 62 open studio art tours
the weed show is blooming in 29! Plus november festivals & events, yucca chamber gets its own big top, the land trust wants to #protect62...
Stay in touch with the Tortoise! www.jttortoisetelegraph.com
help stop vandalism and theft in our national parks - put the national park service tipline# in your cell phone: 888-653-0009 1
The Musical Magic of Fall
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s the cholla needles turn golden and fall, the buzzards and tarantulas migrate south for the winter, autumn comes to the hi-desert. But we celebrate the passing of the seasons with some of the world’s best music, thanks to the Joshua Tree Music Festival. This fall’s festival didn’t disappoint, bringing in bands like Mokoomba, from Zimbabwe, who were nothing short of fantastic, another world class group like this past spring’s DakhaBrakha from the Ukraine. These are internationally famous groups being brought to Joshua Tree where you can get up close and personal with them, instead of watching them on a giant TV screen from half a mile away. Mokoomba’s performance was delivered with an intensity that was invigorating and inspiring. If Africa exported nothing but Mokoomba and Jagwa Music’s (from Tanzania) high energy songs, it would be more than enough to justify the continent. We’re incredibly blessed to have groups like these perform here at home. If you missed this fall’s JT Music Fest, don’t despair. Just mark your calendar for May 18-21 and October 5-8, 2017 and check www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com for band lineups and ticket information.
The sun sets on the Joshua Tree Music Festival, top. Mokoomba can’t stand still—and neither can the audience, above. Photos by Steve Brown. One of numerous artists at the festival works into the night, right. Festival magic in the night, above left. Photos by Chris Brewster. Regal Pooch had their festival premier this fall, far left. And local artist Shari Elf provided a place to wait for your weary soul, left. photos by steve Brown. have a favorite festival photo? Send it to tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com and we may find a place for it in the next issue!
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Piper Robison, bassist for Gene Evaro Jr., gets a little green at the Joshua Tree Music Festival while laying down the groove for a superbly delivered set. Photo by Steve Brown. The Kolars, a two-member band, features Rob Kolar on guitar, and Lauren Brown literally on drums. Photo by Chris Brewster.
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Tales from the tortoise
becoming snake jagger By Snake Jagger
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by way of introduction
he desert produces some fascinating creative spirits, and often, they have stories as interesting and varied as themselves and their work. Whenever possible, we like to share those stories with our readers to give you a deeper look down the tortoise hole, into the minds and souls of our friends and hi-desert neighbors. I’ve known Snake Jagger for quite a few years now, and his artwork has been featured on the cover of our sister publication, The Sun Runner. He’s featured in our Morongo Valley episode of our TV series, Southwest Stories, doing lip-ups and talking about Frank Sinatra and his Dad, lip synching competively, and being a pirate, something we share (it’s a long story). Snake is a uniquely talented desert artist with a penchant for creating desert scenes of orderly, sometimes raked, desert landscapes, with the occasional UFO, doorway, or even a rake, included. It’s what he calls whimsical surrealism, and the name fits. He has a playful painting style that is a perfect match for his personality. But don’t just listen to me. Read Snake’s story in his own words. I’ve done minimal editing because I like to let people tell their story their way. He’s working on a book, so the Tortoise Telegraph is serializing his story in this, and upcoming, issues. It’s a great way to get to know Snake, and it’s a hell of a ride. You can also peruse Snake’s online gallery and shop online at www.snakejagger.com. And yes, that’s one of his works in our masthead. – Steve Brown
Chapter 3
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hen I was seven, my dad divorced my mom. It was front page news in the LA Times. Because of the SINATRA connection. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Like a move or TV drama you see all the time, parents arguing, my dad saying he’s calling a lawyer, mom crying and me standing in the hall watching. From then on we would see our dad about once or twice a year. Whenever he would come driving up our street in one of Sinatra’s cars, all the kids on the block would go running and screaming, Mr. Jacobs! I would always start crying. I loved my dad so much and wanted him in my life, to be with him always. I just couldn’t help myself. I would always say that I had a bad headache, to excuse my tears. He would pick us up and take us to his bachelor pad on Larabee in Hollywood, that is where I was mostly influenced to be a neat freak. I wanted to be just like my dad. Other times we would go to one of Sinatra’s houses in Bel Air, or up Mulholland Drive to his house up there. I remember walking around the