Tickets: carnivalcabaret.ticketleap.com
125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
www.OscarsPalmSprings.com | Reservations: 760.325.1188
entertainment
‘Oh What A Night!’
The Desert Symphony presents a musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
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he Desert Symphony’s opening concert of its Ovation III Series will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8, in concert with Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The performance will take place at The McCallum Theatre at 8 p.m., with Gary Berkson, Music Director of The Desert Symphony. Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute To Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is an exciting revue written by Motown producer and creative consultant George Solomon, directed by award-winning producer/director Michael Chapman with choreography by Paul Holmquist. Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, Working My Way Back to You, Let’s Hang On and Who Loves You are just some of the many hits you’ll enjoy. Oh What A Night! is a warmhearted concert and tribute, which features all the original hits, as well as, several top 10 releases not included in the Broadway Tony award-winning hit. It includes Frankie Valli’s biggest solo hit from the blockbuster movie GREASE! In addition, this performance will include a very special holiday tribute to the legendary Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers. Audiences are sure to be mesmerized by this stellar cast as they perform ever-popular holiday classics personally taught to them by Andy’s brother Dick Williams.
Between the score of recognizable tunes, Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute To Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ,delivers informative and often hilarious banter between a stellar, high-spirited cast. The personable stars of Oh What A Night! stay true to the original recordings without trying to mimic or impersonate the original group. And their interpretation of these classic hits are so true to the original recordings. The result is a show as fresh and relevant today as it is nostalgic for the purists. The audience gets to know and love four dynamic talents and cheer them on with each exciting performance. This exhilarating family friendly musical revue has been thrilling audiences worldwide with great choreography, boundless energy, humor and, of course, instantly recognizable classic pop songs that have become timeless! “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute To Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons back again performing with our own accomplished Desert Symphony musicians,” stated Nancy Tapick, President of The Desert Symphony. For ticket information please call The McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-ARTS or The Desert Symphony at (760) 773-5988 or visitdesertsymphony.org.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 1
attraction
Cool Cats
The Living Desert celebrates International Cheetah Day
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oin The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Sunday, Dec. 4 to help celebrate International Cheetah Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To mark the day, The Living Desert will have numerous cheetah spot conservation learning experiences, such as the popular cheetah run and educational and interpretive carts, as well as a special opportunity to hear from Peter Gros, Cheetah Conservation Fund trustee and co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Throughout the park, guests will be encouraged to get #loud4cheetahs, and help do their part to help save endangered species around the world. Learn more about the cheetah, Africa’s most endangered cat, and how you can raise awareness and call attention to the plight of the fastest mammal on Earth. The cheetah is not only the fastest, but oldest of all of the big cats, having survived more than 3-million years. Today, there are fewer than 10,000 left of the ma-
Staff Deb Geissler Publisher dgeissler@desertentertainer.com
jestic animals in the wild. International Cheetah Day is just one of a number of events being held this year at The Living Desert during the “Year of the Cheetah.” The initiative kicked off earlier this fall with a launch of the enhanced cheetah exhibit and conservation outpost where guests can get up-close and personal with the cheetahs through the new observation window. The Living Desert is home to five cheetahs. Ntombi, aged 17, has lived at The
Living Desert since 2010; Pula, aged 15, has lived at The Living Desert since 2011; and three 2-year-old sisters – Sudi, Kali and Bela. International Cheetah Day is free for members or with paid admission. The Living Desert is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (760) 346-5694 or visit: YearoftheCheetah.org or LivingDesert.org.
Judy Telander Marketing Specialist jtelander@desertentertainer.com
Lucinda Sue Crosby Dining
6 Hot Tamales! 25th Annual Indio International Tamale Festival 7 Calendar of Events and Performances 8 Curtain Time
Greg Archer Story Editing
The Desert Entertainer is published every Thursday Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211
10 The Buzz: News Around the Desert 15 Off The Vine: Panther Creek Cellars Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Cuvée 16 Dining: Rick’s Desert Grill 19 Up in Smoke: BBQ Pit Masters at Westin Mission Hills 20 Nightlife 23 The Doctor is in: Denny Zeitlin performs at Pete Carlson’s
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Closed Major Holidays Phone: (760) 776-5181 Fax: (760) 776-5733 www.desertentertainer.com www.desertmobilehomenews.com www.canadasouthmagazine.com
24 Film Review: “Rules Don’t Apply” Cover photos: “Mama Mia!” courtesy of McCallum Theatre; “Oh What A Night!” courtesy of The Desert Symphony; Aerial Tramway courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEM IN THE DESERT ENTERTAINER! 2 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
Kimberly Brucks Advertising Manager kbrucks@desertentertainer.com
Gary Walker Curtain Time
4 Holly Jolly Christmas: This weeks seasonal events
Denny Zeitlin, Page 23
Jose De La Cruz Editor news@desertentertainer.com
Writers / Contributors
This Week Off The Vine, Page 15
First exclusive entertainment magazine established in 2003 and published for locals and visitors to the desert communities in the Coachella Valley. Content in the magazine and online provides readers with information that helps you have an exciting desert experience including dining, gaming, events, art, attractions, nightlife, shopping and theater.
