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Disco

The First Ladies of

take the Stage AT EVENING UNDER THE STARS

APRIL, 2014 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 theStandardps.com

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contents Volume 2, Issue 4

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twitter.com/theStandardPS AAP Evening Under the Stars Get Down & Boogie!

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design by Maya Kalabic

Volume 2 Issue 4 Cover Evening Under the Stars Boogie Down with the 1st Ladies of Disco feature Coachella 2014 Amazing Line-Up feature Dine Out for Life Eating for a Cause Q&A Bill Coleman, Making Love + Sexo Epicurean Food & Wine Festival Re-Cap

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Commentary

The Standard Magazine 1111 Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-831-4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director Photographer David A. Lee Contributors Chris Astrala, Andre Carthen, Barry Dayton, R. Drecker, Chris Heritage, Lee Lynch, Dennis Mason, James Piccininni, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Stephanie Smith, Ken Toth & George Zander www.thestandardps.com Editorial Credits : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation & Project Publicity The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may

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cover

Evening Under the Stars

Put On Your Dancing Shoes in Support of AIDS Assistance Program

Since its founding in 1991, AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides food to members of the community with low incomes. It’s what we do, and in fact, it is all we do.

Only two employees manage AAP from a small office in Palm Springs. A Board of Directors, all volunteers, works to raise funds to support the organization and its food voucher program. Our budgeted food voucher expense alone is $600,000 annually, and 100% of operational expenses are generated through a growing private donor base, local business support, special events, and grant funding.

On May 3, 2014, those efforts will culminate with the 21st annual Evening Under the Stars fundraising gala, which has long been distinguished as one of the most memorable annual events taking place in the Coachella Valley, and is considered by many to be the unofficial finale of the desert event season. Guests mingle under the canopy of stars on the O’Donnell golf course, set against the soaring San Jacinto Mountains.

Our 2014 event promises to offer some amazing entertainment: a performance by the First Ladies of Disco. Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamala Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha Wash, and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean, will all take the stage at this star-studded affair.

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This is the first time ever that this group of women perform on the same stage. Never before in the history of Evening Under the Stars have we had the variety of talent and hit music makers that will take the stage this year. These ladies are synonymous with one of the most unforgettable periods in music, and we know our guests will be wowed by an unforgettable performance.

The evening will also feature an awards presentation to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight against HIV / AIDS. This year’s honorees include: James Houston and Harold Matzner (Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award), Dr. John Stansell (Gloria Greene Inspiration Award), Steve Kaufer (Joanna Jakway Community Hero Award), and Rabbi Sally Olins and Joyce Shampeny (Herb Lazenby Community Service Award).

“I hope you will consider joining us for this very special evening.

We welcome you and your contributions, with open arms and grateful hearts”.

Eisenhower Medical Center is this year’s presenting sponsor, and additional major sponsors include Trio and The Purple Room, Desert Oasis Healthcare, and The Auen Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Mark Anton is Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program.

For more information about the organization, to volunteer, or to make a donation, call 760-325-8481 or go to www.aidsassistance.org.

Evening Under the Stars / May 3 at 5:30 PM O’Donnell Golf Course Palm Springs CA

cover | honorees AIDS Assistance Program 2014 ‘Evening Under The Stars’ Honorees

“Each of these individuals exemplifies the meaning of giving, and they have all been instrumental in helping to shape our organization and allow us to grow over the years,” says Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “Without them, it would be nearly impossible to carry out our mission of supporting the nutritional needs of those living with HIV/AIDS in our community, and we look forward to this special evening when we will get the chance to show our gratitude.”

Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award recipients James Houston and Harold Matzner James Houston James Houston’s name is synonymous with giving. Houston is a successful multifaceted entrepreneur, with a career in real estate development that spanned more than 40 years. Known for his fundraising efforts and contributions here in the valley, and over the years, has raised large sums for countless Coachella Valley organizations, including AIDS Assistance Program, FIND Food Bank, Stroke Recovery Center, Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation, and other nonprofits in need of support.

Harold Matzner Entrepreneur, humanitarian, and philanthropist, Harold Matzner has made his home in the desert for nearly 30 years.

Matzner is credited with revitalizing the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and founding the successful business concept of targeted “shared mail.” Beginning his sixth year as Chairman of the Board of the McCallum Theatre, and is Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Among the many local charities benefiting from his philanthropic efforts are Shelter from the Storm, and AIDS Assistance Program.

Gloria Greene Inspiration Award recipient Dr. John Stansell Dr. John Stansell Dr. John Stansell is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. An HIV Specialist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine, Dr. Stansell is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and served for four years as acting chief and 13 years as medical director for the Positive Health Program (UCSF HIV Services) at San Francisco General Hospital.

Honors for Dr. Stansell include The Leadership Award, American Academy of HIV Medicine; and Heroes in Medicine Award, International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care.

Joanna Jakway Community Hero Award recipient Steve Kaufer Steve Kaufer Steve Kaufer began to support nonprofit organizations at a very young age, when he and his friends would stage magic shows and carnivals to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation. Later, he served on the board of that organization’s Southern California Chapter. Steve has supported and been involved with AIDS organizations since the early days of the epidemic, serving on the board of the Desert AIDS Project for ten years beginning in the 1980’s, and rejoining

that board in 2007.

Herb Lazenby Community Service Award recipients Rabbi Sally Olins and Joyce Shampeny Rabbi Sally Olins Rabbi Sally Olins received her Master’s Degree in Jewish Philosophy and was ordained as a Conservative Rabbi in 1989.

One of Rabbi Sally’s greatest accomplishments was serving as one of 13 editors of the current edition of Etz Hayim, the Hebrew bible. In addition, Rabbi Sally was the first woman in the 102-year history of the Rabbinical Assembly of the Pacific Southwest Region to serve as its president. Known simply as Temple Isaiah’s ‘Rabbi Sally’ around Palm Springs and the desert cities, you will find her actively supporting charities ranging from animal shelters to AIDS Assistance Program.

Joyce Shampeny Joyce Shampeny is a longtime supporter of AAP. Through her work as manager of the Baccarat boutique in Palm Desert, many of the valley’s charities, Desert Cancer Foundation, The McCallum Theater, Stroke Recovery Center, Gilda’s Club, Bighorn Behind a Miracle, and others have received donated Baccarat awards and products for numerous awards ceremonies.

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cover | first ladies

Delightful Divas

Conversing with the 1st Ladies of Disco

By Chris Astrala

Alfa Anderson + pamala stanley + Linda Clifford

It was the time of Studio 54, Saturday Night Fever, platformshoes, glitter, and glitz and good times. We’re talking about the age of Disco. Where discothèques were the places to be and these ladies reigned supreme. On May 3 AAP & Evening Under the Stars takes us back to the time of Boogie Nights and afro picks with an out of this world performance by The First Ladies of Disco. We were very fortunate to sit down with these ladies and ask them a few questions about the upcoming event and why their music has endured for so long.

First of all, a little awe struck to be in the presence of such Disco Royalty and yes I was around to dance to your hits when they first hit the airwaves and clubs; so thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to speak to The Standard. So ladies…

Which one of your hits is your favorite and why?

Alfa Anderson: My favorite hit is I Want Your Love. The lyric makes a bold statement, Bernard’s bass line establishes the groove, Nile’s trademark guitar riffs take everything up a notch, and the bells and the string lines are just classic.

Linda Clifford: “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” That was the song that really got my career started. It gave me the life, the joy, and the chance to do what I love so much and always wanted to do, which is sing.

Martha Wash: Probably “Carry On.” A lot of people have

been touched by that song, which in turn touches me.

France Joli : Which one of your hits is your favorite and why?

I have two favorites for two different reasons—and they just happen to be the songs I’ll sing at Evening Under the Stars. “Come To Me” will always have a special place in my heart. Not only for the beautiful melodies and arrangements, but also for the success it gave me at the young age of 16. My second favorite, “Gonna Get Over You,” is probably the funkiest song I’ve ever recorded and it’s my favorite song to perform live. It’s just got such an incredible groove. I feel it all the way to my bones.

Evelyn Champagne King: After all these years I never had a favorite, I love all my hits. If I had to choose one, it’s probably “Shame” because this is where it all started for me and I was recognized around the world for that song.

Anita Ward: Of course, “Ring My Bell” is my favorite. That song has become very profitable and rewarding.

Norma Jean: My favorite hit song by Chic is probably “Good Times.” I like the overall groove and vibe of the song, plus Bernard’s bass line is so distinct in character that it took on a life of its own, influencing other artist such as Queen, on “Another One Bites the Dust,” and the Sugar Hill Gang with “Rappers Delight.”

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cover | first ladies

Evelyn Champagne King + Martha Wash + France Joli

Pamala Stanley: “Coming Out of Hiding.” To watch people run to the dance floor when that song was played in the clubs was an absolute thrill. Then every time I sing it, and everyone sings along, it warms my heart. I produced that track with my ex-husband, and every note of it was carefully thought out. We mixed it three different times until we just knew in our gut that it had arrived.

Maxine Nightingale: “Right Back Where I Started From” because it brings back such happy memories for people when they hear it.

Why do you think Disco music has such endurance?

Alfa Anderson: Disco music endures because it allows us to do our happy dance. We don’t care how we look. We just throw caution to the wind, groove to the beat and just go for it. It’s so liberating.

Linda Clifford: Because it’s fun! People enjoy getting on the floor to shake their groove thang!

Martha Wash: Because it was a time when people just wanted to have fun and be carefree.

France Joli : Disco music offends no one, and creates such a diversity of emotions. It can make you happy, feel romantic, it can awaken your sexual senses, and it can inspire you to dance fearlessly. I’ve never been to a party without hearing a Disco song.

Evelyn Champagne King: I think disco/dance has such endurance because it’s the kind of music that makes you think and makes you happy. It also keeps you on the dance floor, it’s the type of music you can sing along to, and made you feel free.