Mulholland house outside, where there was a Japanese garden. That stuck in my mind as well, the way things were placed so nice and neatly. So manicured. I think that’s another reason I paint my landscapes like I do. Everything in its place. Clean and tidy. On another occasion we met Mr. S at the Bel Air house. I remember him walking down this grand staircase in his silk robe. We (my brother Guy and I, I’m not sure my little brother Sean was there or not) met Mr. S, who talked to us, then reached into a golf bag that was standing there. It was filled to the rim with silver dollars. He gave each of us a handful. We were amazed and thankful. I fondled those coins like buried treasure for months afterwards. Mr. S was a short, little man. I was taller than him and I was only around 12. We of course realized how big he was in the
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world of entertainment. But I always thought he was much bigger than that from his movies. He was always nice to us kids. One time, in Palm Springs, he told my dad he was taking us for a ride. We all got into a golf cart-looking vehicle. We went into Cathedral city, and he told us about his new movie, The Naked Runner. We ended up going to Uncle Don’s toy store. We all went in. Guy and I walked around looking at things. Mr. S told us to get whatever we wanted. My brother was looking at a slot car, when we both noticed it was around $13 or so. Guy said, "It’s too expensive." Mr.S was standing in the next aisle over, and we heard him say, "Buy it!." All the people in the store laughed. We got the slot car among other things. We spent more time at Mr Sinatra’s house in the desert on Wonder Palms than any other house of his. I really loved coming down to the desert. Back then it was a dry heat, it felt good and healthy, not weighing on you like it does nowadays, especially with more humidity than it used to have. More golf courses we used to say. I particularly enjoyed going around to all the rooms in his house, exploring and peeking in here and there. Most of the rooms seemed dark and mysterious. The house always felt cold. Not cold like no life there, but nice and cold like it was being preserved, and it was a big relief from the heat outside. I realized that this was a famous person’s house. I would sneak into his bedroom and just look, everything was super neat and tidy. Nothing at all out of place. Everywhere. He had about a hundred paintings in the dining room, a lot of Red Skelton paintings of hobo’s, and some of his abstract paintings. I think maybe I appreciated my friend Rainbow Bill later when I was in high school, because of those images of hobos I viewed in Mr. Sinatra’s dining room. The living room had a huge bowl on the coffee table, it had every brand of cigarette you could want. That stuck in my head, why I don’t know. I hated smoking. My dad and mom both smoked, and many times I would complain because the smoke gave me a big headache. Thankfully they both stopped—eventually. Back in those days it was considered cool to smoke I guess. But it was the idea of having anything your guests would ever desire, at hand, that struck me.
Frank Sinatra at Liederkranz Hall, New York, 1947, above. Courtesy of William P. Gottlieb/Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Fund Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress. Snake’s father on the road with Mr. S, right. Mr. S relaxing, below.
continued on page 7
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Chapter 4
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e had a huge kitchen, I had never seen a walk in refrigerator before. Whenever we wanted something to eat or drink, all we had to do was go ask the kitchen staff or go into the fridge or pantry ourselves and take whatever. He had stacks of food, and cereals and everything, all kinds of variety. Then there was the train caboose, which housed his train sets. That was close to the helicopter pad. He also had his own private movie screening room. It was very comfy and cozy, big fluffy couches to sit on to watch movies or enjoy a drink at the bar. My brother and I would have a Shirley Temple. One time Mr. S came in and treated us to a Tony Rome movie. Just like in a James Bond movie, he would flip a light switch, and a big painting on one wall would slide downward exposing the three little windows that the movie played through. Another switch opened the curtains on the opposite wall, just like in a movie theatre. There was a giant screen, and we proceeded to watch Mr. S in his movie. Talk about feeling special. I really think that my exposure to my dad’s bachelor pad and Mr Sinatra’s homes had a huge impact on me later in life. It’s what made me want to live like that, neat, clean and tidy, and everything in its place. I would always say, "we are not rich, in fact we are kind of poor, but we don’t have to live like that, even poor people can live in a clean place." It makes you feel rich. Even when I lived in a tent for five years in the mountains below the [Palm Springs Aerial] tram, my place was neat and tidy, and I had a manicured little cactus garden, somewhat like the gardens I experienced at the Wonder Palms house. It’s also why I developed my signature style of painting, those manicured desert landscapes. Everything in its place.
