IN THE MOOD FOR
MOD MODERNISM 2015
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INTERNATIONAL BEAR
CONVERGENCE THE BEARS LAND IN PS
FEBRUARY, 2015 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 THESTANDARDPS.COM
CONTENTS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
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DESIGN BY MAYA KALABIC
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ART VIEW
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Volume 3 Issue 2 COVER IN THE MOOD FOR MOD: MODERNISM 2015 TAKE FIVE CHRIS MOBLEY: BOARD CHAIRMAN, MODERNISM WEEK BUSINESS PROFILE RESUSCITATE BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE FURNITURE MART BOOK REVIEW COMMEMORATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: OUR AUNTIE ROSA AND DRIVING THE KING EPICUREAN THROWING THE ULTIMATE MID CENTURY MODERN PARTY EVENT NATIVE AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
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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, Trent Blanchard, Cindy Duffy, Jared Greene, Chris Heritage, Scott Kearnan, Jimmy Newsum, Dennis Mason, Steve Roth, Terri Schlichenmeyer & Ken Toth 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|MODERNISM
MODERNISM WEEK
CELEBRATES TEN YEARS IN PALM SPRINGS
BY CINDY DUFFY
SINATRA HOUSE COURTESY OF BEAU MONDE VILLAS
Modernism Week’s signature event will take place February 12-22, 2015, celebrating ten years highlighting midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture in the greater Palm Springs area. The festival features more than 200 exciting events including the 15th annual Modernism Show & Sale, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, a keynote address by designer Todd Oldham, vintage fashion, classic cars, garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and much more.
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For its tenth anniversary Modernism Week is going more social with the introduction of CAMP (an acronym for Community And Meeting Place) the new central hub of activity during the 11-day event. A 30,000 square foot tented festival headquarters, CAMP will be the Modernism Week check-in location for Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours and ticket sales, and will also offer programs, films, book signings, daily Happy Hour entertainment, and special events. All events are open to the public with the purchase of a CAMP wristband for admission: $20 for 1-5 days, $30 for 10-days. CAMP wristbands are available at the door or in advance at modernismweek.com.
MODERNISM|COVER
DOUBLE DECKER BUS BY DAVID A LEE
TODD OLDHAM
LISA VOSSLER SMITH & CHRIS MOBLEY
Also new for 2015 will be the release of “Desert Modernists – The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs,” a special 144-page commemorative book, focused on the elite group of architects who shaped the genre of “Desert Modern” architecture in Palm Springs. Including stunning photography of their most significant and historical projects, and chapters written by an esteemed collective of 14 authors, the book will highlight notable architects Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, and Hugh Kaptur, among others. “Desert Modernists” will be available for purchase at CAMP and other local retailers in February.
CK SHOW HOUSE 2015-RENDERING BY VICTORIA MOLINELLI
Located at 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive (at the corner of Palm Canyon and W. Chino at the gateway to Palm Springs’ vibrant Uptown Design District), CAMP will feature luxurious, designer hospitality and lounge spaces, a Café with specialty on-the-go lunch cuisine, and a fabulous outdoor bar featuring cocktails and Happy Hour specials with live entertainment daily from 3-6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.modernismweek.com/camp/ A highlight during the first weekend of Modernism Week will be a keynote address by designer Todd Oldham. Known to millions through his fashion lines, interior designs, and television appearances, Oldham is also a book publisher and prolific photographer. His talk, Todd Oldham ♥’s Alexander Girard, will be presented at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday, February 14.
One of last year’s most sought-after events, the Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound will return for a second year. Brainchild of noted Palm Springs designer Christopher Kennedy who spearheaded the project, a midcentury modern residence in the prestigious Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs will be re-imagined by Kennedy and a collection of A-list designers and brand partners. The Compound, site of several exciting events taking place during Modernism Week, will be open to the public for tours. In anticipation of an increased attendance for its tenth anniversary celebration, Modernism Week officials have increased capacity for 2015, including twice the number of Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours and eleven new neighborhood tours. The area’s captivating desert modern neighborhoods and midcentury residences, so abundant and beautifully preserved, have helped Modernism Week become one of the most popular and internationally recognized architecture and design festivals in the world.
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COVER|MODERNISM
VINTAGE CAR BY DAVID A LEE
Neighborhood and home tours have helped fuel Modernism Week’s growth; however, it is not widely known that the organization assists local neighborhood groups by funding their preservation efforts and other community projects. More than $219,000 of revenue generated by neighborhood tours during Modernism Week in February 2014 was given back to each community, and a special tour during October’s Fall Preview benefited the Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee – an all-volunteer service group comprised of and representing 35 officially certified neighborhood organizations in Palm Springs. Examples of how the funds from upcoming February tours will be used include new midcentury clubhouse furniture for Seven Lakes Country Club, refreshing the folded plate carport roofs at Park Imperial South, and several neighborhoods plan to add signage and convert to more drought-tolerant landscaping. Vista Las Palmas and Racquet Club Estates support local schools and charities, and revenues from Sandpiper tours will fund programs at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert – The Galen, and provide a new student scholarship for a Palm Desert graduate. This year, midcentury enclaves in the cities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells feature prominently on Modernism Week’s schedule with exciting new tours and events: • A Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod Marrakesh (2/19) – cocktails and dinner at the fabulous Marrakesh Country Club Clubhouse • William Krisel Sandpiper House Tour and Party (2/17) – tour remarkable homes built from 1958 to 1969 and party at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert • Palm Desert Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (2/19 & 20) – a two-hour tour featuring homes by Krisel, Burns, White, Frey, Outcault, and more • Indian Wells Signature Home Tour and Luncheon (2/20) – concludes at Indian Wells Golf Resort with a light lunch and
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GARDEN TOUR BY DAVID A LEE
conversation with an award-winning architect Not-to-be-missed parties include the 10th Anniversary Opening Night Party: Modernism Eclectic Dance Blast with KCRW’s Jason Bentley (2/12), and the Modernism Show & Sale Preview Reception (2/13), which provides a sneak peek before it opens to the general public. To see all the Modernism Week After Dark events scheduled throughout the week, including festive martini mixers and cocktail parties, visit http://www.modernismweek.com/parties/. For those who are newcomers to Modernism Week and may need help figuring out which lectures, tours, and parties to attend, check out the great Modernism Week for Newbies guide! http:// www.modernismweek.com/newbies/ The City of Palm Springs is the Presenting Sponsor of Modernism Week, and all events are open to the public. To learn more visit http://www.modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABOUT MODERNISM WEEK: Modernism Week is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Modernism Week is also a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local Palm Springs students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as giving grants to local and state preservation organizations for their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California. MODERNISM WEEK’S MISSION: The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in Palm Springs.
COVER|TAKE FIVE FIVE QUESTIONS WITH CHRIS MOBLEY BOARD CHAIRMAN OF MODERNISM WEEK
1. You opened your store Just Modern in 2011 in Palm Springs, and a year later became the board chairman of Modernism Week. How has one position helped the other? We started Just Modern as an online business in 2011, and opened our store in the Uptown Design District in 2012. I am in direct contact with visitors and residents of Palm Springs on a daily basis, which provides a great opportunity to speak with people who have participated in Modernism Week and/or have an interest in what this area has to offer. It also gives me a chance to talk about the mission of Modernism Week, promote upcoming events, and receive feedback on ways to improve future events. 2. How has the Modernism Movement influenced you personally? As a child of the 60’s, today’s modernism movement creates a bit of nostalgia for me and also brings back a lot of fond memories. Because “modernism” draws upon so many cultural movements, I feel that it allows me the freedom to experiment in my personal style and design esthetic. The midcentury modern period and Palm Springs lifestyle also influences our product lines at Just Modern. 3. Can you please give us a little bit of “Modernism 101” to help those who are not that familiar with Modernism Week? Modernism Week is a celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture in the greater Palm Springs area. It’s basically an 11-day festival comprised of educational and entertaining events, including neighborhood tours, midcentury home tours, films, lectures, cocktail parties, dinners, live music, architectural bus tours, and more. 4. Every year Modernism Week gets better and better. What can attendees of this year’s event anticipate? In celebration of our 10th year, Modernism Week has doubled
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the number of Signature Home Tours, Neighborhood Tours and Architectural Bus Tours so that more people can experience the festival’s most popular events. We have also expanded into other areas of the Coachella Valley with new home tours and bus tours in Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. Also new this year is CAMP (Community and Meeting Place), which will be Modernism Week’s central headquarters. The indoor/outdoor space will be open from 10 AM – 6 PM daily, and includes a Hospitality Suite, the Room & Board Lounge, a theater for films and lectures, cafe, Modern Marketplace, happy hours, book signings, art and live music. 5. What is your favorite event during Modernism Week? This year I am especially looking forward to our 10th Anniversary Opening Night Party: Modernism Eclectic Dance Blast at CAMP, which has a Throwback Thursday theme. Of the annual events, my favorites are the neighborhood tours, architectural bus tours, and the Modernism Show and Sale.