Anita Ward: Disco music is a reflection of the easy breezy life and the beat went on and on.

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Norma Jean: I think one of reasons Disco music has had endurance is because back then the recording process was multidimensional. Those involved in the creation and development of this music were generally consummate songwriters/producers, singers/ musicians, and engineers. Disco music was also a hybrid of sorts, merging elements of pop, soul, funk, and more. Therefore, it appealed to a broader audience, and I believe all of these attributes have contributed to its endurance through several generations.

Pamala Stanley: It makes you happy, gives you energy, and it is downright fun. It can be clever, romantic, and innovative. But I think the biggest reason is it seems almost every age group loves Disco.

Maxine Nightingale: The mixture of rhythm and blues and pop music created a perfect blend during the 70’s with groups like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, and Chic. There has never been such a perfect marriage.

What are you looking forward to the most in performing at Evening Under the Stars?

Alfa Anderson: I am really looking forward to being reunited onstage with Luci and Norma Jean. The fact that the performance benefits AIDS Assistance Program makes it even more special to me.

Linda Clifford: Meeting a few new people. I happen to love Palm Springs, and I’ll be helping to raise money for this tremendous cause.

Martha Wash: Being with all the other ladies and hoping the audience will love this show!

France Joli : I really think I’m most looking forward to just being in the desert. I have a long history in Palm Springs. My best friend Daniel lives there with his husband, David. I’ve visited and performed here many times, have shot a video near Joshua Tree, and spent Christmas and my last birthday here. The entire Coachella

cover | first ladies

AnitaWard + Maxine Nightinggale + Norma Jean

Valley has an energy that I absolutely love, and Palm Springs is at the top of my list of places to which I’d like to retire. Plus, helping to raise funds for AIDS Assistance Program makes me feel like I’m already part of the community. I feel very grateful to have been invited to perform.

Evelyn Champagne King: Seeing all the ladies of disco come together, meeting all the fans, and contributing to this wonderful event.

Anita Ward: I am honored to be a participant in this performance for AIDS Assistance Program.

Norma Jean: I’m looking forward to reuniting with many of the other performers. Some of them are friends, and I haven’t seen them in a while. I will also enjoy the meet and greet, which will give me an opportunity to make new acquaintances and to interact with some of the audience members.

Pamala Stanley: I can’t wait to perform with these amazing women. Some of them I have never met, so to tell you the truth, I am excited to meet them! But the thrill of performing for all those wonderful Disco lovers will be phenomenal!

Maxine Nightingale: Performing under the stars. To be in Palm Springs in May is the perfect situation!

You will be performing with 10 other “Ladies of Disco.” Have you performed with any of the other singers before and what was your experience?

Alfa Anderson: Even though I have not performed with the other ladies before, I am sure that the “six degrees of separation” rule applies. I bet once we start talking, we will find that there are

only “three degrees of separation.” In fact, I can document “one degree of separation” from at least three of these ladies.

Linda Clifford: I have performed with almost all of these incredible women, and I’m thrilled to do it again. The only Lady I’ve never worked with is Maxine, so I’m looking forward to working with her.

Martha Wash: I have performed with all of them at one time or another and it’s always been a great time.

France Joli : Yes, I actually have had the opportunity to perform with the majority of these other first ladies of Disco. It’s always a great experience for me to be surrounded with such incredible talent. We’re all soul sisters in a way, right? So when you’ve got us all performing on the same night, it makes for great entertainment, and when we get to share a number, well, let’s just say that if the O’Donnell Golf Course had a roof, we’d tear it off.

Evelyn Champagne King: Yes! I have worked with most of the ladies in the show, and the experience when we come together is just a great time laughing and enjoying each other.

Anita Ward: Yes, I have performed with several of the “Ladies of Disco.” Whenever we see each other, we attempt to catch up on what has been going on in our lives. It is an exhilarating experience!

Norma Jean: Yes, I have performed with several of the other singers, and the experience has always been positive. We all still love performing, and generally, we enjoy each other’s company.

Pamala Stanley: I have performed with Linda Clifford many times. She is an absolute blast. She is talented and charming and I

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cover am honored to say, she is my friend. Martha Wash is another friend of mine. What an incredible singer and performer. Some of my most beloved memories are of The Weather Girls, when we would get together with their husbands and manager, my husband, and me eating Kentucky Fried Chicken after our performances. They were a riot. I miss Izora.

Maxine Nightingale: Yes, I have performed with many of them and the experience varies from person to person.

If I were to turn on your iPod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Alfa Anderson: The recently played music you’d see right now are the songs I’m working on for my solo CD. Linda Clifford: You would see, Patti LaBelle, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Pharrell (Happy).

Martha Wash: Well I listen to a lot of gospel, so Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, Kurt Carr. But also Aretha, Charlie Wilson, and Ne-Yo. France Joli : Lady Gaga’s “Do What You Want With My Body,” “Say Something” by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera, “Knock Down” by Alicia Dixon, Bruno Mars’ Greatest Hits, and 20/20 from Justin Timberlake.

Evelyn Champagne King: Gorillaz- “Feel Good,” Freddie Fox- “From the Heart,” Daft Funk- “Around the World,” Insanity- “15 Minute Workout,” Pepper Mashay- “Dive in the Pool.”

Anita Ward: I do not own an iPod, but I love any and all songs by Charlie Wilson and Bruno Mars. “Happy” by Pharrell, “All of Me” by John Legend, and “Roar” by Katie Perry are some of my favorites also!

Norma Jean: I have a management company and represent several songwriter/producers, so often I’m listening to original songs created by them. I have recently played Pharrell’s “Happy” and Miguel’s “Adorn.”

Pamala Stanley: I have such an eclectic collection, but as far as pop music, I think this shows some of my loves: Lady GaGa, Kim Rooney, songs from the TV show Glee, Lady Antebellum, Katy Perry, and Rhianna.

Maxine Nightingale: I love Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Daft Punk, and pianist Les McCann.

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body adornment and more…

HEPHAESTUS

PALM SPRINGS' PREMIER DESIGNER JEWELRY GALLERY

13 2 L a P l a z a ▼ Pa l m S p r i n g s ▼ 76 0 . 3 2 5 . 5 3 9 5 w w w. h e p h a e s j e w e l r y s . c o m

Q&A

Making Love+Sexo

By R. Drecker

Bill Coleman knows a thing or two about giving clubbers what they want.

As the founder of the hit music-making record label Peace Biscuit, he is the man behind sexified club icons Cazwell and Colton Ford and the lovely Amanda LePore.

He is also the man who launched the career of vocal powerhouse Chris Willis, whose collaborations with David Guetta on “Love Is Gone”, “Just A Little More Love” and “Getting’ Over You” remain dance floor staples.

In his thirty years in the music business, Coleman has worked with stars like Madonna, Beyoncé, Lenny Kravitz, and Donna Summer and represented some of the biggest DJs including Paul Oakenfold, NERVO, David Morales, Tony Moran, Frankie Knuckles and WAWA. Soon, he’ll release his most ambitious project yet, LOVE + SEXO: A Peace Bisquit Compilation, featuring exclusives from Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child), Ultra Naté, Mya and the ever-soulful Angie Stone, among others.

What makes Love/Sexo so special?

Love/Sexo is chock full of artists we love and / or have had the pleasure to work with over the years. It’s electro and housey and pop and dark and fun. It’s sexy and disco and chunky but with a sense of humor.

It has a really impressive line-up.

It’s a diverse crew that includes JD Samson and MEN, Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child), Jason Walker, Roxy, The Ones, Matt and Kim, Carmen Electra, Cazwell & Manila Luzon. Miss Lawrence, Amanda Lepore and Mya, MC Lyte, Neneh Cherry (with cirKus) and Angie Stone along with provocative visuals by New York auteur Marco Ovando.

The album also introduces some fab new talent.

Yes, it’s a global stew of future stars! There is Brazil’s It-kid Rodrigo Pitta, UK ragga-chatting favorite Feral is Kinky, Russian tech house duo Fagault & Marina, Belgian beatmaker Illskillz, Swedish jack of all trades RedTop, Poland’s pop remixers WAWA and NY’s own new diva in training, Kristin Cooke to name a few.

Could you have made Love/Sexo five years ago?

No. Love/Sexo definitely represents the times because we were able to work as a collective - internationally, digitally, creating music

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and eye candy while supporting aural recycling from various sources, friends, family, talents and colleagues with no pressure. We’ve worked on this intermittently for the last couple of years. Besides a DJ Mix CD a couple of years ago, we’ve not released a commercial compilation in years, since “Consider This” with Pow Wow Records back in the early ‘90’s!

Did it need to be a double disc album?

Thankfully, we couldn’t fit all the greatness onto one disc!

When did you know you had completed Love/Sexo?

It’s like baking a cake. You know when it’s ready to serve. The last few months have been all about getting the icing just right.

Hopefully we will now find folks who want more than one slice!

Visit PeaceBiscuit.com

Q&A

Super Freak

By James Piccininni

Le Disco Social, the new EP from the dance music super group Company Freak is a throwback to 1970s disco - yet with a modern flair being compared to Daft Punk. The EP is made up of seven retro tracks, including “Andre Leon Talley” (the dance-floor anthem that celebrates individualism and pays tribute to the Vogue Magazine icon) and a remake of Sylvester’s “Do Ya Wanna Funk”.

“I grew up on disco,” explains lead singer Jason King. “Back when music on the radio had arrangement, structure, drama, sophistication, and style. I wanted to bring that back.”

Le Disco Social’s sound recalls the freewheeling sounds of Studio 54 and the Paradise Garage when bands like Chic and Midnight Star ruled the airwaves and the dance floor.

The EP begins with a spirited theme song. “I wanted a big, bold, cinematic statement to open the record,” says King. “Something that announced that we are here!”