Editor/Publisher/telegraph operator: Steve Brown Assistant to the editor: Juliet, the cat Photos by: Steve Brown, chris brewster Distribution: by tortoise, of coursus Submit story ideas, photos for consideration, dining/shopping/lodging/favorite places and event photos to: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com advertising inquiries: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com or 760-820-1222 (voice or text) see the advertising page at www.jttortoisetelegraph.com for pricing and specs. distribution inquiries: tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com join the tortoise telegraph online at: www.jttortoisetelegraph.com, on facebook at: www.facebook.com/jttortoisetelegraph on instagram at: www.instagram.com/jttortoisetelegraph join the sun runner, the journal of the real desert, online at: www.sunrunnersw.com on facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheSunRunner join southwest stories with steve brown online at: www.southweststories.us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/RealDesert
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thanks for joining us!
Keep it real! 7
135 Artists, Nearly 100 Studios & Galleries
Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours Remains the Hi-Desert’s
Premier Cultural Event
SUNRUNNER THE JOURNAL OF THE REAL
hwy 62 open studio
art tours
reservation
road trip
the best of
ridgecrest
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he 2016 Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours proved again why it remains the premier cultural event for the hi-desert. With more than 135 participating artists showing their work at nearly 100 studios and galleries, the free two weekend tours allow the public to connect directly with artists while experiencing their work in depth. Virtually all media was on display this October for art fans, ranging from the relatively straightforward— painting, sculpture, pottery, drawing, basketry, and gourd art, to the more eclectic, including Scott Doten’s Studio Shangri La drive-in, a work in progress that comes across as a post apocalyptic fifties drive-in. Our thanks to all the artists and the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council for all their hard work that went into making the 15th annual art tours such a success. We’ll be back next year! Current Sun Runner cover artist, Marcia Geiger, above, at her Landers studio with the magazine cover inset. Photographer Bill Dahl and poet Cynthia Anderson, an incredibly talented couple, top right. The crystalline glazed porcelain pottery of nichole vikdal, above right, and nichole vikdal, right. gourd artist and morongo basin cultural arts council president paul klopfenstein with basket artist kathi klopfenstein, making another incredibly talented couple, above right, with an example of paul’s work, above outer right. snake jagger’s 3d sci-fi tv, outer right. artist scott doten and photographer georgia toney at shangri la studios in north joshua tree, below. doten’s drivein installation, bottom right.
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DESERT
$1.95
Fall 2016
The Weed Show Blooms November 5-6 in 29
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his November 5-6 marks the return of the wild, homegrown arts festival, the Weed Show. Grown in Twentynine Palms, the Weed Show has its roots in a 1940 predicament, with the debut of the annual event coming in 1941. The Weed Show incorporates the use of desert flora (and sometimes fauna), along with hi-desert found object style art pieces, resulting in an art show unlike any other. It’s one of our alltime favorite art shows! This year’s theme is the Jumping Cholla Book Club, based around literary genres. Awards are given out in nine categories, along with a People’s Choice award decided by visitors to the show. This year’s categories include Romance (using purple glass), Horroher (broken purple glass), Fantasy, Science Fiction (miniature compositions), Adventure (using a travel-related item, Suspense (weathered wood and a rusted item), History (old stuff as an accessory), Text Books (a learning item), Paranormal (using a unique rock or mineral), Large Print (oversized outdoor entries), Picture Books (for kids eight and under), and Comic Books (for kids nine - 12).
The Weed Show is free, and open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, at the Old Schoolhouse Museum at 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms. You can get more information and view photos of past Weed Show entries at www.29palmshistorical.com.
2015 People’s Choice award-winner, Starr Bassion, receiving her award from Larry Bowden, top. Bassion’s composition, above. Bassion getting the news about her award, below. Photos courtesy of the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and the 2015 Weed Show.