BUSINESS PROFILE
RESUSCITATE: ENERGIZING THE FURNITURE SCENE IN PS BY CHRIS ASTRALA
For Palm Springs the economic upswing has been amazing. Everywhere you turn there seems to be a new shop or restaurant popping up. One of the newest kids on the block is RESUSCITATE. A breath of fresh air among the myriad of mid-century furniture stores. What makes this place stand out among the rest? It’s unique, eclectic and classic furniture and accessories that will be a welcome addition to any home. RESUSCITATE is a boutique type furniture store. Specializing in one of a kind pieces, as well as mid-century and modern, new and vintage sofas, loungers, coffee and end tables, desks, lamps, rugs, accessories and art. RESUSCITATE works closely with one of the most renowned artist to the stars, Mario A.C Della Casa, who is the official artist and best known for re-creating the Jeannie bottle from the hit 60’s television show I Dream of Jeannie. If it’s a great piece of art you are looking for, RESUSCITATE also features art by Babe Jago who is catching the eyes of the pop art world with his bright color abstracts. So if you’re looking for that WOW piece for your home RESUSCITATE may be just what the doctor ordered. Visit RESUSCITATE today and see for yourself. Located at 560 South Indian Canyon, Palm Springs CA 760-668-0079
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BUSINESS PROFILE
FEBRUARY, 2015 13
BOOK REVIEW
ALWAYS OVERBOOKED… BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
Once, many years ago, your grandmother chased your grandpa out of the house. Nobody remembers why or what happened afterward; the particulars are lost, and they aren’t important anymore, really. The laugh-til-you-cry telling, the knee slapping, each embellishment as years go by – that’s what truly matters. Family stories are the glue that holds you all together. And in the new book “Our Auntie Rosa” by Sheila McCauley Keys (with Eddie B. Allen, Jr.), you’ll read one family’s recollections of an icon. For much of their early lives, Sylvester McCauley’s children didn’t know who their favorite aunt really was. Sure, they’d read about the woman who launched the Civil Rights movement. They’d heard her name said with pride. But for most of them, it took awhile to make the connection: the woman on the bus that day in Montgomery was their Auntie Rosa Parks. Even after she moved north, after she and her husband and mother came to live with the eleven-member McCauley family in Detroit, their Auntie Rosa didn’t much speak of her actions. The nieces and nephews asked her sometimes, but she usually waved questions away. The past wasn’t important to her then. Family was. The Parks never had any children themselves, so the McCauley kids were happy to absorb any extra love. Their Auntie Rosa was a good cook who loved to entertain. She was steady, supportive, and resourceful but she encouraged independence. An elegant, sharp dresser, Parks was never showy in manner or accomplishment – although she did save all her hate mail. To the children of her beloved brother and to those she enfolded in her circle, Parks embodied strength and fearlessness. She made sure there was food on tables more than once, and clothes on young backs. Through her mistakes, she taught the power of apology. She counseled them not to judge as they’d been judged, but she showed them that there’s a limit to forgiveness. In her latter years, they say, she was the same calm, determined person she’d always been. And even well into her eighties, she vowed to keep doing what needed done. With the approaching 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ famous act of defiance, you’re likely to hear a lot about her in the next year. But when was the last time you thought about Mr. Parks? Yeah, same here. That’s why “Our Auntie Rosa” is so important. Filled with memories of the Parks’ lives within the raucous, loving McCauley family, this book offers things history doesn’t tell you. Author Sheila McCauley Keys (with Eddie B. Allen, Jr.) weaves her
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siblings’ memories into a treasury of life, not politics or action. We meet people important to Rosa Parks and, through them, tales of a real person warms us – tales that, if you never met Parks, will make you mourn for it. I absolutely loved this memory-filled delight, I loved its balance and I think you will, too. If you’ve ever wondered about the quiet, tiny giant behind the act, “Our Auntie Rosa” is a book to chase down. “Our Auntie Rosa” by Sheila McCauley Keys with Eddie B. Allen, Jr. c.2015, Penguin Tarcher $24.95 / $27.95 Canada 208 pages
BOOK REVIEW
DRIVING THE KING Everybody has that one friend… She’s the person you call in the middle of the night because you don’t know what else to do. He’s your wingman, Saturday afternoon mechanic, and fellow prankster. She gives you courage. He gives you advice. That one friend is your go-to person, your rock; your personal booster. And in “Driving the King” by Ravi Howard, that kind of friendship works both ways. Nathaniel Weary hated airports. The planes coming in low and loud always reminded him of Kilby, the state prison in Montgomery, where he spent ten long years. He and his fellow inmates would be out in the Alabama cold, cutting kudzu from a fence, and those circling planes teased him with what he was missing. He was a young man then, just home from fighting overseas, with a ring in his pocket, intent on asking his girl to marry him. His friend, Nat “King” Cole was going to help but when someone threatened Cole’s life and Weary jumped onto the stage to prevent danger, the plan fell apart. Instead of asking his girl for marriage, he went to prison for assaulting a white man, and he asked her not to visit him anymore. Nearly ten years later, Cole’s bodyguard came to Kilby with an offer: Nat “King” Cole needed a driver. He wanted that driver to be Nathaniel Weary. In Montgomery , as around the country, much had changed while Weary was in jail. Television was a novelty when he went in; when he came out, it was in everybody’s living room. Folks back in Montgomery were boycotting city buses and another King – this one, a preacher - was standing up for civil rights, Weary’s mother had died while he was in Kilby, and his father didn’t want him talking about that place once he got out. Los Angeles offered a fresh start. He took the job. But even a year in LA didn’t dampen the tug of home for Nathaniel Weary. He didn’t miss the trouble there; it had, in fact, followed him to California - but he missed his people something fierce. He had to find a way to say goodbye. I really wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish “Driving the King.” The books’ first pages had me pretty well completely lost, so don’t be surprised if that happens when you try reading it – but don’t be deterred, either. With the early Civil Rights movement as backdrop, author Ravi Howard brings together history, pop-culture, and mid-century music to craft an overall-satisfying story. The trouble comes with a
back-and-forth storyline that takes some getting used to, but it’s softened by the ease with which its two main characters move and the friendship they share. In the end, the back-and-forth is what makes it work. There’s a certain cinematic feel to this book that’s really appealing and will captivate readers, once they get more into the story. If you’re looking for a well-done reel-life drama, then “Driving the King” could be that one book. “Driving the King” by Ravi Howard c.2015, HarperCollins $25.99 / $31.99 Canada 336 pages
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BEAT BOX
WINTER CHILL TRACKS BY JIMMY NEWSUM
A whole slew of hot and sweaty beats are helping to keep temps high on gay dance floors this winter. Here are the essential songs and remixes that should be on your winter playlist right now. “Under The Stars” / diMaro & Alicia Madison (Contagious Records) diMaro may get top billing but you won’t actually hear his voice anywhere here. Instead, he programs and sequences the song’s infectious beats, synthy swooshes and digitized loops while Alicia Madison (who last guested on Sied van Riel’s “Gravity”) delivers a sweeping tale of steely determination in the face of lost love. The track is quickly becoming the biggest song on dance floors and house radio thanks to strong support from influential spinners Markus Schulz, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. Of course, Madison and diMaro deserve the real props for presenting a slickly produced blockbuster that is truly big room dance music at its best. “I Like You” / Tony Moran featuring Debby Holiday (Sugarhouse) Debby Holiday teams up with Grammy-nominated producer Tony Moran to celebrate the thirty-year anniversary of Phyllis Nelson’s iconic house smash, “I Like You”. The song was a top ten radio hit in 1985, due to Nelson’s soulful vocals and the song’s subtle social commentary. It was seen my many as an ode to Omni sexuality, with Nelson justifying her love to all the many different types of people with a simple, “no reason why; I just like you.” That message inspired Holiday to remake the song for the modern dance floor. With the help of Moran, Holiday presents a harder, darker, grainier, more underground sound to the track. This marks the third collaboration by these two powerhouses of dance and the beats simply keep getting better. “Crooked” / Faith Michaels featuring Nina Flowers and Power Infiniti / (Lomlplex) “Crooked” shows a rarely seen bitchy side to the queen of nice, Faith Michaels. No doubt, it is the influence of drag superstars Nina
Flowers and Power Infiniti, who are also featured on the record. Written by Michael Cosculluela, the song refers to the crown of a queen, which, according to the ladies, should always be worn straight. Those with their noses up in the air, thinking they’re all fierce and better than everyone else, well, their crowns are on crooked, honey, and Faith, Power and Nina have something to say on it. Crooked is a comically infectious track that expertly mixes attitude and camp with damn good danceable beats. “He Won’t Do” / Billy Winn (Ferocious Music/Kaleidosphere) Scandal has served Billy Winn well. His previous track, “Future X Boyfriend” rocketed him into Billboard’s top twenty last summer. Now comes his debut EP, Cruel Intentions, along with its first release, “He Won’t Do.” It’s a slick single that tells the story of ex lovers not quite finished with one another yet. Winn plays the aggressor, singing how the lover’s new man will never compare to him. It’s a delicious mix of pop, heavy dance, R&B, electronica and oh yes, attitude. It sets the tone for what fans can expect to hear from this exciting, young and sexy out artist. “Hot Homo” / Cazwell featuring Big Dipper (Peace Biscuit) The latest record from the leading independent gay hip hopper is a freestyle parody of Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N*gga”. Like its predecessor, the song has an addictive beat with NC-17 lyrics. Where Shmurda’s track is about killing people and selling drugs, Cazwell’s single takes on, what else, man-on-man sex. And why not? Gay men should feel as entitled to express themselves sexually as straight guys do, says Cazwell. That’s been his message since he first dropped ‘All Over Your Face’ in 2006. In “Hot Homo”, Caz is joined by another funny as all hell gay MC: the large, furry bear rapper known as Big Dipper. Together, they present a finely produced rap parody that also manages to poke fun at celebrities Chris Brown, James Franco and even Debra Messing. The music video is a must-see too.