Once whisked into the world of Company Freak, listeners are catapulted on a funk-a-licious ride through “Andre Leon Talley” and “Sexaholic”, followed by “Istanbul Disco”, a song King recorded while visiting Turkey. It features an incredible introduction played on a Turkish instrument called a kanun.

From there, listeners are drawn into an innovative re-imagining of Sylvester’s “Do Ya Wanna Funk”, with vocals by Shayna Steele from NBC’s Smash. Then it’s on to “Crackdown”, a song King penned as a nod to that segment of funk that took on seventies’ politics. “I wanted a track that captured the feeling of unease and mistrust people felt toward their governments. I think it’s applicable to a lot of different national contexts: crackdowns are happening everywhere even now.”

The concluding track on Le Disco Social is the midtempo ballad, “Seasons Change”. According to King, all the great disco albums of the past had at least one ballad. “The song has that early 1980s Prince/Minneapolis sound,” adds King. “It’s wistful and a great way to end the album.”

Ultimately, the idea for the EP was to bring people together through music, dance and good feeling. “That is why we named the record Le Disco Social,” King says. “It’s a global dance party.”

Company Freak’s debut full-length album is slated for release by the end of the year.

For more information, visit http://companyfreak.com

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feature

Coachella Fest 2014 Rocks the Valley

outkast

muse

arcade fire

lorde

Coachella Fest featuring more than 150 acts performing on several stages kicks off April 11-13 and April 18-20. As in past years, the same lineups will play two consecutive weekends. Coachella Fest has established itself in the recent years as one of the country’s premier music festivals. A reunited OutKast received top line billing for Friday, Muse will headline the Saturday shows, and Arcade Fire will close out Sunday nights. The 2014 festival will also feature Lorde, The Replacements, Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel, Queens of the Stone Age, Nas, Calvin Harris, Broken Bells, MotÜrhead, Haim, Neko Case, MGMT, Girl Talk, Foster the People, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Pharrell Williams, Lucent Dossier Experience, Young & Sick, Chromeo and

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Mogwai among others.

The other half of the festival is dedicated to visual arts, including installation art and sculpture. Most of the pieces are interactive, providing a visual treat to the attendees walking amongst the festival grounds. Some of the works are featured at Burnisel and involves participants from architecture schools, both local and international. A few of the visual artists, such as Hotshot the Robot, Robochrist Industries, the Tesla Coil (Cauac), Cyclecide, and The Do LaB, alongside avant-garde performance troupe Lucent Dossier Experience, have appeared for several consecutive years.

Poster artist Emek produces limited edition posters.

feature

beck

girltalk

ellie goulding

chromeo

The success of Coachella in its early years proved music festivals could work and succeed in a destination form, as opposed to a traveling festival. The year of Coachella’s debut was also the year of Woodstock ‘99, which was marred by riots, fires, and rapes, turning many people off music festivals. In the years following Coachella’s success, many other festivals have followed in its footsteps, copying its format as a destination festival with multiple stages, attractions, art, and camping. Some of these new festivals have grown to achieve the same success as Coachella, such as Lollapalooza in Chicago and Bonnaroo in Tennessee.

The Coachella festival tries to reduce its carbon footprint on the environment every year. The festival highly promotes carpooling for its

pharrel

Lucent Dossier experience attendees that include rewards for people who participate. Travelers who choose to carpool with four or more people in one car and have the word “Carpoolchella” displayed somewhere on their car have a chance to be selected by a secret spotter to win VIP tickets for life for everyone in the car.

One of the most popular festivals is the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, which last year drew over 200,000 music lovers to the Empire Polo Club for three days of performances by some of the best artists from around the world. This year it promises to once again amaze, entertain and awe.

For complete performer line-up & info go to www.coachella.com

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Where Palm Springs Sleeps!

1900 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262

Reservations & Special Offers Call 760.322.3757

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aprIl, 2014 19

feature

You can be a Hero when you Dine Out, Fight AIDS

By Barry Dayton

Pam Grier and Mondo Guerra will kick it off with a cooking lesson at D.A.P.

Pam Grier and Mondo Guerra are featured as cartoon superhero spokespersons in the current Dining Out For Life TV commercials and online campaign, along with Food Network host Ted Allen and chef Daisy Martinez of PBS-TV’s “Daisy Cooks!” But Pam – the real actress – and Mondo – the real fashion designer – will be personally kicking-off Dining Out For Life a day early for Palm Springs when they appear at Desert AIDS Project on Wednesday, April 23rd. Joining them for the fun will be chef Mark Van Laanen of TRIO Restaurant, which has been the top-producing restaurant in Dining Out For Life for the past four years.

“We’re delighted that Pam, Mondo, and Mark will be with us at D.A.P. to be sous chefs in our popular ‘What’s Cooking?’ class where our clients learn how to cook delicious, nutritious meals for very little money,” said D.A.P. CEO David Brinkman. “It’s not every day that our clients get to cook with ‘Foxy Brown’ and one of the ‘Project Runway’ fashion design darlings.”

Palm Springs Subaru pitches in to help But before the cooking class begins, Pam and Mondo will be joining representatives from Palm Springs Subaru and others at a press conference, tour, and lunch – catered by Lulu California Bistro – to say “Thank you, Subaru of America” for eight years of support as Dining Out For Life’s International Host. Subaru’s generosity

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helps to make it possible for the annual dining extravaganza to raise millions for HIV/AIDS in their respective communities for the 60 outstanding AIDS service organizations and programs the event benefits throughout the U.S. and Canada.

To help generate awareness for Dining Out For Life right here in the Coachella Valley on Thursday, April 24, two “logo-wrapped” Subaru vehicles will be seen driving around our communities during the month of April, to help promote its current test-drive incentive.

Two winners of the “Subaru Hero Award” – who have gone aboveand-beyond for their support of D.A.P.’s Dining Out For Life event – will be personally honored by Pam and Mondo, with a $500 donation in each of their names being made to D.A.P. “Join the Conversation” by tweeting and posting online on Thursday, April 24 With 40 participating restaurants and bars, Dining Out For Life 2014 in the Coachella Valley is stacking up to be the biggest yet. Visit diningoutforlife.com/palmsprings to see if your favorite restaurant or bar is participating. Then, grab your family and friends for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – or all three! Depending on which restaurant or bar you choose, 33% to 75% of your tab will be donated to client services at Desert AIDS Project.

feature Get your taste buds ready with Thirst for Life Get online and encourage your friends not to miss the fun! Let them know that supporting Desert AIDS Project can be as easy as having a meal at one of their favorite restaurants. Better yet, get a group together and make it a dining-and-blogging event of your own!

While enjoying breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, make sure to enter a drawing for prizes like a 32GB iPod Touch Silver, two tickets to the 2014 Mid-Summer Mixer on July 25 at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and more.

Dining Out For Life is that single day of the year when people can support their local HIV/AIDS organization just by eating at a participating restaurant or having a drink at a participating bar.

Don’t miss the fun … and the fundraising … to benefit D.A.P.!

Watch for more information on the 2014 Dining Out For Life International Association Meeting & Conference in Palm Springs July 7 – 11

Whether your choice of beverage runs to a cup of coffee or tea, a shake or a smoothie, or beer, wine or cocktails, participating partners in the first-ever Thirst for Life will be awaiting your pleasure on Tuesday, April 8 … and benefiting client services at D.A.P. at the same time.

Those coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that have already signed on include AJ’s on the Green & Splash Bar, Alicante, Clinic Bar & Lounge, Coachella Valley Brewing Company, El Jefe, Espresso Cielo, Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta, Great Shakes, Hunter’s Nightclub, Legends of Palm Springs, Oscar’s Café & Bar, Smoke Tree Supper Club, Smokin’ Burgers, Spurline, Tool Shed, Toucans Tiki Lounge, and Zin Restaurant.

“Sponsored by Pride Card Services, and thanks to help from our friends at Brighthaus Marketing, Gay Desert Guide, and Red Hot & Happening, we’ll be bringing D.A.P. supporters a brand-new event this year,” said Darrell L. Tucci, Chief Development Officer at Desert AIDS Project. “Similarly to Dining Out For Life, when you have a drink at a participating coffee shop, restaurant, or bar on April 8, 25% of that item’s sale will come to D.A.P.” Most of these same businesses are also participating in Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 24. For a complete list of participants for either Thirst for Life or Dining Out For Life, please visit the website at desertaidsproject.org.

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psp focus Palm Springs Art Museum to Hold Ninth Annual Meet The Museum Membership Drive Party

The Palm Springs Art Museum’s annual Meet the Museum membership appreciation event will be on April 25 from 6-9 p.m. (the Friday of White Party Weekend). Now in its ninth year, Meet The Museum is an annual event that encourages new museum membership by offering discounted admission to this signature party, along with the extensive benefits of museum membership for one full year. Last year nearly 1,000 people attended Meet The Museum and the event raised more than $70,000 in just one night. The event is expected to sell out again this year. All proceeds benefit museum operations, exhibitions and education programs. The event is 100% underwritten, with all proceeds benefitting museum operations, exhibitions and education programs.

Celebrating the museum’s 75th birthday this year, Meet The Museum 2014 will feature a fabulous party that showcases recognizable moments-in-time from the past 75 years. Set amidst the museum and its art, the party will reflect the Abstract Expressionism period with painted and energetic applications of music and dance, splashed with provocative, fun, and edgy entertainment elements, provided by Live It Up Productions. The night promises to rouse the celebratory and expressionist spirit, so come dressed in fashion from your favorite era – 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.

The evening’s party includes complimentary valet parking, surprise performances and musical acts from bygone eras with entertainment

by Live It Up Productions sponsored by One America, DJ entertainment

by PrideNation Radio & Proud Television’s DJ Corey D, souvenir photo keepsakes, multiple open bar stations, delectable edibles including the notorious Candy Bar by LuLu California Bistro, courtesy of Barbara and Jerry Keller, and Willie Rhine, and much, much more!