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Why We Support Yucca Valley’s Measures Y & Z
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e don’t like to get political in the Tortoise Telegraph, especially this year when it usually seems like no matter who gets elected, nobody wins. But locally, the Town of Yucca Valley has put two sales tax measures on the ballot for this November, and though we don’t live in the town, we definitely shop and do business there, so these two measures—Y and Z—will directly impact our bank accounts. If passed, Measure Y would add a .5 percent sales tax for 10 years to purchases made in Yucca Valley. The funds would support public safety, infrastructure maintenance, senior and youth programs and other town services. The revenues raised are estimated to be at $1.5 million annually, with annual audits and citizen oversight. Since we like the idea of a Yucca Valley with safe neighborhoods, better roads, and better services for its citizens, we don’t mind paying a little extra when we shop in Yucca Valley. Measure Z would add an additional .5 percent sales tax, also for 10 years, to help reduce the cost to taxpayers to fund the new sewer system. This would help ensure a safer, cleaner, more reliable water supply system for those in the town, but it is an essential step in preserving water quality for a large number of hi-desert residents. Nothing is more important than a safe and clean water supply. Funds raised through Measure Z would help offset the costs of building the sewer system and connecting homes to it. It is estimated the measure could result in a decrease in individual homeowner assessments of up to 30 percent. For property owners within the boundaries of the new sewer service, this will save you money and is a no-brainer. We think voting yes on Measure Z not only supports a clean and safe water supply, but it also supports all property owners in Yucca Valley. The one percent increase in sales tax that will be implemented by the passage of Measures Y and Z will support a better climate for business and tourism. They will improve the quality of life for those in the Town of Yucca Valley, as well as those of us who do business in the town. These measures are a solid step toward a better future for all residents and visitors to the hi-desert. While we are not in the business of telling you how to vote, we do encourage our Yucca Valley readers to support these measures as we believe you—and the rest of us who will be paying the increases in sales tax—will benefit. We’re pleased to join with the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and others in urging a “yes” vote on Measures Y and Z for Yucca Valley residents.
Mojave Desert Land Trust launches #Protect62
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he effort to keep our Route 62 looking like the beautiful hi-desert and not Temecula is an ongoing battle that is always in flux.
More than a few years ago, the Joshua Tree community rose up and fought against the ill-conceived Katz development along the highway on the western border of the town. That development would have shoved around 2,700 suburban homes on a parcel of land nearly a square mile in size, destroying a vast and stunning Joshua tree forest in the process.
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Thankfully, that project was soundly defeated, and when the opportunity presented itself in 2013, the Mojave Desert Land Trust acquired the 623 acres along the highway, preserving the forest and making it the first thing visitors see as they drive into Joshua Tree. Since that time, we’ve had additional challenges, and some we’ve won, and some we’ve lost.
With the recent grading of several acres of desert for event parking at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, the need to preserve land that connects Joshua Tree National Park with the lands around Bartlett Mountain to the north of the highway has become more evident than ever. The Mojave Desert Land Trust has launched #Project62 in response to this need. The project would preserve an 80 acre parcel between the retreat center and MDLT headquarters. The estimated cost of the total purchase is at or above $400,000, but #Project62 is striving to raise $15,000 toward that purchase, and we can help. Without the preservation of this parcel, it is likely the land will be developed, and the wildlife corridor between the park and Bartlett Mountain area will be increasingly restricted. If you’d like to support its preservation, please visit www.mdlt.org and click on the “Scenery Worth Saving” banner.
Yucca Valley Chamber gets its very own Big Top Last Chance! s e s o l C g n i s i t Adver
November 4
The Joshua Tree Showman’s Club recently delivered a 20 foot cargo container to the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce for the storage of a big top tent the club donated to the chamber to use for local events. Alex Ramos of Ramos Bros. Circus, honorary founding president of the club was not able to be present to make the official presentation to Wanda Stadum, chamber president. Shaun Kruse, activity manager for the club, made the presentation in his behalf as the circus was currently touring the west coast.
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The Circus Returns to Town
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he Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce the second season of the Ramos Bros. Circus is coming to Yucca Valley. The 2017 season features all new costumes and acts that will thrill families of all ages.
Alex Ramos, president of the Joshua Tree Showman’s Club, a Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce member organization of professional showmen and performers dedicated to helping charitable causes, announced Monday that his family owned and operated circus is excited to come to Yucca Valley again. “Last year we found your community welcoming and friendly to our show and we are happy to help raise money for charitable causes,” Ramos said. Alex tends the domestic large animals in the show and dearly loves his job. Several horsemen in our Morongo Basin gave great reviews of his animals last year. There are NO exotic animals in the Ramos Bros. Circus but there is a group of high flying adorable dogs that will delight circus fans. Alex also handles the public relations for the circus, does a high flying aerial act, rides one of three motorcycles in the “Globe of Death” act and is the Master of Ceremonies. Truly, Alex is one multi-talented performer! With dazzling acrobatics, mind-boggling juggling, high-flying daredevilry, gleeful clown antics, and more, The Ramos Brothers Circus is a circus show like no other. Now in their 10th year under their signature red-and-white striped big top, the 2017 show features world-class performances that are a blend of traditional and contemporary circus varieties. This two-hour, high energy show delivers wonder, laughs, and treasured memories for the entire family.