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PSP FOCUS
2nd ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE PS Palm Springs is the host to the second Annual International Bear Convergence; President’s Day weekend Feb 12-16. Held at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, this event is expected to be bigger than last year with pool parties, excursions and night dances. The main event for the weekend is Saturday Night’s Retro Dance and Concert featuring a duel concert with Ultra Nate and Amber on the main stage and a surprise performer afterwards. This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 9:30 PM. Seven Dj’s will spin throughout the weekend event, local boy Chub Jim, Roke Cabrera from Spain, Sean Mac from Atlanta, Doug Jackson from Ft Lauderdale and John Lepage from San Francisco for the Leather Ball on Sunday Night. The event’s host and producer, Steve Harris is expecting 3000 attendees this year from around the world. Restaurants and hotels around Palm Springs have welcomed and sponsored this event knowing the economical impact to the tourist dollar. Harris is hoping
the pubic embraces the event again and participates in the Saturday Night Concert. “The bear community is growing and changing all at the same time. It has become more inclusive as younger gay men who want to be involved with people who are ‘comfortable’ in their skin,” explains Harris, “This event is very proud to welcome everyone, every race, color, creed, and waist size, as we just want the weekend to be memorable. It’s all about making new friends, meeting old ones and wanting to come back to ‘converge’ on Palm Springs once again.” “We want our guests to come with an open mind and open expectations,” says Harris. “Bears are a very friendly crowd, this is definitely a convergence ... it’s not a circuit party, it’s a weekend of celebration!” For a full schedule of events and more details on the International Bear Convergence, check out its web site www.ibc-ps.com
HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT BENEFITTING AAP AT TRIO RESTAURANT In celebration of the 87th annual Academy Awards, Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs will host the sixth annual “Hollywood’s Biggest Night” to benefit AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) at 4:30 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2015. The glittering evening will include signature ‘orange’ carpet arrivals featuring a group of paparazzo, and a special greeting from dynamic hostess and local celebrity, Bella da Ball. The Oscars® pre-show and awards presentations will be viewed on special screens throughout Trio’s bar and restaurant areas. “Year after year, this continues to be a magical evening of dining, drinks, and the greatest awards show on earth,” says Tony Marchese, coowner of Trio. “Starting with the walk down the orange carpet and the flashbulbs going off as guests arrive, the energy in the room is electric
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and the excitement builds as we wait with anticipation for each winner to be announced. Everyone has such a wonderful time, and every year is more entertaining than the last.” “Trio is the best place in the Valley to experience the magic and excitement of Oscar night,” says Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “Their exceptional staff makes everyone feel like an A-list celebrity, and we are extremely grateful that AAP is once again the beneficiary of this entertaining and highly anticipated event.” Tickets for Hollywood’s Biggest Night start at $125 per person for bar seating, $150 for general seating, and $175 for VIP/premium seating, which includes a prix-fixe dinner, well drinks, wine, and champagne. Tickets should be purchased in advance at aidsassistance. org or by calling AAP at 760/325-8481.
PA L M
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M U S E U M
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN CENTER
“IT HAPPENS TO BOYS” CONFERENCE
Photography by John Ellis
Special Modernism Week Schedule February 13-19, and 22 open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Creative Change Conferences, a non-profit corporation dedicated to bringing quality educational workshops and conferences to the Coachella Valley and beyond, is hosting The 7th Annual ‘It Happens to Boys’ Conference on Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, 2015 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, each day. The conference will focus on the impact of abuse and trauma on survivors, and will take place at The Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower Medical Center, located at 39-000 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. Proceeds from Creative Change Conferences provide need-based scholarships for deserving desertarea students, and the organization will select one local student (TBA) to receive this award at the March conference. “We have spent the last six years encouraging men who have been abused to come forward, speak up about what happened, and begin their healing process,” says Carol Teitelbaum, the Founder of Creative Change Conferences and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. “There is so much joy to be found in recovery. We want to help these men take the next steps in their healing so that they can begin to enjoy their lives and cultivate more positive relationships with their children, healthier sexual relationships, and teach them to be less intimidated when seeking guidance from experts in the healthcare field.” Space is limited, and RSVP is strongly encouraged. The cost of the conference is $250, which includes lunch on both days. Discounts are available for tables of eight or more, and continuing education hours are available for area nurses, therapists, and addiction professionals. For more information and to register, call 760-346-4606 or visit www.creativechangeconferences.com
The dream is realized. The former Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan bank, designed by E. Stewart Williams, has been restored and transformed into a cutting edge incubator for architecture and design, with space for exhibitions, study, and archives. The Bradford W. Bates Vault: The Museum Design Store is a center for architecture and design books and unique objects.
Photography by Daniel Chavkin
Photography by Lani Garfield
ON EXHIBITION An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect Through February 22
Eye on Design: Andrea Zittel’s Aggregated Stacks and the Collection of the Palm Springs Art Museum March 14 through July 12 To learn more about these exhibitions, the A+D Center, and architecture tours go to psmuseum.org.
300 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA 760-423-5260 psmuseum.org
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PSP FOCUS OPERA ARTS PRESENTS THE 3RD ANNUAL WHEN I RISE GALA On Sunday February 15 2015, at The Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs, Opera Arts will honor gold medal Olympic diver Greg Louganis at the third annual When I Rise Gala. When I Rise was created to recognize individuals who have overcome obstacles in life and have risen against those odds to become an outstanding human being. We find such individuals in the arts, in sports , entertainment and in so many other walks of life. This person is someone who has exemplified and embodied the true human spirit and has forged a path that others recognize as a noble endeavor. Considered the greatest diver of all time, Greg Louganis won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic games on both the springboard and platform. He is the only male and the second diver in Olympic history to sweep the diving events in consecutive Olympic games. Even more impressive when considering the fact that he was the favorite to win both events in 1980, but due to the United States boycott of the Olympics, he was unable to compete. Louganis won an unprecedented 47 national tiles during his career, in addition to three NCAA titles, five world championships and, six Pan American Games gold medals. During a period spanning from 1982 to 1988, he won four world championships, four Pan American gold medals, and four Olympic gold medals. He was the first diver
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PSP FOCUS to receive perfect 10’s on a dive in international competition when he did so at the 1982 World Championships. In one of the most extraordinary athletic feats in history, Louganis hit his head on the board in the preliminaries of the springboard event at the 1988 Olympic games. He recovered sufficiently to qualify for the finals and after receiving several stitches following the preliminary round, won his second Olympic springboard gold medal. Over the years, he has gained wisdom from managing life’s highest highs and lowest lows. He is a skilled inspirational and motivational speaker. His keynote addresses have been well received at professional, educational and athletic events the world over. Currently, Greg is a mentor for the US Olympic diving team, a judge for the Red Bull Cliff Diving Tour, a dog agility expert, and a motivational speaker. He is the subject of a feature-length critically acclaimed documentary film, Back on Board, which was featured at this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. For more info and to purchase tickets please visit www.operaartspalmsprings.org or call 760-323-8353
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I’m smiling more than ever. Tony, D.A.P. client
D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person When D.A.P. opened its dental clinic, I didn’t know it was one-of-a-kind in the county. I’ve been living with HIV for a long time, so I was just happy to have people nearby who really understood my oral care needs. I’ve been a D.A.P. client since 1994, so I’d already had great experiences with my doctor, my case manager, and my home health team. But this dental clinic staff is remarkable — from the smiling receptionist to my gentle dentist and everyone else in between. Who knew you could actually LIKE going to the dentist?!