This year, financial adviser and philanthropist Jim Casey returns to chair the event. Casey’s company, Integrated Wealth Management, has been the lead sponsor of Meet the Museum since 2011.

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Tickets to this event are $75 (includes one-year individual membership and one admission to the event) or $135 (includes oneyear dual membership and two admissions to the event). Existing members with an expiration date of 5/31/2014 or greater can purchase regular admission for $40, or VIP admission for $100, per person.

VIP admission upgrades are available for new members as well.

VIP admission entitles you to exclusive access the museum’s mezzanine level, overlooking the party floor, with access to DJ Corey D and a dedicated bar. VIP admission is guaranteed to sell out.

Contact our membership department now to secure your admission by calling 760-322-4825. To attend, contact the museum’s membership office at 760-322-4820.

Meet the Museum is generously sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor: Integrated Wealth Management Gold Sponsors: Live it Up Productions, sponsored by OneAmerica, PrideNation Radio, Harold Matzner, LULU California Bistro, LIVE Magazine and The Desert Sun Silver Sponsors: Signature Party Rentals, Donna MacMillan, Liza Ivins, Tony Otten and Roy Komassa Supporting Sponsors: Robert Dickenson and Michael Marler, Harold J. Meyerman Benefactor Sponsors: Oranj Palm Vacation Homes, Thomas Gleeson of State Farm Insurance, Roseanne Kumins, Bruce Bornfleth Donors: U.S. Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard S. Mars

psp focus Comedy Night Palm Springs™ kicks off its Fifth Year at the legendary Purple Room Comedy Night Palm Springs™ launches its fifth year Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the legendary Purple Room with top comic stars Carlease Burke and Cindy Burns.

“Our first Comedy Show in March was such a big success it has become a monthly event,” stated Tony Marchese, Purple Room coowner with Mark Van Laanen. “We promised to provide exciting, top quality performances six nights a week, and the comics featured at Comedy Night Palm Springs™ really deliver.”

Carlease Burke Carlease Burke is a film, television and theatre actress and a nationally renowned comedienne. As a television actress, she recently appeared in the hit shows Shameless on Showtime, Switched at Birth on ABC Family, The Mindy Project on Fox, Castle, Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives on ABC, Heroes and Days of Our Lives on NBC, How I Met Your Mother and The Young and the Restless on CBS and Bones on FOX. Most everyone has seen her in the national GEICO commercial Bird in Hand. Additionally, she has appeared in commercials for Pfizer, Verizon, Macy’s and scores of others.

As a comedienne, she has appeared on LOGO’s One Night Stand Up and performs at top comedy clubs around the country. She is also fluent in American Sign Language.

Cindy Burns Cindy Burns; recently selected by Joan Rivers as “The Next Breakout Comic Star” has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has appeared in numerous comedy clubs and casinos, including The Hollywood Improv, Laugh Factory, The World Famous Comedy Store, Flappers Comedy Club, Aces Comedy Club, The Coach House, Casa Blanca Casino, Harrah’s Casino and Pechanga Casino.

Cindy confesses, “I used to be the kind of girl that said you can look but don’t touch. I’m at an age now where you can touch but don’t look!” She is the creator, producer and one of the stars of The Funniest Housewives of Orange County. This is inspired by a cast of strong funny and fabulous femme fatales, who do it standing-up.

Cindy also gives her talents to help various charitable groups such as Women Helping Women, The Assistance League and Choc Children’s Hospital.

Blackwell – Black Productions, a Palm Springs production

company founded by local residents, Michael Blackwell and Randal Black, created and produces the monthly comedy show now called Comedy Night Palm Springs.™ The show had its premiere in March 2010 and each show thereafter has been sold-out. As standup comedians who perform at The World Famous Comedy Store, Flappers Comedy Club, M-Bar and other venues in LA, they have worked with many talented and accomplished comedians.

Co-producer Randal Black said, “We are thrilled to launch our fifth year at our new venue, Purple Room Palm Springs. We are glad we can bring nationally known stand-up comics of film and TV to Palm Springs. The show has gotten national attention and renowned comics are asking to do the show. The show has definitely put Palm Springs on the comedy map. We are excited that so many people have come to enjoy the shows. The comics consistently tell us that the Palm Springs audience is one of the best in the country. The energy and enthusiasm of the audiences here are a key reason the shows are receiving national attention.”

Co-producer Michael Blackwell added, “Audiences tell us they are excited to see stand-up comics they have seen on TV and in films perform live at the show and also to be able to meet and talk with them. The comics we bring out are in high demand and we are excited that they want to include Comedy Night Palm Springs ™ on their performance and tour schedules.”

Marchese added, “The shows make for a perfect, exciting evening of cocktails, dinner and sidesplitting laughs.”

With 48 sold-out monthly shows in a row, reservations are highly encouraged. Please call 760.322.4422 or go online at http://www. purpleroom.com for reservations. This dinner-and-a-show package includes a delicious three-course meal, comedy show and free valet parking for just $50. Seating begins at 5:30 and show starts at 7.

In the 1960s, the Purple Room at Club Trinidad was the club where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. performed and came with their friends to eat, drink and play. Purple Room is located at 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive (Hwy 111 across from Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center) in Palm Springs, CA. For more information and updates about the show, become a Facebook fan of “Comedy Night Palm Springs™ and follow them on Twitter at “Comedy Palm Springs.” For more information about Purple Room, visit their website at https://purpleroompalmsprings.com.

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Presented by:

Thursday, April 24, 2014 Dine Out, Fight AIDS

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS CONTRIBUTING 75% Hamburger Mary's L/D Spencer's Restaurant At The Mountain B/L/D RESTAURANTS CONTRIBUTING 60% The Purple Room D TRIO L/D RESTAURANTS CONTRIBUTING 50% Alicante L/D LULU California Bistro B/L/D The Muse Café L Sunshine Café B/L/D Wang's in the Desert D Zin American Bistro L/D

Sponsored by:

RESTAURANTS & BARS CONTRIBUTING 33% AJ’s On The Green and Splash Bar B/L/D Acqua Pazza B/L/D Aspen Mills Bakery B/L Azul / Georgie’s Alibi L/D BAR B/L/D Cello's L/D Citron At Viceroy D Eddie's Frozen Yogurt L/D El Mirasol L/D El Mirasol at Los Arboles L/D Escena Lounge & Grill D Espresso Cielo L Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta L/D Guacamoles L/D Hunters Happy Hour Jake’s L/D Kings Highway At The Ace Hotel B/L/D Miro's Restaurant D Native Foods L/D Oscar’s Café & Bar L/D Palm Greens Café B/L Pinocchio in the Desert B/L Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill D Smoke Tree Supper Club D Smokin Burgers L/D Terrace Restaurant At The Hilton Palm Springs D Tinto D Tropicale D The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge D *as of March 12, 2014

www.diningoutforlife.com/palmsprings or call 760-992-0442 24 thestandardps.com

psp focus palM SpringS regional aSSoCiation of realtorS CelebrateS 85 yearS palm springs regional association of realtors® (psrar) incorporation. psrar, formed in 1929, will mark its 85th anniversary on april 19 at 6:00pm at the hard rock hotel palm springs presented by Integrated wealth management. the event, described as a “happening” will be a fun-filled, unconventional “gala”. The “dress to impress” celebration will feature not only hosted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffets, but also a musical and visual journey through the highlights of the area’s evolution with the help of live performances from live It up! productions, followed by dJs and dancing. psrar’s 2014 Board president dwayne carrier explained, “this is a community celebration, and everyone is invited. we all share a role in making this community what it is today!” carrier went on to explain how realtors® are, and have been, an integral part of the greater palm springs community since 1929. “they are usually the first people to introduce new area homeowners to their neighbors, local businesses, community services and nonprofits. As a group we strive to always be an integral part of the community,” said carrier, whose organization raises thousands of dollars each year as part of its “close to home” program. “this won’t be a traditional sit down gala,” said Becky Bowles, president-elect of the group for 2015. “there will be plenty of food, drink and comfortable seating, but

this is meant to be a fun, cocktail party environment, complete with live entertainment.” “this will be a fun happening that is all about the experience,” added Bowles.

In addition to the presenting sponsor, the following businesses have come aboard to help sponsor this event: platinum sponsor chase Bank; gold sponsor themls.com; silver sponsors imortgage, wells fargo, prospect mortgage and franklin loan; Bronze sponsors cV escrow and prudential; and patron sponsors first american home warranty, homesmart professionals and renova solar. tickets are available at psrar85gala.eventbrite.com or by calling 760-320-6885, and include hosted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffets, dJs, dancing and live entertainment.

Country at itS fineSt: StageCoaCh 2014 get ready to break out your best cowboy boots because the 2014 stagecoach country music festival is upon us. here’s your chance to see several of nashville’s best and brightest musicians perform live. this three-day event will feature some of the hottest stars in country music. the stagecoach music festival is one of country music’s most highly anticipated events of the year, and the 2014 fest will be more exciting than ever. with performances by the top country music acts, this festival has something for everyone who follows country music.

Jason aldean, luke Bryan and eric church are this year’s headliners. the three-day event takes place during the weekend of april 25-27 at the polo empire club in Indio, calif.

Church will headline the first night of the festival. Friday’s lineup also includes easton corbin, Brantley gilbert and loretta lynn, as well as country newcomers Jon pardi, eric paslay and thomas rhett. aldean will lead saturday night’s lineup. other performers on

the bill include hunter hayes, Jennifer nettles, tyler farr, crystal gayle and the nitty gritty dirt Band.

Bryan will conclude the festival on sunday night, following sets by florida georgia line, lee Brice and dustin lynch, along with Brenda lee, John prine and shovels & rope.