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The Ramos family of performers goes back decades with Alex Ramos’ greatgrandfather and mother doing high wire walking and flying acts. All of the family members today, young and old, have jobs while the circus is on the road from February through December, like washing the big top, making the popcorn for a show of 1,000 fans, or blowing up souvenir balloons. They bring their spectacular show to thousands of families in dozens of communities throughout the western United States each year and then winter their camp in the hi-desert. The rest of the family members go back to their homes in Las Vegas for a rest until the next season Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce President, Wanda Stadum, is planning to turn the Chamber of Commerce office into a giant ticket arena, offering discounted presale tickets for all the Ramos Bros Circus shows. “As no other pre-sale discount tickets will be available anywhere, the chamber will extend their operating hours and offer sales on line through the chamber web site so everyone has a chance to get discount tickets for the show,” Stadum said. Watch for the next article in The Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph for how to get your tickets for a great show!
Photos by Steve Brown.
Camels, llamas, horses, a pony, and a troupe of daredevil dogs are all part of the Ramos Bros. Circus action. So are local kids who join in a dance competition, above. The circus is all about family. Below, alex ramos joins in the finale after riding in the globe of death with two other motorcyclists.
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Hi-Desert Happenings Festivals & Special Gatherings Night Sky Festival October 28-30. Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Joshua Tree National Park partner for the second annual Night Sky Festival. Two locations: Cottonwood (inside the national park), and Sky’s the Limit Observatory, 9697 Utah Trail, 29 Palms. https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/night-skyfestival.htm Campbell House Presentation The life and legacy of Elizabeth & William Campbell, presented by Joan Schneider. The Campbells hold a special place in the history of the hi-desert, and the archaeological landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Presented at the Campbell House, formerly the Roughley Manor. 4 p.m., November 13. 74744 Joe Davis Drive, 29 Palms www.campbellhouse29palms.com Theatres
Art 29 Palms Art Gallery Art Tours Collective Art Show, featuring 100 artists. October 3-31. Holiday Fine Art & Craft Faire, November 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Paint Out Mondays, every Monday, 9 a.m.noon. 74055 Cottonwood Drive, Twentynine Palms (760)367-7819, www.29palmsartgallery.com 29 Palms Inn Desert artists on exhibit in the restaurant. 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com 29 Palms Creative Center Art classes and activities for adults and kids. 6847 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms (760)361-1805, www.29palmsart.com
Theatre 29 Resurgence, 11th annual Halloween Haunt. Produced by Cyrus Short. October 28-31. $7, cash only. Tours depart every 10-15 minutes. A Christmas Story, November 18-December 17. 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms Tickets and information are available at www.theatre29.org, or call (760)361-4151.
29 Palms Visitor Center & Art Gallery Tough As Nails: Women Pioneers, October 1-December 30. 73484 29 Palms Hwy., Twentynine Palms
Hi-Desert Cultural Center Dracula, by Bram Stoker. October 21-31. Playhouse Artistic Director Howard Shangraw stages a frightening feast for the senses in 7.1 cinematic surround sound, lighting, and visual special effects. The Aliens, by Anne Baker, directed by William Hart. November 11-13. 61231 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree www.hidesertculturalcenter.org or (760)366-3777.
Gallery 62 See ad this section. 61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree www.gallery62.org
St. Joseph’s Players Kitchen Witches. Comedy about two TV cooking show hosts, directed by Abe Daniels. November 12-December 4. Opening night gala November 12 is $25, including heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and desserts. 6 p.m. St. Joseph of Arimathea Church, 56312 Onaga Trail, Yucca Valley w w w.facebook .com/ StJoePlayers or (760)3629319. Groves Cabin Theatre The Woman in Black, A Ghost Play. Directed by Wendy Cohen. Susan Hill’s thrilling ghost story adapted by Stephen Mallatratt. October 1-30. 8758 Desert Willow Trail,
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Morongo Valley (760)365-4523, www.grovescabintheatre.org
Beatnik Lounge 61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860, www. jtcpc.org
JTAG (Joshua Tree Art Gallery) Metamorphosis. Through October 30. Retrospect, Working Forward/Looking Back, opening reception November 12, 6-8 p.m., through December 3. 61607 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree (760)366-3636, www.joshuatreeartgallery.com Hi-Desert Nature Museum National Park Service Centennial Exhibit through December 17. Halloween Spooktakular, a free family event featuring a carved pumpkin contest, haunted house, costume contest, photo booth, and trick or treat, 1-6 p.m., October 29. Yucca Valley Community Center, 57116 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley (760)369-7212, www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org Art Colony of Morongo Valley Covington Park, 11165 Vale Drive, Morongo Valley. (760)792-1238, www.artcolonyofmorongovalley.com First Saturday in Old Town Yucca Valley Shops open late (9 p.m.), local art, live music, refreshments, and more.