This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for more than 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. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala | February 7, 2015 Dinner at My Place | March 22 - April 2, 2015 Dining Out for Life | April 30, 2015
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desertAIDSproject.org
LEGALLY SPEAKING
MONEY MATTERS BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE
I handle estate planning for people who have a handful of assets, tons of assets, and everything in between. Other people have serious financial problems, and I help them file bankruptcy, so they can get a fresh start. And some folks are married or registered domestic partners and need me to file for a dissolution of the relationship. Whatever your fortune or misfortune, money and other assets are usually the focus of my work. Here are some notes and suggestions that can help protect what you already have, or regain a solid footing when you need it: Finding Money: You or a family member may have money waiting for you. Unclaimed monies must be turned over to the state by financial institutions and other companies. The state then must try to find the rightful owners. There is no charge to check these two official websites to search for unclaimed property: www.Unclaimed.org www.MissingMoney.com Be wary of companies that charge you or send “special offers” to locate funds for you. Some are legitimate, but some are not. Check the above websites first. Finding More Money: Did someone pass away recently? Could you be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy? To get any information from insurers, you must have the authority to discuss the matter with them. You must be the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate, a member of the immediate family; or have written authorization from that person for the insurer to release information to you. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate and as much information as you can find about the policy itself. Contact the insurer’s main office to see if they are permitted to talk to you as a possible beneficiary. If the death was a long time ago, it is likely that the funds have already been turned over to the state and will turn up on the websites listed above. Marrying for Money: When you marry or register as domestic partners in California, look carefully at both of your financial situations. You each bring
separate property to the union, and can choose whether to keep all of your property separate, or co-mingle some or all of it. What you acquire after the union will usually belong to both of you as community property. You can choose how to identify all of your property by creating a premarital or post-marital agreement.
Splitting Up Money: Sometimes things just don’t work out. You married, registered, or were in a committed relationship, and now you want out. Were you smart and signed that pre- or post-marital or cohabitation agreement? If you did, your path to single life should be fairly smooth. Everyone is clear on who owns what and who gets what when the relationship ends. Forgot those agreements in the thrill of romance? Unless you both agree completely on who is entitled to all the assets and debts, your escape from the union is likely to be painful. To dissolve a marriage or registered partnership, each person must provide very detailed financial information and documents that will serve as a basis for the
FEBRUARY, 2015 27
LEGALLY
SPEAKING
two of you and the court to determine what is a fair settlement of your property. If your partnership was simply a committed relationship, it is not recognized as a union in California, and you and your partner must sort things out by yourselves. A civil lawsuit could be filed to try to settle disagreements, but the process is very complex and expensive. Erasing or Reducing Debts: Financial problems can hit any of us, any time. Student loan debts drag many of us down. Although most of these debts can’t be discharged in a bankruptcy, some can be reduced or forgiven through various programs. Get a job in public service, government or with a non-profit entity. Join the military. Apply for the Income-Based Repayment Plan. For certain student loans, become a public school teacher in a low income area. There are many other forgiveness programs that could help. Check first with your loan provider, who should be able to identify the programs that might work for you. Housing debts are a major contributor to bankruptcies. If your mortgage is more than the value of the property and it is tough making the payments, it is possible the lender will foreclose and you will lose your home. There are several good refinancing programs available now. Check with your lender for options. If refinancing doesn’t work, and you are in genuine financial distress, consider bankruptcy. It can often stop an imminent foreclosure, help reduce or wipe away your other debts, and make it possible for you to retain your home and start off with a clean slate. Giving Away Money: Many folks give gifts to family members and charities. There may be tax consequences for these gifts, and it is crucial that you check with your tax professional to review these first. When choosing charitable organizations for your gifts, do careful research. Are they well managed and are they actually accomplishing what they set out to do? Use these websites to learn: www.CharityNavigator.org www.Guidestar.com www.MinistryWatch.com
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
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FEBRUARY, 2015 29
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EQCA UPDATE
ADVANCING EQUALITY IN THE GOLDEN STATE BY RICK ZBUR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This week, the Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with the Equality Federation, released its first national report assessing the status of state legislation affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality across America, including in California. With 107 pro-equality laws passed in the last 10 years - many of them sponsored by Equality California - we are proud and gratified that California is the state with the strongest civil rights laws for LGBT people. Yet despite our steady progress and national leadership, all is not golden in the Golden State. Our community faces startling health and wellness disparities, including disproportionate rates of poverty, suicide, homelessness, violence and lack of insurance. So while we celebrate California’s clear leadership, we also recommit ourselves to the considerable work that remains to be done Equality California is addressing these startling health disparities with our groundbreaking “Fair Share for Equality” initiative, which is advocating to ensure that the health and well being of LGBT Californians is addressed in fair measure by our state government. Two weeks ago, we convened LGBT community leaders, healthcare experts, community organizations and legislators in Sacramento, almost 75 strong, as a first step towards identifying the programs most important to the LGBT community as well as those most in need of resources to ensure their effectiveness. Armed with the results from that convening, our next focus will be to educate and engage lawmakers and state officials in Sacramento on our community’s priorities and urge them to fully fund them. We will also insist that the government “count” California’s LGBT people. Knowing the size of our population is a necessary starting point to determining whether we receive our fair share of resources. Unless we are counted, we don’t count. We also just hosted our first town hall of 2015 in San Francisco, with more on the way. This special event was an opportunity for our community to tell us what matters most to them. We were also able
to share our work, discuss our evolving mission and talks specifically about new initiatives that we believe are game changers Our efforts to help bring about an outright end to the Food and Drug Administration’s 32 year-old lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men also continue. In October, we launched the sweeping mobilization campaign called “Every Drop Counts,” sending thousands of letters and emails to the FDA, including the 750 collected at Palm Springs Pride, calling for an end to this discriminatory policy. While the agency has revised its position, and now favors a one-year ban instead of a lifetime ban, it is simply not enough. This proposed change is a failure to account for modern science, a failure to secure the nation’s blood supply and a failure because it embraces blatant bigotry of a time gone by. EQCA will continue to rally our community to call upon the FDA and its umbrella agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to wholly abandon this unnecessary regulation. Finally, in 2015 we will again celebrate and honor California’s LGBT heroes and “she-roes” through our upcoming, annual EQCA Equality Awards. The series kicks off next month – Monday, March 9 in Sacramento and concludes in Palm Springs on Saturday, October 10. Among our dynamic honorees for 2015 are Hon. Toni Atkins, Speaker of the California Assembly and Hon. Barney Frank, former U.S. Congressman. Information about these events can be found at www.eqcaawards.org and for a look at all our work and highest profile initiatives, please visit www.eqca.org
FEBRUARY, 2015 31
SUCCESS STRATEGIST
ASK THE COACH BY TRENT BLANCHARD Dear Standard PS readers, Trent Blanchard, M.A. here- such a pleasure to finally meet you. Nino and I have been talking about doing this column for ages now, so it’s exciting to see it finally come to fruition. As Nino mentioned last issue, for many years, via my private coaching practice, writing for magazines and my radio talk show, I have educated people on how to live a fully-realized life - from how to embrace grief in hard times - to how to cut the emotional cords between yourself and negative influences - to how set action steps to get what you are truly wanting in life. I’ve shared my own personal stories and reflected on the world around us. Now, I wish to open up this knowledge and directly engage with you. In traditional Dear Abby fashion, I will begin responding to questions sent in from readers and turn this column into a place where I can share solid solutions to real life problems facing us all today. I want to help you remove the obstacles that get in the way of you achieving success in every area in your life. This will be a safe place. There are no right or wrong questions here, only the ability for you to ask me, a trained Executive and Personal coach, for advice on anything that is ailing you or contributing to anything less than supreme happiness in your life. Hopefully we can share in many things together and learn how to all realize our dreams fully and live the lives we were all born to experience. Dear Too Much Going on Inside the Brain, The following is a real question that is often asked of me- hope the answer helps you. Dear Trent, Everyone keeps telling me about the benefits of meditation but I can’t seem to get myself into the practice. First of all, it’s hard to find time because from the minute I wake up I am on a rigorous schedule and then by the time I get home, I just want to relax and go to bed. Secondly, I can’t do it! I sit down, I try with patience to meditate, but my mind goes crazy with thoughts, I get so irritated, I just give up. My legs start to go numb too. Is it possible that meditation is simply just not for some people? ~Sincerely, Too Much Going on Inside the Brain
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Mediation is one of those challenging obstacles in life that takes practice, commitment, and time to overcome, but once overcome, it has the ability to drastically change a life. It’s also one of those practices that you have to have inherent faith in, because without explanation, once you start committing to trying consistently, you will notice a difference in your life. Not only will you suddenly feel like you have MORE time in the day when you actually take the time out to meditate, but this feeling of extra time will come with extra energy as well. You will also notice a peace of mind begin to envelop your everyday actions- even if your activities are still strenuous and busy. I know it’s hard, in this age of the iPhone and Internet, to take
SUCCESS STRATEGIST time out in life for meditation but I encourage you to follow my steps and I guarantee that within a week of daily practice you will start to feel the benefits for yourself. The trick is committing to the trying and putting an honest effort towards my instruction, even though your brain will immediately challenge you with the resistance you are used to. 1. Turn off the phones and find a quiet place where you can sit with relative ease and uncross your legs. You can either keep your eyes closed or light a candle and use the flame as a staring point to keep you focused on the practice. 2. Set an alarm for 15 minutes. This takes care of your mind constantly feeling the need to check the clock. 3. Begin to breathe deeply. When you inhale count one and when you exhale count two. Continue this to ten and then start over. This counting helps beginners to focus on the present and to consciously notice the deep breathing. If you find yourself going over ten, quickly become aware and start over at one. Counting from one to ten creates a sense of system to the practice that needs to be paid attention to and the mind is less able to wander off its course. This counting will start to train your mind to be at ease with nothing else to focus on.