If you’re any kind of country music fan, this is one party you won’t want to miss. tickets to attend this red-hot bash are in extremely high demand. for more info and complete list of performers visit www.stagecoachfestival.com

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psp focus gene peebleS art exhibit at the streetBar

the streetbar artwall project will exhibit the paintings of gene peebles april 2 - may 6, 2014 at streetbar, 224 e arenas rd., palm springs ca. gene peebles is an oil painter of soft pastel “skyscapes” using a technique similar to a watercolorist, constantly blending and working one color into another to give a soft, undulating light and atmosphere. eliminating the ground plain draws the viewer’s attention to the part of nature that we most often take for granted. success is achieved by a sense of motion that ranges from quiet majesty to raging thunder. “gene peebles’ paintings of cloudscapes allude to the expansiveness of the sky, where cloud forms are suggestive and flowing so that the viewer apprehends the quality and mood of sky rather than mere traditional picturesqueness.” william torphy, curator and art critic. david farnsworth -artwall coordinator.

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news

national / INTERNATIONAL

Mississippi approves religious freedom bill that could allow anti-gay discrimination Mississippi lawmakers on Tuesday passed the final version of a bill that says state and local governments cannot put a substantial burden on religious practices, a measure that sparked debate about possible discrimination against gay people and other groups.

An early version of the bill, considered weeks ago, was similar to one that Arizona’s Republican governor, Jan Brewer, vetoed after business groups said it could hurt that state’s economy.

Supporters say the final version of the Mississippi bill bears little resemblance to the failed Arizona measure. However, opponents were skeptical and said the law could still prompt people to cite religious beliefs in taking actions that discriminate against gay people, women or those of different racial backgrounds or faiths.

“We don’t have a lot of good will out there in the country to fall back on when it comes to a record against discrimination,” said Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, citing Mississippi’s troubled racial history.

Senate Bill 2681 is called the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and its main sponsor is Republican Sen. Phillip Gandy of Waynesboro, a Baptist pastor.

“It protects Christians in the state from discrimination,” Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, who is also a Baptist pastor, told his House colleagues.

The bill passed the House 79-43 and the Senate 37-14, with opposition coming from many Democrats, but not all of them. It goes to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, who said Monday that he plans to sign it into law.

The bill also would add “In God We Trust” to the state seal, as Bryant requested.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign issued statements criticizing the bill.

“Even though the Mississippi Legislature removed some of the egregious language from Arizona’s infamous SB 1062, we are disappointed that it passed this unnecessary law and ignored the national, public outcry against laws of this nature,” Eunice Rho, advocacy and policy counsel with the ACLU, said in a news release.

Sarah Warbelow, state legislative director for Human Rights Campaign, said the bill “has the effect of making LGBT people strangers to the law.”

Tony Perkins, president of the Washington-based conservative group Family Research Council, praised the bill.

“The Legislature gave strong approval to a bill that declares that individuals do not have to trade their religious freedom for entrance into public commerce,” Perkins said.

“Senate Bill 2681 would promote discrimination against LGBT individuals and families in Mississippi. As a minister, it’s clear that this extreme bill is about legalizing discrimination, not protecting religious freedom,” said Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, an advocacy group which promotes LGBT rights across the southern U.S.

Three Mozilla board members resign over CEO who opposes same-sex marriage The resignations are the latest fallout since the announcement last week that Brendan Eich, who in 2008 donated to fight against marriage equality in California, would lead Mozilla, the developer of the Firefox web browser.

Gary Kovacs, a former Mozilla CEO who runs online security company AVG Technologies; John Lilly, another former Mozilla CEO now a partner at venture-capital firm Greylock Partners; and Ellen Siminoff, CEO of online education startup Shmoop, left the board last week, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Mozilla has been in damage control since Eich’s promotion when developers Hampton Catlin and his husband Michael went public with their decision to boycott the Mozilla community because of Eich was a donor to California’s anti-gay Proposition 8 campaign.

Eich responded to the controversy, saying in a statement last

week that he was sorry for “causing pain,” that he would make an “active commitment to equality” at Mozilla, but did not directly address his position on same-sex marriage equality or his donation to the Prop 8 campaign.

The statement fell flat with some Mozilla employees, who took to Twitter to call for Eich to step down.

Last Saturday, Mozilla posted a statement on its blog that it supports marriage equality: Mozilla’s mission is to make the Web more open so that humanity is stronger, more inclusive and more just. This is why Mozilla supports equality for all, including marriage equality for LGBT couples. No matter who you are or who you love, everyone deserves the same rights and to be treated equally.

april, 2014 27

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

When Lawyers Cry

By Christopher Heritage Lawyers are problem-solvers. Their skills help people navigate our system of laws and justice, and they can help prevent crises and relieve burdens that people carry. Lawyers know how to use the law to make someone’s life better. In my practice, I often see very ordinary people who are in desperate straits, and, sadly, often tragically, need an attorney to help pick up the pieces. Here are two true stories: Roger and Gerald lived together for 41 years, sharing expenses and jointly owning their home. They often talked of setting up living trusts, so their assets would be protected in case of incapacity or death, but they never got around to doing it. Now Roger has developed Alzheimer’s disease and Gerald must start managing his finances and healthcare.

Gerald was hoping there would be a simple document he could fill out giving him authority to pay bills and take care of things for Roger. Unfortunately, at this point, there is no easy way. Roger is no longer competent to handle his own affairs or sign the necessary paperwork, so Gerald must apply for conservatorship through the court - a lengthy and complicated process. The living trusts and powers of attorney the two of them kept putting off would have provided a very simple way to handle Roger’s incapacity. Now it is too late.

Eva and Rozzie became registered domestic partners after 20 years together, and in their senior years, with various health problems, they lived modestly on Eva’s investments and Social Security income, along with Rozzie’s smaller Social Security and state pension. Eva owned their home, which had a substantial mortgage. She created a living trust, pour over Will and related documents, signed everything, and the two were comfortable in their belief that their estate was protected. Rozzie would carry on and manage the estate as successor trustee if something happened to Eva. Suddenly, Eva passed away. Rozzie, grieving and dealing with medical decisions and final arrangements, gave little thought to her own financial situation for several weeks. Then her world fell apart.

Trying to access Eva’s investment funds to pay the mortgage and other bills, she learned that the account had never been transferred into the trust and Rozzie had no right to use or manage it. The account, at Eva’s death, was in limbo. The money was there, but Rozzie couldn’t touch it.

A review of the trust showed that the house had never been transferred into the trust, either. In addition, a handwritten change on Eva’s Will invalidated that entire document. It was necessary to go

through a long and costly probate process to sort things out. Only the fact that Eva and Rozzie were registered domestic partners allowed Rozzie to inherit most of the property. If they had not taken that step, the entire estate would have gone to Eva’s living blood relatives, as required by the state’s rules of succession.

Eva tried to plan, but never finished the job. Creating a trust is just one-step in the estate planning process. Funding the trust by transferring all real estate, checking, savings and investment accounts and other property into the trust is a second step. Designating beneficiaries for any retirement accounts and life insurance policies is a third step. And reviewing all of the details regularly to see if changes are needed is essential to keeping the estate plan effective.

Everyone needs a thoughtful plan for the future, and relying on the experience and skills of lawyers to avoid pitfalls and prevent crises is simply common sense. Don’t put it off until it is too late. And please don’t change or handwrite anything, EVER, on your signed documents. It always makes good lawyers cry.

This article is part of an ongoing series of articles pertaining to legal issues relevant to the LGBT community, and is intended for general information purposes only – not legal advice. Christopher Heritage is an attorney in Palm Springs and San Diego, who focuses on LGBT estate planning, domestic partnerships, same-sex marriage, probate, trust administration, and bankruptcy. He welcomes questions and comments and can be contacted at 760-325-2020 or at chris@heritagelegal.com

april, 2014 29

wellness

Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars!

By Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT It is estimated that the average retired American couple will incur $250,000 in additional medical expenses, above and beyond any insurance or Medicare coverage, during their retired years. For that, there is complete consensus in the health care industry.

Perhaps they call the last thirty years your golden years because that’s when most people get to fork over a wheelbarrow of gold to manage often preventable chronic diseases and infirmities that tend to crop up before the final curtain drops.

A thirty-something might scoff, “Who cares! I have lots of time before retirement to figure that out. And besides, I have never been sick in my life! Good genes are in my family!” Or, an out-of-shape fifty-something might counter with, “My father lived to be eightyfive, and he didn’t exercise. And he ate and drank whatever he wanted. That’s how I’m going to go.” Really? Do you have that on good authority? Can you depend on that?

Guess what? Life is full of surprises, and the biggest one just might be a potential, preventable health crisis that you have never seen coming. It’s not uncommon for someone to be disabled or fatally stricken by a heart attack or stroke even though he was told a month before by his physician that that he was in fine health. Things can change dramatically in a New York heartbeat. Was the physician wrong? Very probably not. Everything at that time appeared to be in great shape. There were no red flags for labs, etc. Your physician did his job the best he could with all your pertinent data before him.

But that was then. Physicians are not wizards or fortunetellers. They cannot follow you around to the gym or up and down the grocery aisles. You have to do your part.

The first thing you can do to hopefully diminish that $250,000 figure is to start exercising per what your physician deems is safe for you at this moment in time. And if you are given the go ahead to join a gym and start working out, please, please, please find an excellent trainer with top qualifications other than sexual attraction or the cheapest rates.

I see daily too many people “exercising” in the gym who know almost nothing about working out whereby they could reap a real benefit. Instead, they are just going through the motions. And usually marginal or bad motions at that. They believe they are doing the right thing, because they do not understand what it is that a professional trainer knows and does. Nor do they appreciate the necessity for individually designed instruction by a knowledgeable

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trainer who is constantly reassessing the needs and progress of the client. Believe me, this professional service is worth far more than what is charged. Yet, most people do not understand that fact. For many, five or six hundred dollars a month for a lease on a hot new Mercedes is cool for three whole years, but the same amount per month for three months of professional training for their body isn’t.