Taylor Junction Closing potluck for Diane Best’s When Ice Burns, Uncharted Territory. 61732 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree The Glass Outhouse Gallery November 4-27: Copper Mountain College Student Art Show. Reception: November 5, 1-5 p.m. 77575 29 Palms Hwy. (760)367-3807 Music 29 Palms Inn 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms (760)367-3505, www.29palmsinn.com Live music nightly. Usually scheduled: Beverly Derby & Bill Church, Saturdays; Bob Garcia, Sundays; The Luminators, Mondays; Daniel Horn, Wednesdays; Bobby Furgo and company, Thursdays. The Wonder People usually play first Friday monthly. Pappy & Harriets Pioneertown Palace 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown (760)365-5956, www.pappyandharriets.com Upcoming: Grim Rabbit Halloween Party, October 28 (with The Creepy Creeps), and October 29 (with the Death Valley Girls); Fatso Jetson, Mondo Generator and The Freeks, November 11; Meat Puppets, November 26. Regularly scheduled: Open mic on Mondays with guest hosts, The Shadow Mountain Band opening for other acts most Saturdays, The Sunday Band, most Sundays. For complete calendar: www.pappyandharriets.com. Joshua Tree Saloon 61835 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)366-2250, www.thejoshuatreesaloon.com Upcoming: Super Ruby Tuesday 8th Anniversary Election Night Open Jam, November 8. Ted Quinn’s live performance of his new album 1.11, November 12, 5 p.m. Regularly scheduled: Open Jam Tuesdays with Ted Quinn, karaoke Wednesday and Friday nights with Troy, live music Saturday nights, Punk Rock Thursday, second Thursdays. Harrison House Harold Budd with Bradford Ellis and Jane Maru, October 29, 7:30 p.m. $15. Tickets to Harrison House events available at Joshua Tree Health Foods. 6881 Mount Lassen Ave., Joshua Tree, Art & Ecology Site: 6836 Mount Lassen Ave. (760)366-4712, www.louharrisonhouse.org Tortoise Rock Casino Mr. Crowley, Ozzy Tribute, October 28. 73829 Base Line Road, Twentynine Palms www.tortoiserockcasino.com Beatnik Lounge Dali’s Llama with Kosmic Halo and VIGR, November 5, 9 p.m., $5. 61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860, www. jtcpc.org Frontier 55844 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley (760)820-1360, www.cafefrontier.com Ted Quinn’s 1.11 album listening party, November 11, 7 p.m. Alternate Wednesdays, hi-desert hot club music. 7 p.m. The Palms Bonefest ‘16, October 28-30. 83131 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley (760)361-2810
Halloween Costume Party October 29, 6 p.m. Fans Sports Bar & Grill, 4966 Adobe Road, 29 Palms (760)361-0663
Hi-Desert Living
Want to be included in our calendar listings? Send your event info to us at: publisher@sunrunnersw.com.
Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center Desert night sky watching events most Saturdays. Outdoor events may be changed due to weather. Free to the public. 9697 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms (just outside the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park) (760)401-3004, www.skysthelimit29.org Beatnik Lounge Tibetan Meditation with Sunny Sundowner, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.; Vegan Outreach, August 27, 3-6 p.m.; Punk Rock Sewing Circle, September 1, 5-7 p.m. 61597 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree. (760)475-4860, www. jtcpc.org Joshua Tree Retreat Center/Institute of Mentalphysics 59700 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)365-8371 Intro to Tibetan Spiritual Breath. Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Lotus Meditation Building. Donation: $5. Improves subtle energies of the body by understanding breath and the natural relationship to healing. Rainbow Stew 55509 29 Palms Hwy., Old Town Yucca Valley For event schedule, see: www.rainbowstew4u.com
Reach 100,000 hi-desert locals and 2.4 million visitors! Advertise in The Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph – the only independent newspaper in the hi-desert! tortoisetelegraph@gmail.com 760-820-1222 (voice or text)
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