4. As you concentrate on the counting, make notice of all the extraneous thoughts that come up. Everything that is in your mind during the day will start to arise: the dry-cleaning bill, the phone call you have to make later, and the food you need to buy for dinner, etc. As each of these chattering thoughts arises, keep to your counting but recognize the thoughts and then watch the thoughts float away and out of your brain. Let them go - become unattached to them. 5. Then start to notice what comes up in the silence when all the peripheral thoughts are gone. What feelings, what memories, what sudden strange realizations—this is the core of meditation: becoming quiet and chatter free long enough to create an empty space where the things that need to heard, felt or known are revealed to you. 6. When you are finished, take account for the peace you feel, bow to yourself and your sacred space. Come back tomorrow and do the same thing. Before you know it, you will crave your daily moments of meditation. I promise!
To ask your own personal question and be considered for a future issue, please write me at “askthecoach@thestandardps.com”
FEBRUARY, 2015 33
FITNESS LEARN THE WHAT AND WHY OF YOUR FITNESS PROGRAM BY DENNIS MASON, BFA, CPT It seems like every time I’m at the gym I hear a lot of people talking about “going to do their cardio”, as though it were some place to go separate from anything else in the gym or life in general. Most of the time those same people are referring to the treadmill, elliptical machine, step machine or the like. The fact is everything you do, in or out of the gym, IS cardio. The word is short for cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system. It is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients such as electrolytes, oxygen, hormones and blood cells to and from cells in the body to nourish it and help to fight diseases, stabilize body temperature and pH, and to maintain homeostasis. Now here is the interesting part…for those people attempting to strengthen their cardiovascular system, most are not even close to getting their heart rate up to the minimum of 65% of their max heart rate to have any benefit. It is the same for those who are thinking they will burn away all that body fat they have packed on over the years in just a few short months. The truth about the introduction of so called “cardio machines” was to increase the membership of the growing “health club” industry in the 70’s, especially for women, who were intimidated by the resistance training equipment men were using in earlier times. It was all the talk at the time. When it comes to health and fitness, nothing builds muscle, provides cardiovascular activity in its purest form, and drops body fat better and faster than a basic resistance training program and proper meal planning. Often times, people look at me like I’m crazy or so far out of touch with reality today that it couldn’t possibly be right! But, the fact is…It Does Work! And, it has been time-proven over the years to work time and again. To add variety, working out with body weight resistance movements, such as swimming, yoga, calisthenics, gymnastic movements, and Tai Chi will put you into the best shape of your life. Top it all off with a dash of real desire, a pinch of enthusiasm and a little improvisation and you have all that you need to transform your body into a sleek, powerful new you. When combined with a solid meal plan, the fat burning process will increase for two very good reasons. First, resistance training elevates the heart rate and metabolism and thereby increases the calorie burning process. Second, the added muscle gained will add approximately 75 calories per pound added per day to your total daily caloric expenditure. A sensible meal plan will fuel your workouts and help you drop those stored body fat pounds so that the
toned muscle will show. It really is as simple as that. The concept here is to keep challenging your muscle. Find what works best for you. Remember too, your genetic make-up will determine what you can do with your body for the most part. You cannot change the laws of nature, but you can develop your body to its BEST by working WITH nature. Contact me or visit my web site for more information. Dennis is a certified Personal Trainer and Master Fitness Coach with over 40 years’ experience. NPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. Dennis is a certified Personal Trainer and Master Fitness Coach with over 40 years’ experience. NPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. Body Sculpting - Nutritional Guidance - Aquatics & Post Rehab Conditioning Web: www.dennismasonfitness.com Email: dennis@dennismasonfitness.com Phone: 760-219-5877 Home Base: World Gym Palm Springs. Please join Dennis on his Internet radio program, FITNESS & MORE, on demand at: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/FitnessAndMore. Also on Facebook and Twitter as fitnessradio.
FEBRUARY, 2015 35
Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program 36 THESTANDARDPS.COM
WELLNESS
VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS… FOR YOUR BEST HEALTH BY DR. KENNETH TOTH, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT
We live in a democracy that, more and more, people are not appreciating. This is especially true when we assess our current culture, which passively accepts more and more disease with less and less cure. We are constantly being told we should celebrate that we are, on average, living a few months longer per lifetime. Yes, we are living a few months longer, but too many are getting a final chapter that is usually not worth living. The average end of life phase is not a pretty one. It is usually fraught with battling increasingly expensive, and miserably terminal, disease states. Yet, far too few seem to be asking the hard questions which could make a big difference, or are not becoming educated about the back stories. Instead, we, almost without question, often rely on the disinformation of a plethora of so-called experts (only because we are told they are the experts). We have accepted the lazy man’s and woman’s belief that our health is best being taken care of by such entities as the FDA, USDA, AMA, ADA, and Grocer’s Association, to name just a few. After a fashion, we are being taken care of by such entities, but not necessarily per our best health interests. Why? Because of driving business entities here and there which do not necessarily have our best health interests in mind. Instead, they have their own monetary best interests in mind. That is the back-story that few seem to have the will to even consider, let alone investigate. We can all agree on one thing: we live in a true Information Age never witnessed before. Never before have we as individual citizens had the ability to access and research such amazing amounts of valid information, data, and research regarding just about anything. No one is “hiding” anything from anyone. There is no socalled conspiracy. It is all right in front of our faces if we can just take our eyes off Facebook, with everyone’s cutesy pics, long enough to become educated and responsible citizens. Connect the dots! If we think we are being “conned”, it is because of our own laziness and stupidity. It is established scientific knowledge, more and more as time goes by, that processed foods are becoming more and more deleterious to human health. And just why is that? Principally because they are, more and more, full of cheaper (and unhealthy) ingredients that produce a greater profit margin.
Between 1995 and 2012, we paid almost $148 BILLION in corporate welfare subsidies to mostly large agribusiness entities. That’s a little over $12 BILLION per year during that period. And that’s why we end up with often-unhealthy ingredients in our processed foods that make us fat, obese, diabetic, and just plain diseased in various ways. Obviously, the lobbyists are listened to, much more than the average complaining citizen, by our congressional reps because lobbyists are the givers of big buck campaign contributions. If you are skeptical, just start doing some hard research! Whining about a problem is always ineffective. As my grandfather often said, “Money talks, and BS walks!” Don’t abdicate your civic responsibility after you’ve cast your vote every two years. Take a hard look at what you’re really voting for with your DOLLARS every day! That’s where the real power is. Just choose and buy judiciously. If you refuse to purchase dietary garbage that contributes to disease, which costs you perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run to finance the diseases they contribute to, you are signaling to the food producers that you are no longer willing to give them your money for those products. They have already begun, and will continue, to respond positively because their bottom lines will still look good. Remember, you get what you pay for, if you recognize that you are the marketplace. Vote with your dollars for your best health interests. Every day. And just watch the difference! Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, 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, and is accepting new clients exclusively at World Gym Palm Springs. You may contact Dr. Ken at 949-235-9408 or ken@kentothfitness.com For more information on Dr. Ken’s results-producing approach to personal training, please visit his website at KenTothFitness.com.
FEBRUARY, 2015 37
TRAVEL
LOVE MODERNISM WEEK. YES!