Priorities, priorities, priorities.

Training apps are oh so popular these days because they are free! So why pay a trainer? What the app can’t do is the most important ingredient. It can’t assess, teach, or correct you (such as form, etc.). It can’t choose exercises or manipulate sets, reps, and weights depending on your individual workout that takes into consideration all your limitations. And yes, we all have certain limitations for certain movements that just aren’t good for us because of our individual health/medical histories.

All the medical literature is pointing to the absolute importance of strength-building exercises, aka resistance training, coupled with correct nutritional intake, to help manage/better control such things as weight gain, blood sugar levels, and depression. More benefits can be increased cardiovascular health, improved balance, and stronger muscles and bones. The list goes on.

Instead of gambling with your pocketbook and your health, (they are connected), why not take a new proactive direction whereby you just might be able to skip and laugh and sing and play all the way to the bank when you’re ninety!

Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT, holds multiple degrees and credentials as a science educator, chiropractor, registered nurse, and personal trainer. He is currently limiting his professional activities to Personal Training/Nutritional Coaching exclusively at WORLD GYM PALM SPRINGS. Contact Dr. Ken at 949-235-9408 or on his website at KenTothFitness.com or ken@kentothfitness.com.

fitness

Spring Is Upon Us

By Dennis Mason, B.F.A., C.P.T.

Nothing says “springtime” better than plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. It has a way of making the cover up fashion wear of winter fall away to show off those hard, lean and in-shape bodies to their best. Are you ready to join in? Did you keep up with your homework since January? Or, do you need a little tune up to help out? Whatever the answer is, here are a few suggestions to keep you on the right track.

Most of us know what to do to bring the body back into focus; increase the aerobic work, refine the muscles and tweak the meal program. But, knowing what to do and doing it correctly are two different things. Advertisements everywhere tell you “The best way to get your body in shape…FAST.” More often than not, they contradict each other and all claim to be THE BEST! How very confusing it all seems to be! But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

From my experiences working with hundreds of clients, the best thing you can do for yourself is do not do anything abruptly.

Changes to your lifestyle must be handled delicately, applies to both meal planning, and work out activity. For example, if you have not been keeping up with your cycling, jogging, treadmill or other cardio-vascular or aerobic activities, do not try to immediately start doing 45 minutes to an hour of elevated exercise 5 times a week.

You’ll collapse! Instead, ease into it with say 3 sessions per week for about 15 or 20 minutes each (or less if need be). The next week perhaps add another day. The week after that, maybe add 5 minutes to each session and so on; this way your body will get used to the activity in a safe and sane way with better results. Strive to perform your energy work no more than 45 minutes to an hour each and not more than 5 times per week. Remember to monitor your heart rate so that you stay within your target ‘fat burn’ zone.

The same principle holds true for meal planning. I’ve known some people who have cut way over 1000 calories out of their meals right off the bat. I’m sure the thinking here is “I ate too much and it made me fat. So, now I’ll starve to lose it fast.” I’m sorry to say, it just doesn’t work that way! The first thing that will happen is that your body will freak out and go into starvation mode, holding onto every last piece of body fat you have and even add to it. Not only that, but it will burn your hard earned muscle for fuel to compensate!

A better way to deal with calorie reduction is to do it a little at a time. Using the drop of 1000 calories as an example, start off with a drop of around 250 calories from your meals the first week.

Then, drop another 250 calories the second week and so on, until you reach your desired total caloric drop. It’s very important not to drop calories below your Basil Metabolism Rate (BMR). That’s the minimum number of calories your body needs to do all its normal daily operational functions. If you need help figuring out how many calories to drop or where to level off, email me at my address below.

Finally, you may want to alter your workout routine somewhat to assist with the toning process. This is entirely up to you. Using myself as an example, when I go into “cut” mode for a bodybuilding contest, I generally lighten up the weights. Also, I tend to shift to more isolation movements using higher reps to refine and bring out the muscular cuts.

Dennis trains exclusively at WORLD GYM PALM SPRINGS, specializing in Physique Sculpting, and Nutritional Guidance. He also offers Aquatic Conditioning, weather permitting, in your pool or his. “Fitness is more than just a workout.” It’s a LIFESTYLE committed to staying active; eating healthy; reducing stress and having fun. Join Dennis on demand on his internet radio programs, FITNESS & MORE INTERNATIONAL, explore new ideas; separate myth from fact and gain new information, on: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ FitnessAndMore For more information regarding his services, please visit: DennisMasonFitness.com or FitnessAndMoreRadio.com. On Facebook and Twitter fitnessradio. 760 219-5877

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travel

A Visit to Southeast Asia

By Ron Barker

If you are looking to take a vacation trip that will live in your memories forever, then Southeast Asia is the place to go. Being such a large region to cover in just one trip, and having so many attractions to offer, we picked four choice spots to check out while there. These particular countries are enchanting and are necessary stops while in this region. Let us look at the top four countries of Southeast Asia that are definitely worth a visit.

you can easily find restaurants serving local specialties on every street. The lifestyle and culture of this country is entirely different from that of the US, but in a good and friendly way. A single trip to this beautiful land will never be enough, if given the opportunity you are sure to visit again.

Thailand One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Southeast Asian region is undoubtedly Thailand. The country has a colorful and exotic culture that is heavily influenced by China and India. It is full of clear sandy beaches with sparkling crystal clear water. Large mystical rainforests are also very common in the area. The architectural masterpieces spread out across the country are truly captivating, whether they are temples or palaces. Thai cuisine is one of the most diverse and exotic collection of meals that you will come across.

Often known as the “Land of Smiles�, Thailand is definitely the top destination spot in this region.

Vietnam Another extremely amazing country that you need to visit in Southeast Asia is Vietnam. With its many diverse and scenic landscapes, the country has so many different faces to show every time you visit. Vietnam also has great beaches that are perfect for enjoying some down time. The food in Vietnam is truly amazing and

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Cambodia If you are more of a nature person, Cambodia is just the country you need to visit. Unlike many other countries, Cambodia is a place

travel where you can enjoy natural beauty at its best. However, the country is not short on architectural masterpieces, the most famous one being the Preah Vihear Temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the best things you will enjoy about Cambodia is the kind and open nature of the people; who are always willing to extend a helping hand to tourists, whether it is serving you a delicious meal, guiding you to your next point of interest or just saying hello.

Malaysia A major center of some of the best tourist attractions in Asia, Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in this region. The country’s tourism tagline says it all, “Malaysia-Truly Asia”. Despite being a major tourism country, it holds true to its cultural values very strongly, creating a beautiful and diverse mix of people coming together from different parts of the world. Whether it is the Petronas Twin Towers or the Batu Caves, everything in Malaysia is exquisite and captivating in itself. Therefore, if you really want to have a fun trip, Malaysia definitely needs to be on your list of must-visit places.

Traveling in Southeast Asia will be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. The countries in this region are completely

different from what you will find anywhere else. They are mystical, lively, exotic and most of all very colorful in nature. Bon Voyage!

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epicurean

Food & Wine Palm Desert Re-cap

By Chef Andre Carthen

This years’ Food & Wine Palm Desert was all about ‘Small Plates with Big Taste’, the finale of Fashion Week, the cherry on top of a fabulous fashion week. Seasoned Chefs, Delicious Dishes and Savory Wines headlined this culinary extravaganza. Over two thousand corks were popped and no one went away hungry; the chefs dazzled and delighted and the wines soothed the parched masses. …where is taste and smell-a-vision when you need it.

Andrew Copley, Mark DeCarlo & Andre Carthen

Chef Engin Onural

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epicurean

Chef Joane Garcia Colson

Chef François de Mélogue

april, 2014 35

book review

Always Overbooked…

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Sometimes, you feel so adrift. Unmoored, unanchored, you feel as though you ride each wave alone, emotions and events washing over you until you cannot weather the storm any longer and you need an anchor. That’s when you reach for your family or your God. But what if both were denied to you?

In “Teaching the Cat to Sit,” Michelle Theall shares her story of standing up instead of standing still.

Al Theall and his wife were sure their second child, born in 1966, would be a boy but – surprise! – they got another daughter.

Later, they were even more astounded that their second girl was so different from the first one: unlike her older, popular, outgoing sister, Michelle grew to be athletic, bullheaded, and introverted; in fact, aside from the cat, her only friend was a neighbor girl whose parents had scandalously been divorced.

Divorce, of course, was against the teachings of the Catholic Church, the religion that Theall’s mother devoutly followed. She was reluctant to even let her daughter play at the Crandall’s house, but reasoned that Theall needed one friend.

That bond ended abruptly when the girl’s father molested Theall. In high school, Theall had an Evangelical Christian friend, but the girl’s mother thought Theall was a lesbian, and put an end to the relationship.

That hurt, because Theall herself didn’t yet realize her sexuality.

After a sweet and almost-accidental love affair with another woman while at college, Theall examined her sexual preferences and felt deeply ashamed.

Catholicism taught that being gay was a sin against God. Her parents would not accept her as a lesbian. She tried to be heterosexual, but that wasn’t who she was – so, upon graduation from Texas Tech, she

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Teaching the Cat to Sit author Michelle Theall

moved to Colorado where she chose longterm celibacy and started re-building a relationship with her parents.

Then, after a surprising (and awkward) introduction, Theall fell in love. When she and Jill started their family, she fell in love again with a baby who’d had a rough start in life.

They’d hoped to raise their child in Theall’s Catholic faith. And the Church said “no…..”

Though it made me very sad, and though I spent a lot of time with my mouth open in astonishment, I just couldn’t stop reading “Teaching the Cat to Sit.” That might be because author Michelle Theall is a first-rate storyteller, and she really knows how to keep a reader wanting more. Half of this book is about her battle with Catholicism and with the Church for recognition of her partner and their son and,

eventually, their search for an acceptable (and accepting) religion. That’s fascinating, but there’s more: the other half is the memoir of her tumultuous relationship with her parents and her journey to understanding, both of them and of herself.