ESCAPE TO OTHER ARCHITECTURAL GIANTS. OF COURSE. BY GEORGE W. ZANDER
When over 45,000 people annually flock to Palm Springs’ Modernism when the city’s population nearly doubles during 11 days of Mid-Century Modern madness. During two weeks in February there are over 180 official events celebrating Palm Springs’ status as the world’s largest concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture. This year is will be the biggest yet - with everything from retro-tiki cocktail parties, to symposiums on architectural preservation, and tours through neighborhoods and business areas. Small cities are the best to observe this way. So what should Modernism junkies do after February? Travel, of course, to other amazing architectural sites and cities for more. Three of the best places to see stunning preserved architecture are in three small cities in the southeast. Charleston, Savannah and St. Augustine are amazing. You can easily spend two weeks just to cover the basics. Charleston is the finest collection of several kinds of architecture in the Nation. There are literately hundreds of design from the Italianate, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Federal and Georgian homes, public buildings and churches. You will be able to wander the streets and visit many places. Smaller cities and towns, such as Palm Springs, lend themselves to visiting because there are fewer conflicts and logistics. Savannah’s recorded history begins in 1733. That’s the year General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship
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“Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in February. Oglethorpe named the 13th and final American colony “Georgia” after England’s King George II. Savannah became its first city. The idea was to offer a new start for England’s working poor and to strengthen the colonies by increasing trade. The colony of Georgia was also chartered as a buffer zone for South Carolina, protecting it from the advance of the Spanish in Florida. The city developed with much more open space, parks and the famous “squares” which held the entire community together. Rum, slaves and lawyers were all outlawed, but that didn’t last long!! Again lovely restored homes and business buildings and churches were built. St. Augustine in Florida is the oldest city in what is now the United States. This year it will be celebrating 450 years as the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the USA. The city’s oldest relics date back to the 1500’s when Pedro Menendez de Aviles established America’s oldest city at the Mission de Nombre de Dios. The grand coquina fortress, the Castillo de San Marcos, and the historic city gates serve as an imposing reminder of the Spanish Empire who once ruled these cobblestone streets. In the 1800’s St. Augustine began its renaissance with the arrival of Henry Flagler. The railroad tycoon constructed several decadent hotels including the Flagler Hotel (now Flagler College), the Alcazar Hotel (now the Lightener Museum and City of St. Augustine offices) and the Casa
TRAVEL Monica (recently restored and returned to its roots as a beautiful hotel). Strolling around the downtown historic district, you will find that discerning the true historic sites from the gorgeous town around them is both a fun and educational challenge. Moving to the Mountain West, our nation’s oldest architecture flourishes. In New Mexico, homes and business buildings are over 1000 years old…so the “non-European” architecture is very much worth a visit in these small cities. A couple of hours north of Santa Fe is Taos. Today, many of the centuries-old structures in Taos and the surrounding area are still standing. Considering that the construction material used in these buildings is vulnerable to summer rains and winter snows, it speaks volumes for the long-lasting architectural miracle called adobe. Taos is also home to a large number of solar and other types of selfsustaining structures and, in fact, has been called the Solar Capital of the planet. Staying here for a few days you will completely absorb the culture and history, and food of the area! Santa Fe has a distinctive architectural style all its own. No other city in the country has so many low-slung, earth-colored buildings made of adobe bricks, which consist of a mixture of sun-dried earth and straw. And though it seems as though adobe dominates the city, there’s a surprising diversity of building materials and architectural styles
on display, including examples of Victorian, Italianate and California Mission Revival styles. In recent years, modern architects have begun to blend elements of historic architectural styles with contemporary designs, creating a sleek new look for Santa Fe in the 21st century. As with Palm Springs, Modernism adopts well to New Mexico! So, after Modernism in Palm Springs, keep your architecture up to date and visit these amazing small cities as you travel. Take time and enjoy. You will not forget these lovely places.
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ART VIEW
ANGELA KINLEY I was born in 1975, my family moved to Southern California in 1980. My father lived in the Coachella Valley and my mother in San Diego, moving often between parents, both places feel like my hometown but the desert is the place of my childhood. The desert has influenced my work tremendously in my color pallet, the use of negative space, flora and fauna. The characters capture a particular emotion or situation; they can be semi autobiographical however a better understanding of them would be to see them as illustrations to stories unwritten. I like to work in series, often motivated my learning something new or processing an emotion. My work currently is acrylic and graphite on wood however I also work in mixed media often using objects I find out in the desert. For inquiries email angelakinley@hotmail.com
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ART VIEW
FEBRUARY, 2015 41
EPICUREAN
THROWING THE ULTIMATE MID-CENTURY MODERN PARTY
Modernism Week is upon us and so we decided to offer up another way to dive right into this iconic Palm Springs event, a Mid Century Modern theme party. SETTING A MID-CENTURY SCENE If you or a friend has a period decorated Mid-Century modern home like those designed by Frank Lloyd Wright or Pierre Koening, it will easily take your guests back in time. Even if you don’t, there are a few simple things you can do to bring this era to your home. Borrow some vintage serving trays or pick some up at your local thrift store. Add a few other household items you would have commonly seen in the home, like rotary phones, bar carts, vintage LIFE magazines, or anything starburst. Lastly, set the mood with the right music. For a 60s soundtrack to play throughout the night, go with musical artists of the time like Rosemary Clooney, Frankie Laine, and Ella Fitzgerald. Hopefully after a few drinks, your guests will be inclined to do a few dances of the 60s, such as the Twist or Mashed Potato. RETRO HORS D’OEUVRES For a retro cocktail party food menu, you will want to go with early 60s era classics. Finger foods were a popular party food during that time. Think chips and dip, mixed nuts, and deviled eggs. All items that can be easily eaten with one hand while carrying a drink in the other. Passed hors d’oeuvres consisting of both small bites of warm and cold foods are exactly the simple kinds of foods you will want for your menu. Stuffed mushrooms were a cocktail party staple of the early 60s, and they will be just as popular with your guests
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today. Add some shrimp cocktail and an assortment of canapés to easily round out the menu. Serve stuffed mushrooms, smoked salmon canapés, deviled eggs, cream cheese stuffed celery, onion dip and chips, mixed nuts, mini cheese balls, and Li’l Smokies wrapped in bacon. Give everything a modern upgrade by using premium ingredients and adding little extras. If you are going to add meat to something that normally does not contain meat, make half of them without. Remember, the vegetarian food always disappears the quickest since everyone eats it. Make sure there’s plenty for all. With so many people having gluten sensitivities these days, take your menu a step further, making the whole menu gluten-free. The smoked salmon canapés were served on rounds of cucumber instead of bread. The traditional large cheese ball served with crackers was made into individual mini cheese balls served on picks. Keeping food sensitivities and preferences in mind always shows the signs of a gracious host. When guests start to arrive, pass the hors d’oeuvres twice before setting them on the table to let your guests help themselves. This is a great opportunity to say hello to everyone as you make your rounds and to make sure everyone knows where they can put their coats, hats, and purses. KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE BOOZE When it comes to the cocktails, keep them simple. Pick one or two to be your signature cocktails of the night, along with an alcoholic punch, or it will turn into a bartending nightmare. Fantastic classic drinks to serve are martinis, the Old Fashioned, or even the
Mai Tai. For an extra kick, add a bottle or two of Scotch. Set up a self-serve bar on a vintage cart. Add decanters of alcohol, instructions for making the signature drinks, double oldfashioned drink glasses, and plenty of ice in an ice bucket. Serve an alcoholic punch; not only are punches easy to make, and are easy to replenish, but they are also a true representative of that time. Once made, guests can help themselves to more, keeping you free to mingle. DRESS THE ERA Almost as important as the cocktails and menu is the attire. Ask your guests to come dressed in Mid Century style to really get the party swinging in a 60s direction. A trip to the thrift store can supply you and your guests with all kinds of vintage clothing accessories. Dresses and suits on all of your party guests, including yourself. From the dÊcor to the dress and the food to the cocktails, you’ll be able to bring the 60s to your party through these fun planning tips. Your guests will appreciate how authentic you are with all the details.
Special Thank you to PlumDeluxe.com for their contribution to this article.
FEBRUARY, 2015 43
EVENT
2015 FESTIVAL OF NATIVE FILM & CULTURE A primary role of Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and involvement with Native culture through exhibitions, educational programs, special events, collections, and research. Native FilmFest provides a venue and dynamic forum to help fulfill this role by bringing together diverse communities of people and offering them a cultural and educational cinematic experience that informs and enlightens, as well as entertains. Native FilmFest provides a public forum for Native American and other Indigenous filmmakers, directors, and actors whose work fosters increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation of universal issues common to Indigenous peoples around the globe. The wide variety of carefully selected film presentations and related festival activities foster stimulating and illuminating inquiry, dialogue, and learning. Now in its 14th season, Native FilmFest is one of the most highly regarded events of its kind, offering the best in films by, about, and starring Native Americans and other indigenous peoples from around the globe. Engaging, entertaining, and illuminating feature, documentary, and short films are followed by informative Q&A conversations with filmmakers, directors, and actors. Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs is the venue for Native FilmFest. Guest Programmer is Elizabeth Weatherford, Founder and Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. In addition to afternoon and evening screenings for each of five days, the festival presents an orientation lecture about views of Native film on the evening prior to the first day of screenings. In addition, special screenings are scheduled at area high schools, with film class and acting class students receive complimentary All Access Passes to the festival.