Overall, I think I liked this book because of its deliberateness and its ultimately empowering message of truth to self. For that and for the great biography it is, “Teaching the Cat to Sit” is a must-read – especially if you’re in the same boat.

“Teaching the Cat to Sit: A Memoir”

by Michelle Theall c.2014, Gallery Books $24.99 / $28.99 Canada 288 pages

From Inside The Boudoir Women’s History Month Our Role Models

by Stephanie Brooke Smith

This past month was Women’s History Month- the month of the year when important female historical figures are celebrated for their contributions to our society. These women were responsible for establishing the foundation upon which we women now live our lives.

They helped to set in motion all of the rights and freedoms that we now enjoy and view as inherent. According to Dr. Gerda Lerner, former president of the Organization of American Historians, “Women’s history is Women’s Right. It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” I, for one, can agree with Dr. Lerner’s statement about the influential women of our past. Their actions are a great representation of the model on which we can use to base our own contributions to society. The way I see it, life is short enough as it is, so why not make it count and leave a lasting impression. These women definitely made their lives count and gave us so much to enjoy today.

Here’s a little information for all of you ladies about these amazing women:

• In 1932, Hattie Wyatt Caraway, from Arkansas, was the first woman to elected into the Senate

• In 1933, Frances Perkins was the first woman to be appointed Secretary of Labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt-making

her the first female member of the Presidential cabinet

• In 1976, Sarah Caldwell became the first female conductor at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York

• In 1997, Madeleine Albright chosen to be the Secretary of State-the first female to ever occupy this position

• In 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Eileen Collins became the first woman to be in command of a space shuttle mission

• In 2008, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to win the Presidential primaries

• In 2010, Kathryn Bigelow became the very first woman to win an Academy Award for ‘Best Director’ for her film The Hurt Locker

As you can see from the facts listed above, women have been breaking into new fields throughout American history. If they can do it, then we most certainly can do it with their examples available to us.

I hope that all of this information helps to inspire you, all of you.

Each and every one of us can be proud of being a female and we can find ways to make a difference in the world, be it small or large, because change is progress-and we all know that we could use a little progress in a society that is largely ruled by men. Now, there is nothing wrong with men of course, but we’ve got to get out there and create a society that is based on opportunities that promote gender equality instead of stereotypes.

So, how about we get out there and do something different for a change? I’ll see you on the other side! *For more facts like those provided in this article, go to www.infoplease.com/spot/womensfirsts2.html

• In 1983, Dr. Sally K. Ride was the first woman sent into space

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The Amazon Trail

Tax Equality

By Lee Lynch

be swollen with cash, not a bulls-eye for target practice. Head Start, daycare workers, and caregivers – if only the federal and state governments followed the lead of businesses like Working Assets and let taxpayers check off our spending preferences from a list.

Tax season is such a delight. Just as the daffodils bloom where we live, so do the tax forms. Truly, I doubt there are as many daffodils on earth as there are tax forms. Big piles of them reside in our home.

With marriage equality, comes more responsibility. Well, not for me, my sweetheart has the fortitude and know-how to tackle whatever the I.R.S. demands of us. I cower in my writing chair, grateful to her for yet another reason.

Things are not so equal in our household in this one way, but oh so much more equal than in brackets far above ours. I keep reading about mega billionaires and corporations that don’t pay any taxes. About places to hide money offshore. In addition, I think about gay people more than willing to pay not just taxes, but also the “marriage tax,” in exchange for acceptance in the United States.

I’ve always been willing to pay my taxes without complaint. It’s clear to me that’s how you run a country. I was tempted to withhold them in protest against the Viet Nam war. Fortunately, I didn’t have to because my earnings have never been high enough to warrant making out a check to the I.R.S. Perhaps I’d feel differently if I made the big bucks.

Probably not. The taxes taken out from 50 years of paychecks have paid for horrific things. Collateral damage, napalm, the salaries of politicians who don’t know the difference between government and religion. Enforcement of discriminatory laws, troops and law enforcement savaging protesters, sacrificing our young to unwise military actions.

No way are enough of our taxes used for education, public transportation or help for small farmers competing with mega agribusiness. Our food is in danger for the sake of profit making and for lack of funds to inspect it. The Affordable Care Act should

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The money leaves our hands and we might as well hold Easter egg hunts among the daffodils and newly green grasses to find it again. We could use some of that cash on the federal highway near our home; it’s crumbling into the Pacific. This area is seeing unprecedented numbers of homeless people asking for handouts on street corners. There is money to roust them from unauthorized homeless camps, but not to pay them to repair the highway. Hey, how about monies to help homeless gay teens? Or using all that moola we spend fighting marijuana to sniff out meth labs in every state.

Whatever happened to investing in our country? There isn’t even money to go after the big tax scofflaws. Tax rebels abound. I’d think it would be simple: you live here you pay for the privilege. It’s for our own good. What makes sense about tax protesters who call themselves patriots?

Working for the I.R.S. has become dangerous. There’s a law enforcement term, Potentially Dangerous Taxpayer (PDT), for people who threaten or intimidate I.R.S. employees, contractors and/or their families. A recent interview of such an employee revealed that she and co-workers at a large I.R.S. processing center hide their occupations from neighbors and strangers because they are fearful of reprisals for doing their jobs.

By the time the daylilies come up in our little yard, the taxes will be done. This is a complex year for us tax-wise, because of our 2013 move, my sweetheart’s job changes and my retirement from wage-paying work. Next year our pile of forms won’t rival the height of lampposts.

The best news is that spring has sprung. The first fluffed out robin sat on a bush outside our kitchen window for quite a while yesterday, as if wondering why he came back only to find rain and 60 mile per hour winds. Other good news is the modest tax refund we’ll get for the three years since our legal marriage. Not exactly reparations for the way gays have been treated while responsibly paying our share. It’s a very welcome refund, though. Maybe we’ll tithe part to one of the great organizations that helped make our marriage legal and our tax statement a joint one.

april, 2014 39

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EVENTS CALENDAR California. Enjoy a weekend of western rodeo and festivities. Our Friday Pool Party with the Cowboys and Cowgirls of the Hot Rodeo is not to be missed! Kick up your heels under the stars at our Saturday Night Dance. This event will be even HOTTER than last year!

For info visit www.palmspringsrodeo.org

Apr 23 Michael Childers presents One Night Only. McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) presents a Michael Childers’ Production of One Night Only. In “Tradition: The Jewish Legacy of Broadway,” Michael explores the influence of Jewish composers and performers from the beginnings of Broadway through the present. The performance starts at 6 pm and tickets can be purchased at www.mccallumtheatre.com

Apr 25 - 28 White Party 25. Palm Springs Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Palm Springs celebrates its landmark 25th anniversary by upping the ante with an event line-up of ICONIC proportions April 25-28, 2014.

The Largest Gay Dance Music Festival in the World, White Party will electrify the desert as never before with the hottest array of men, music, DJs and superstar talent ever witnessed. www.jeffreysanker.com

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Apr 26 - 27 PS Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Concert 2014. PS High School Palm Springs OPTIMISTIC VOICES. Stonewall. Harvey Milk. Rainbow Flag. Act Up. Divas. Pride.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. It Gets Better. Marriage Equality. Celebrate and remember LGBT history and a movement that can’t be stopped. It may have started small, but it has grown louder and stronger and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we add our own voices and celebrate the stories that define us. All performances are interpreted for the deaf. Season tickets are only available online at www.psgmc.com.

May 3 Brew at the Zoo. The Living Desert, Palm Desert The 5th Annual Brew at the Zoo. Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Proceeds from Brew at the Zoo help The Living Desert care for over 500 animals, 1,600 protected acres, and provide scholarship programs for thousands of visiting schoolchildren.

For further info visit www.livingdesert.org

DBA April Events April 7th 6:00-8:00 pm Speed Networking Facilitated by Desert Cow Computers.

Held at the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors 6pm-8pm 4045 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs May 2 - 4 Hot Rodeo 2014. Palm Springs Greater Palm Springs Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association presents Hot Rodeo 2014 Celebrating 30 years of gay rodeo in

April 21st Mixer 6:00-8:00 pm Signs By Tomorrow 73-850 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Desert. www.desertbusinessassociation.org

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EVENTS CALENDAR Sundays “The Playgirls” at Toucans Tiki Lounge featuring Tommi Rose. Performances 8, 10pm.

These darling Divas of drag really deliver with their very own brand of entertainment to packed houses. Special guests appear weekly.

DJ in the sound booth. Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com

ongoing >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Copa In a throwback to old Palm Springs’ nightclubs, the Copa is fashioned around an elevated performing stage and a stunning u-shaped bar lined with leather barstools, upholstered booths, and gilded cocktail tables. Sink into the sexy lounge, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the lineup of local and guest entertainers. For weekly schedule visit www.coparoomps.com The Purple Room Supper club, drinks and live music. It’s where Palm Springs plays. Great entertainment nightly and dinner specials. You never know whom you might see at The Purple Room.

For monthly schedule and info visit http://purpleroompalmsprings.com

Oscar’s Café & Bar You and your dog(s) are invited to join us every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am - 2:00pm for a fun brunch on our always dog-friendly patio. Oscar’s Cafe & Bar participates in My Perfect Pet’s “Dine With Your Dog” program, offering fresh, whole, healthy 100% Human-Grade Food for your dog while serving delicious human food for our pet parents! Dog meals are offered FREE with a $2 per meal donation (which benefits local animal nonprofits) 7 days a week at Oscar’s Cafe & Bar. Make your Bow Wow Brunch Reservations by calling Oscar’s at (760) 325-1188.

PS: Brunch is also available indoors for those without pets!