Wednesday through Saturday at 7:00 pm Festival Tent Meet & Greet Visit with filmmakers, actors, and other guests. Tasty moderately priced meals and light refreshments are available for purchase at the Camelot Internationale Café. FILM SYNOPSES IN SCHEDULE ORDER Wednesday, March 4 / 8:00 PM / Theme: Coming of Age DRUNKTOWN’S FINEST – United States, Feature, 95 minutes The lives of three young Navajo – a girl off-reservation, a rebellious father-to-be, and a promiscuous transsexual – begin to overlap as they seek their own paths, along the way finding the promise that Navajo tradition holds out to them. Director: Sydney Freeland (Navajo) – In Attendance
Thursday, March 5 / 5:00 PM Theme: The Transformative Power of Art ROBERT’S PAINTINGS – Canada, Documentary, 52 minutes Acclaimed artist Robert Houle (Anishinaabe) has created a SPECIAL FESTIVAL EVENT body of work that reflects with beauty on his experiences as a First Tuesday, March 3 / 7:00 PM Nations child, including the impact of boarding school, on visual culture Views on Native Film – A Panel Discussion representing Native peoples and on his expansive view of life. Theme: Impact of the Sundance Institute on the Development of Director: Shelley Niro (Mohawk) – In Attendance Native Film Panelists: Bird Runningwater (Cheyenne and Mescalero Apache) – THE SHIRT - Canada, Documentary Short, 6 minutes Filmmaker & Director of Sundance Native Film Lab Fellowship Program, The history of Native lands is noted with irony and a t-shirt in this Programmer of Native Initiative of Sundance Institute video collaboration between two noted photographers, Shelley Niro Sydney Freeland (Navajo) -- Writer; Film Director (Mohawk) and Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie (Navajo/Seminole/Muscogee Elizabeth Weatherford -- Director and Founder, Film and Video Creek). Director: Shelley Niro (Mohawk) Center, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian WE WERE ALWAYS HERE: Rick Bartow – United States, All are welcome and admission is free. Documentary Short. 6 minutes Artist Rick Bartow (Wiyot) discusses the creation of his monumental
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EVENT sculpture commission, We Were Always Here – a contemporary art installation that now stands as a welcoming sentinel at the northwest corner of the National Museum of the American Indian site. Director: Brendan Rawlins – Rick Bartow in Attendance THE MAKING OF PULL OF THE MOON – United States, Documentary Short, 14 minutes Ai Weiwei, internationally acclaimed Chinese dissident artist, and Navajo artist Bert Benally collaborated to create Pull of the Moon – a temporary, site-specific art installation in a remote part of Coyote Canyon on the Navajo Nation. Directors: Daniel Hyde and Blackhorse Lowe (Navajo) 8:00 PM / Theme: Resistance RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS - Canada, Feature, 88 minutes, adult content Aila, a 15-year-old member of the fictional Red Crow Mi’gMaq reservation in 1976, is subject to a government decree that states she and everyone else on the reservation under the age of 16 must attend residential school, where they are at the mercy of a sadistic Indian agent who runs it. She must choose to run or fight, and “Mi’gMaq don’t run.” Director: Jeff Barnaby (Mi`kmaq) Friday, March 6 / 5:00 PM / Theme: Exploitation GOLD FEVER – Guatemala, Documentary, 84 minutes Gold is a symbol of wealth and power. But for Diodora, Gregoria, Crisanta, and the people living near the Marlin Mine in Guatemala’s highlands; gold represents oppression, intimidation, pollution and even murder. With the rising price of gold, the mine’s owner, Goldcorp, posts record profits, while these courageous Mayan women live in resistance to the mine’s unstoppable hunger. Executive Producer: Northland Films Directors: J.T. Haines • Tommy Haines • Charlie Clements 8:00 PM / Theme: Power of Film THE MASTER AND DIVINO – Brazil, Feature, 85 minutes • Portuguese, Xavante with English Subtitles Two filmmakers portray life in the village and in the mission of Sangradouro in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state. Adalbert Heide, an eccentric German missionary – around 1957 after this Xavante group sought the mission’s protection from their decimation – started to film with his Super 8 camera. Divino Tserewahú, a Xavante filmmaker, has produced documentaries on his people and the revival of their rituals since the 1900s. Shifting between appreciation and rivalry, irony and affection, the two give life to their visual records and provide a look at the complex interactions between indigenous people and the missionaries who have assigned themselves a life-long relationship to them. Produced by Video nas Aldeias/Video in the Villages Director: Tiago Campos Torres
Saturday, March 7 / 5:00 PM / Theme: In Those Times Ten Canoes – Australia, Feature, 90 minutes In Australia’s Northern Territory, a man tells a story within a story of his people and his land. Set a thousand years ago, Dayindi, of the Indigenous Minygululu tribe, covets one of the wives of his older brother. To teach him the proper way, he is told a story from the mythical past, a story of wrong love, kidnapping, sorcery, bungling mayhem and revenge gone wrong. Directors: Rolf de Heer • Peter Djigin (Aboriginal) 8:00 PM / Theme: Going Home WINTER IN THE BLOOD – United States, Feature, 98 minutes, adult content Based on the critically acclaimed novel of Blackfeet author James Welch, this is the story of Virgil First Raise (Chaske Spencer), a Blackfoot man whose life is in chaos. Haunted by a dismal present and by ill-defined traumas of the past, he sets out to regain a rifle stolen by his wife who has fled to town, and begins what will become an odyssey of discovery. The story opens with Virgil drunk in a ditch and seeing an image of his dead father, frozen, and continues to spiral downward, leading him to town on a wild and somewhat dark effort to retrieve the rifle. He is boxed-in by his anger and strikes out, sometimes brutally, at those whose path he crosses. But he is also groping for meaning and seeking to reawaken his own humanity. The film mixes up time, emotional shifts, and surreal moments in a rich mixture of a tale of a lost man seeking to find himself. Directors: Alex Smith • Andrew Smith Sunday, March 8 / 7:00 PM / Theme: Race Relations Mystery Road – Australia, Feature, 121 minutes, adult content In this mesmerizing mystery thriller set in Australia’s Queensland, a tough Aboriginal detective, Jay Swan (Aaron Pederson), who recently returned to his outback hometown, is assigned to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. As he makes the rounds of the sleepy but troubled community, Jay unravels a web of intrigue and drug crime endangering at-risk youth, including his own daughter. Producer: David Jowsey. Director: Ivan Sen (Aboriginal) TICKET INFORMATION Individual tickets as well as the 2015 All Access Pass can be purchased at Camelot Theatres during normal Box Office business hours. Online purchases at www.camelottheatres.com are held at Will Call in the Box Office. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camelot Theatres is located at 2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $10 (Adult), $7 (Senior Adult 60+, Youth 16 & Under, and Active Military Personnel). All Access Passes are $50 and provide entry to all screenings. For additional Information, visit us online at www.accmuseum.org or call the Museum at 760-778-1079 or Camelot Theatres Box Office at 760-325-6565.
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the3D’s RESTAURANTS WANG’S IN THE DESERT 424 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-WANG (9264) www.wangsinthedesert.com NATURE’S HEALTH FOOD & CAFE 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.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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DINE | DRINK | DANCE { Coachella Valley } 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
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
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
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
THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com THE TROPICALE 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 866-1952 www.thetropicale.com
RICK’S RESTAURANT 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-3776 www.pinocchiops.com
BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com RAINBOW BAR AND GRILL 216 South Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-3989 www.rainbowbarngrill.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.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 THE TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com SPURLINE VIDEO LOUNGE 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com
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COMING UP NEXT MONTH MUSIC ISSUE / COACHELLA / STAGECOACH JOSHUA TREE + MORE
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EVENTS CALENDAR is located at 224 E. Arenas Rd. in Palm Springs, CA. For information about The Artwall Project, contact drfar@aol.com
FEB 6 - 8 24TH ANNUAL WINTER CLASSIC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT AIDS Assistance Program, in cooperation with the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Gay Softball League, presents the 24th annual Palm Springs Winter Classic Softball Tournament. Eighty teams and hundreds of LGBT softball players will compete. The public is invited to attend an opening reception Friday, February 6 from 7-10 pm at Hunter’s Nightclub. www.pswinterclassic.com
FEB 4 - 28 ART EXHIBIT AT THE SAGUARO HOTEL. PALM SPRINGS The Saguaro Hotel will feature area artists Hermann Fischer and Christine Hall in an exhibition that will open on February 4, and run for the entire month. The featured artists whose work will be displayed are members of the Palm Springs Art Museum Artists Council and were selected for this honor by the Saguaro. Now entering its second year of hosting these Artist Council exhibits, the Saguaro features new works from two artists every month. To launch the latest exhibition, the hotel will host an artists’ reception on Wednesday, February 4, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the hotel’s lobby. This reception is free and open to the public. All displayed works will be offered for sale, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Palm Springs Art Museum. For further info please visit www.thesaguaro.com
DBA FEBRUARY EVENTS Feb 9 Mixer 6:00pm – 8:00pm Hosted by Windsor Court 201 South Sunrise Way Palm Springs
FEB 4 - MAR 3 STREETBAR ARTWALL PROJECT PRESENTS MOMI RODRIGUES. PALM SPRINGS Streetbar Artwall Project welcomes the Art Of Momi Rodrigues, February 4 - March 3, 2015. A reception for the Artist will be held Wednesday evening, February 4 at 6PM at Streetbar . The Artwall Project has been introducing local artists since 2003 with the artists offering 20% of sales to the charity of their choosing. Streetbar