Hunters Nightclubs® Palm Springs, Palm Springs’ go-to gay bar and dance club, has been leading the way in full-out fun for 13 lucky years now! We enjoy having the desert’s most sought-after and friendly DJs, full-on themed events, and a staff that has it all without the attitude. And of course, we are proud to hold the longest happy hour in the entire Valley. Remember: Size Matters. Come by for our happy hour from 10am – 7pm. Yes, that’s right: 9 hours long! For a list of all events and specials visit www.huntersnightclubs.com

Art Walk. Back Street Art District , Discover the Backstreet Art District, on the first Wednesday of every month, the coolest, hippest art destination in the desert. Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios featuring exciting collections of original, contemporary art by nationally and internationally recognized artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics as well as performing arts. ART WALKS are held the first Wednesday of every month during evening hour. www.backstreetartdistrict.com

Wang’s in the Desert. The weekly Wang’s Live Entertainment series features the best in local and regional musical talents.

Guests can relax from cabaret and Broadway show performances to upbeat, jazzy showcases on the Zen Patio, with its beautiful stone outdoor fireplace, giant red Buddha statue and lush tropical surroundings. The Sunday series is becoming the new performance showcase for weekends and holidays in downtown Palm Springs. It’s the perfect, casual venue for great music, cool cocktails and of course, a fantastic crowd.

For more information about Wang’s in the Desert, visit www.wangsinthedesert.com Tuesdays Bella da Ball Cabaret Variety Dinner Revue at Azul features a different show each week with a cast of male and female vocalists and drag personalities. The highly popular show is hosted and produced by Palm Springs’ area social ambassador, Bella da Ball, and features music-comedysong-dance-costuming-headdresses-photo ops-door prizes-audience participation and more. The 95+ minute production features musical numbers ranging from show tunes to country to pop and everything in between.

Don’t miss the fun every Tuesday at 7:30pm! No cover.

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events calendar

apr 25 - 28

apr 11 - 13

MiaMi beaCh gay pride mIamI, florIda miami Beach gay pride is an extraordinary two-day event that features a Beach party and a festival & parade with more than 125 lgBt-friendly vendors and businesses, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments, food and a family-friendly play area. coming into its 6th year, miami Beach gay pride has grown into the largest, two-day event of the year in miami Beach. the hugely successful event attracted more than 2013 more than 80,000 people from all walks of life, all parts of the country, and all age groups. www.miamibeachgaypride.com

apr 24 - 27

dinah vegaS las Vegas, nV las Vegas is preparing for an onslaught of the world’s hottest lesbians, april 2427, 2014. now in its third year in sin city, partygoers at dinah Vegas will be rewarded with a bigger than ever bill of entertainment, gourmet dining, gaming and sunshine in the neo-lit city that never sleeps. attendance has doubled each year, says producer sandy sachs. “we know from our patrons that we are on the right track, producing one-of-a-kind events, filled with the world’s hottest women! caesars has worked with us on a vision that is limitless in scope and as iconic as the city itself.” www.dinahshoreweekend.com

White party palM SpringS palm sprIngs, ca celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary by upping the ante with an event line-up of IconIc proportions. white party palm springs has evolved into the most widely recognized gay celebration on the planet coming together and re-defining the meaning of “desert heat!” attracting more than 30,000 attendees from every corner of the globe. www.jeffreysanker.com

may 2 - 4 apr 20 - 27

philadelphia blaCK gay pride phIladelphIa, pa philadelphia Black gay pride, Inc. (pBgp) targets its festival to people of african descent who are members of the lesbian, gay, Bi-sexual and transgender community. pBgp does not discriminate and welcomes all who are alias to the community. for schedule of events visit www.phillyblackpride.org

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apr 24 - 27

ClaW leather aWareneSS cleVeland, oh the cleveland leather awareness is an annual charity leather weekend in cleveland, with different warehouse parties, auctions, fetish parties, a vendor mart, field trips and banquets. www.clawinfo.org

hot rodeo 2014 palm sprIngs, ca proudly presented by the greater palm springs chapter of the golden state gay rodeo association and celebrating 30 years of gay rodeo in california! enjoy a weekend of western rodeo and festivities while visiting the fun and beautiful paradise of palm springs. do not miss our friday pool party with the cowboys and cowgirls of the hot rodeo. www.psrodeo.org

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EVENTS CALENDAR

Apr 4 - 6

Rubbout / Vancouver, Canada 2014 is the 23rd installment of the Vancouver Rubbout party weekend for men who like rubber and fetish. The theme for 2014 is GEAR UP! We want to encourage all the rubber men out there to wear their sexiest sports gear to the weekend events; preferably in rubber, though Lycra and leather will also conjure up images of hot sweaty muscular men giving their all to win the game. Further info at www.rubbout.com

apr 30- may 4

bear bar, pool party, Barcelona city tour, dinners and clubbing, so be ready for your bear impulse to roar and be released. www.bearcelona.org

Apr 13 - 15

Songtran Thai New Year Bangkok,Thailand Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year that starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. It is also known as the “Water Festival� as people believe that water will wash away bad luck. With that in mind, it is not hard to understand why the streets outside Silom, where all the gay bars are, are packed. www.gcircuit.com

Apr 16 - 21

BEARcelona 2014 Barcelona, Spain BEARcelona 2014: International bears meeting; highlights include welcome party,

Southern Caribbean Pride Curacao, Dutch Caribbean Second pride event on this tropical Dutch island. With the Southern Caribbean Pride the community wants the other neighboring islands to come and join them and as such help spread the hope and joy of a Pride event through the Caribbean. Many parties, events and a street parade will entertain the visitors. www.southerncaribbeanpride.com

Apr 30 - May 4

apr 27

Tokyo Rainbow Pride tokyo, japan A variety of music, dance and performances will grace the Outdoor Stage at Yoyogi Park.

The parade strives to shed light on the problems facing LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) and people of sexual minorities with the hope of creating a society free of discrimination and prejudice. We hope to make the Tokyo Rainbow Pride venue a safe place for all LGBT people and their allies to celebrate diversity. More info at www.tokyorainbowpride.com/en

SleazyMadrid (The party not the city) Madrid Spain As every year and with the long holiday weekend of the 1st of May, the gay fetish event returns to the capital city of Spain.

With 13 years of existence, the event is firmly established and holds a prominent position in the gay fetish circuit. Over the holiday weekend the gay scene in Madrid registers an increase of visitors interested in taking part of this event. There will be a bevy of bars, clubs, dance floors, shops, saunas and hostels that participate in the event. The organized activities and parties with a fetish theme will make your weekend a memorable one. Go to www.sleazymadrid.com for all details

april, 2014 43

the3d’s RESTAURANTS

dine | drink | dance { Coachella Valley }

Bars and Night Clubs

Wang’s in the Desert 424 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-WANG (9264) www.wangsinthedesert.com

Las Casuelas Terraza 222 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-2794 www.lascasuelas.com

Zin American Bistro 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 322-6300 www.pszin.com

Hunters Nightclub 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com

Nature’s Health Food & Cafe 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com

LuLu California Bistro 200 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

Birba 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5678 www.birbaps.com

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

Pomme Frite 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-3727 www.pomme-frite.com

Cheekys 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-7595 www.cheekysps.com

Rainbow Bar and Grill 216 South Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-3989 www.rainbowbarngrill.com

Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill 350 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 992-5641 www.rioazulpalmsprings.com

El Mirasol 140 E Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Thai Smile Palm Springs 651 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille 415 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-6279 www.hamburgermarysps.com

Studio ONE 11 Cocktail Lounge 67-555 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A103, Cat. City CA 92264 760.328.2900 www.Studio-One-11.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Rick’s Restaurant 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

The Tool Shed 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com

The Tropicale 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 866-1952 www.thetropicale.com

Pinocchio in the Desert 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-3776 www.pinocchiops.com

Spurline Video Lounge 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-1199 www.shermansdeli.com Acqua Pazza / The River at Rancho Mirage 71800 Highway 111 Suite A167 Rancho Mirage, CA Phone: (760) 862-9800 www.acquapazzabistro.com Azul Restaurant 369 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-5533 www.azultapaslounge.com Casa de Frida 450 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 459-1681 www.casadefrida.com Copley’s on Palm Canyon 621 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com

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business dIrectory your ad here! thestandardps.com

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66511 pierson Blvd. desert hot springs, CA

760.251.0999 Ahora en Espa単ol /18+

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cominG up neXt month SECOND ANNUAL FOOD ISSUE FITNESS: DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS TRAVEL: GREAT EATS WHILE YOU TRAVEL

aprIl, 2014 45

Almost anything I need is right out my front door.

Ross, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person Living on just Social Security, my beautiful, subsidized apartment on D.A.P.’s campus has been a lifesaver.

It even has solar collectors to reduce my electric bill! But best of all, my doctor, dentist, case manager, pharmacy— just about anything I could need—are only about 500 feet away when I open my front door.

For the first time in years, my T-cells are up, I have dental care again, and my future seems bright.

This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for 30 years.

Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events.

20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala | February 8, 2014 Haute 4 Help Fashion Event | March 7, 2014 Celebrity Doodles | April 5, 2014 Thirst for Life | April 8, 2014 Dining Out for Life | April 24, 2014 Desert Drag Race | May 11, 2014

760.323.2118 46 theStandardps.com

desertAIDSproject.org

Photo Rewind ACS Desert Spirit Awards Photo Courtesy of The Standard Magazine Staff

april, 2014 47

It is our hope that this event will not only honor the memory of this American hero but also strengthen coalitions among the many diverse community organizations that work toward equality in the Coachella Valley.

photo by Daniel Nicoletta

Harvey B. Milk LEADERSHIP AWARD

“ELLE K�

KURPIEWSKI Keynote SPEAKER

National Center for Lesbian Rights

Kate

Kendell

charles Herrera

Table Sponsors Student Table Sponsors:

Steven Henke, Desert Business Association

Photo Rewind Red Dress Party Photo Courtesy of David A. Lee

april, 2014 49