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off highway 111, behind the Mercedes Benz Dealership, on South Cherokee Way. www.backstreetartdistrict.com
SUNDAYS THE SUNDAY BAND W/ SPECIAL GUESTS. PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN The Sunday Rock + Roll Service is a Pappy and Harriet’s institution celebrating the healing powers of music and community! Every weekend the club’s favorite singers and players get together and trade songs. Come join us to see Victoria Williams, Gar Robertson, Carol Ann Crandall, Damian Lester, Bob Furgo, Rachel Dean, Ryan Norman, Caleb Winn, Danny Frankel and other talented locals performing for your drinking and dancing pleasure. With a come-as-you-are vibe, Sundays have seen great special guests like Robert Plant, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, Rickie Lee Jones to name a few. www.pappyandharriets.com
Feb 23 Mixer 6:00pm – 8:00pm Hosted by FG Creative & Yellow Cab 74-020 Alessandro Dr Ste E Palm Desert www.desertbusinessassociation.org ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NOW THRU JULY FIRST WEDNESDAY ART WALK, BACKSTREET ART DISTRICT PALM SPRINGS Please join us for the First Wednesday Artwalk at the Backstreet Art District. Enjoy beautiful art and meet the artists. Located
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
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EVENTS CALENDAR 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 Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon, Oscar’s has a huge outdoor patio with lots of umbrellas for shade and misters to keep you cool, too. You can beat the heat any time of year and enjoy the views of Palm Springs. And our patio is dog friendly for your leashed four-legged family members! On Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 2pm, enjoy a $9 Bottomless Mimosas (juice included), a single $2 mimosa or a $5 Bloody Mary with brunch, during which both our full breakfast and lunch menus are available. Also join us for Sunday Funday Weekly Tea Dance 4pm-Close! www.oscarspalmsprings.com
LIPSTICK AT COPA Thursday nights at Copa just got a little hotter with a new show at the new showroom inside Copa. The Hot New Lipstick show is a raucous affair where the audience is encouraged to participate in singing, clapping, dancing, partying and celebrating special events. Featuring performances by Charles Herrera, Pinkie Meringue Shimmer, Marina Mac, Sassy Ross, Dion Khan, and Cherilyn, and emceed by the fabulous Bella Da Ball, this show will not disappoint. For ticket info and schedule of performers visit www.coparoomps.com
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
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
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. FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS VISIT OUR MEDIA PARTNER, GAY DESERT GUIDE. CLICK ON LOGO
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EVENTS CALENDAR trees, multiple bars, cabanas and outdoor lounge areas with fire pits. The event will come to life with DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe. www.ibc-ps.com
FEB 3 - 7
REEL IT OUT FILM FESTIVAL NORFOLK, VIRGINIA The Reel it OUT Queer Film Festival of Hampton Roads is a community focused event with the goal and purpose of exposing, educating, and introducing the lifestyle, struggles, joys, and hardships of the Queer community through the world of film and media. For years, the Queer community is kept silent or unrecognized in the world of film; and our struggles are kept limited and hidden from public eye. www.reelitout.org
FEB 16 - 21
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK BIKE TOUR / DEATH VALLEY, CA Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. The park’s mostly level paved roads offer a beautiful bicycling experience through a rich palette of surreal desert geography. The sun-soaked days and cool evenings make it the perfect setting for cycling in the off-season. We’ll visit Badwater Basin at 282’ below sea level - the lowest point in North America, the ghost town of Rhyolite and Scotty’s Castle. Join us on this fully supported, inn-to-inn bike tour for women only. www.womantours.com
FEB 27 - MAR 1
KINKFEST PORTLAND, OREGON KinkFest is an annual, 3-day event celebrating sexual diversity, bdsm, and fetish and leather communities. There are numerous educational classes, evening play parties, and a large vendor mall filled with products and services from local and national leather, fetish and kink businesses. KinkFest continues to focus effort on welcoming ALL facets of our diverse leather, bdsm, fetish and kink communities. Kinkfest and the Portland Leather Alliance (PLA) encourage you to come and celebrate what we all share in common and to enjoy the rich tapestry of our varied culture. www.kinkfest.org
FEB 26 - MAR 1 FEB 12 - 16
INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE PALM SPRINGS, CA International Bear Convergence (IBC), hopes to become the premier winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, California, February 12-16, 2015. This desert oasis turns into a winter den during Presidents’ Day Weekend at the beautiful Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel for thousands of frisky, furry bears, their friends & their fans. The four-day event includes four themed pool parties in the Renaissance Hotel’s expansive 24,000 squarefoot Grand Courtyard that features a 5,000 square-foot heated pool, gorgeous palm
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FEB 17 - 22
OUTBOARD 2015 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, ASPEN, COLORADO The World’s most laidback Gay Snowboard & Ski week. From our social network focused on snowboarding and skiing to our various events, OutBoard is focused creating a unique experience centered on friendship, fun, and adventure. www.outboard.org
LEVEL GROUND FILM FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES, CA Level Ground is an LGBT film festival that uses art to create safe space for dialogue about faith, gender, and sexuality. Our hope is to cultivate a better way of speaking with one another across our differences and disagreements. Level Ground is becoming a national innovator in film festival programming, art curating, and dialogue. www.onlevelground.org
If you have an event you want to promote please email us at info@thestandardps.com
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FEB 5 - 15
QUEER CONTACT MANCHESTER, ENGLAND Each February, as part of LGBT History Month, Contact brings you a festival of events spanning performance genres and including both emerging artists and the best of established UK and international work. The 2015 program is our biggest yet. It includes stunning music from British soul sensation David McAlmont (opening the festival), and the UK premiere of Love is Crazy from New York’s Justin Vivian Bond as a part of a Valentine’s weekend to remember. www.contactmcr.com
FEB 20 - MAR 8
SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Sydney’s Mardi Gras is huge! Running for almost a month in February/March each year, it includes Fair day at Victoria Park, the Harbor Party at the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Mardi Gras Disco Climb, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, and several parties. www.mardigras.org.au
and that is why London’s leading fetish night, Hard On; heads there and will host the official closing party for Antwerp Leather Pride. This is going to be a big event – with over 3,000 fetish-lovers descending on Antwerp for the weekend, the closing party is going to be busy. If you’ve never been to Antwerp you’ll be surprised at what a beautiful and live-able city this is – definitely worth exploring. A strict dress code will be enforced for the closing party; so start buffing your leather now. www.hardonclub.co.uk
MAR 1 - 8
FEB 10 - 18
SITGES CARNIVAL SITGES, SPAIN Carnival has to be Sitges’ wildest party. Even though it is on in February it is still the hottest party in town! On the most popular days you will find thousands of partygoers dancing on the major streets across the town. The busy months of July and August look positively dead! Gay boys and girls from the 4 corners of the world descend on our little town and party the week away! Sitges Carnival is one of the world’s top 10 carnivals and attracts more than 250,000 people to Sitges over 7 days with amazing parades, shows and parties. This is one Winter festival you don’t want to miss! www.gaysitgesguide.com
FEB 20 - 22
RABALLDER CUP OSLO, NORWAY, ENGLAND Raballder cup is taking place in Oslo, Norway. Raballder Cup is the largest annual gay sporting event in Scandinavia, and this year the sport events will be floor ball, handball and volleyball. Mark this weekend in your calendar, and we promise you will have a great time! Play fair, play safe! www.raballdercup.com
FEB 15
HARD ON ANTWERP 2015 ANTWERP, BELGIUM Antwerp Leather Pride, iconic leather and festival celebration that takes over Antwerp
SWING 2015 LENZERHEIDE, SWITZERLAND Swing gay ski week - great people, a colorful group of friendly gay men from various countries, spending a holiday together. We’ve got the best location - a sunny, High-Alpine valley in the Graubunden region of Switzerland. It’s gay skiing at its best, easy to get to, but far away from your everyday life. Pure relaxation, pamper yourself and make new friends. www.swing-gayski.ch
Our international media partner, FNQ Magazine, Cairns gay lifestyle and travel publication that gives Australia and the world a taste of gay life in the tropics, sponsors the International Calendar. www.go2gaycairns.com
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PHOTO REWIND ANNUAL MAYOR’S RACE + WELLNESS FESTIVAL + PS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE
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FOUR DAYS OF POOL PARTIES, DANCE EVENTS AND WOOFY MEN!
Hosted at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
MONDAY FEBRUARY 16
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
Weekend Passes & Hotel Reservations at www.ibc-ps.com
~Benefiting AIDS Assistance Program~
PHOTO REWIND TIM AND DAVID’S SPECIAL DAY PHOTOS BY THE STANDARD STAFF
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PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER WHEN ACTION MEETS COMPASSION LIVES CHANGE
4575 E Mesquite Ave Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-416-5718
psanimalshelter.org THANK YOU! OVER 100 PETS WENT HOME THIS MONTH.
FRIENDS
PET PROJECT
Helping keep pets in their home
Friends Pet Project is a community food bank helping the community keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter. Operated by Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Friends Pet Project collects pet food donations for low-income and in-need community members, who are struggling to feed their pets.
Meiselman HOME TOUR 2015
Benefiting the
Palm Springs Animal Shelter Saturday, February 14, 2015
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