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Titles registered and all contents copyright 2016 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
on stage
My My, How Can I Resist You? Mamma Mia!, smash musical based on the songs of ABBA plays at McCallum
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Courtesy of McCallum Theatre, photo by Joan Marcus
enny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, plays the McCallum Theatre for five performances as a part of its final farewell tour. Performances begin on Friday, Dec. 2, and run through Sunday, Dec. 4. Mamma Mia! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway. The West End production is now in its eighteenth year. To date, Mamma Mia! has been seen by more than 60 million people worldwide in 50 productions in 16 different languages. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” Mamma Mia! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. Mamma Mia! is produced by Work Light Productions, whose other touring productions include Cinderella, RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Motown, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and Vocalosity. The original production of Mamma Mia! was produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal. The
creative team responsible for bringing Mamma Mia! to theatrical life includes some of the most gifted and celebrated talents of musical theatre and opera. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Mamma Mia! has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch. The performance schedule for Mamma Mia! at the McCallum Theatre is: Friday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices for Mamma Mia! range from $47 to $117, depending on performance time and seating. Tickets are available at the Theatre’s website at www.mccallumtheatre. com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 3
entertainment
Holly Jolly Christmas
Ring in the holidays this week with these seasonal events
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undresses and Santa hats, convertibles and candy canes, palm trees and poinsettias—that’s how residents and visitors alike roll during the holidays in the Coachella Valley. A wide variety of fun and festive activities will keep the holiday momentum going for all ages and interests during the season, so put the following events into your calendar.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This year, Santa serves as the official tree lighter for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Tram’s Mountain Station beginning with a holiday performance
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s landmark 45-foot tree by the Palm Springs High School Madrigal singers. Then Santa lights the Tramway’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley. According to Tramway General Manager Rob W. Parkins, “This year, we decided to make our tree lighting ceremony—even more than in past years—a true family event, hence the early appearance by Santa!” Following the lighting ceremony, Santa will be in Pines Café for photo opportunities with the kids and to distribute candy canes. Then the Palm Springs High School Madrigal Singers return for an encore performance on the Pines Café Stage. On other selected dates in December, choirs perform at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Mountain Station:
4 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
• Friday, Dec. 2 – Jurupa Valley High School Chamber Singers • Saturday Dec. 3 – Desert Ridge Middle School Choir • Friday, Dec. 9 – Encore High School for the Arts Madrigals • Saturday, Dec. 10 - Martin Luther King High School Chamber Singers • Sunday, Dec. 11 – Raincross Master Chorale • Friday, Dec. 16 – The Lions’ Pride Chamber Singers Finally, on Saturday, Dec. 17, Santa returns to the Mountain Station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for more photo opportunities with the kids and free candy canes. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars travel
along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. For more information, please call (760) 325-1391, or visit us at www.pstramway.com.
23rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade Local resident and world famous super model Beverly Johnson, the first African American model to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine, will lead the march along Palm Canyon Drive as this year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal for the 23rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, the City’s signature holiday event, which every year brings more than 100,000 residents and visitors to downtown Palm Springs on the first Saturday
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special event ber. Share the holiday spirit by bringing along donations for two nonprofits: F.I.N.D. Food Bank of the Coachella Valley, and Toys for Tots. Free; bring a toy or food donation. 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage, 760-321-8282, ritzcarlton. com/RanchoMirage.
The Nutcracker Dec. 2 and 3. If you’ve been following Palm Springs’ award-winning dance company K Dance, then you already know how dynamic it is and how well it leaves a memorable impression. The group returns to the Annenberg for its 20th anniversary performances of “The Nutcracker,” Tchaikovsky’s classic masterpiece. 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 2); 3 p.m. (Dec. 3). $20-$30. Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. For more information, visit psmuseum.org.
Vienna Boys Choir Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on the Jackie Lee Houston Santa Claus Express in December. In addition, Johnson will receive a star on the prestigious Palm Springs Walk of Stars on the same day of the parade. Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. near La Plaza located at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Johnson will be joined in the parade by Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes, homegrown boxer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and local realtor and philanthropist Nelda Linsk, who will serve as the parade’s Community Grand Marshals. The holiday lights spectacular, slated for Saturday, Dec. 3, kicks off at 5:45 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive at Ramon Road and heads north concluding at Tamarisk. Each year the much loved parade features just under 100 twinkling floats, magnifi-
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cent marching bands, huge Macy’s style holiday balloons and Santa Claus and his reindeer on the Jackie Lee Houston Santa Claus Express. “The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is the biggest and best holiday lights parade in Southern California and beyond,” says Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. “Over the years, it has truly become one of the region’s most beloved holiday events and an important part of the magic that makes the Palm Springs destination, like no place else.” Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 3 in downtown Palm Springs. For more information, visit www.psfestivaloflights.com.
It’s A Wonderful Life At The La Quinta Resort Now through Dec. 31. Wander La Quinta Resort & Club, where Frank Capra’s classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” was written, to marvel at the sparkling tree and partake in chestnut roasting, pancakes on the patio, holiday cooking classes and more. Free. 49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, 855-884-9315, laquintaresort.com.
The Season of Giving at Ritz-Carlton Now through Dec. 31. The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage transforms with sparkling lights, sweet treats, and special events for everyone to enjoy in Decem-
Monday, Dec. 5. Holiday favorites and a myriad other songs—from classical masterpieces to Austrian folk songs—fill the bill here. Interesting to note: The choir, in its various incarnations, has been performing for six centuries. No doubt the purity of tone, charm, and the indelible repertoire has fueled its longevity. 7 p.m. $37-$77. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. For more information, visit mccallumtheatre.com.
The Irish Tenors Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 6. One of the most successful Irish touring acts to ever grace the stage celebrates the season with traditional carols and classic Irish ballads audiences will savor. Accompanied by a live 30-piece orchestra. 8 p.m. $37-$87. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. For more information, visit mccallumtheatre.com.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 5
special event
Hot Tamales!
25th annual Indio International Tamale Festival heats up the desert Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage (760) 321-2000 | www.hotwatercasino.com
Augustine Casino
84-001 Avenue 54, Coachella (760) 391-9500 | www.augustinecasino.com
Cahuilla Casino
52-702 California 371, Anza (951) 763-1200 | www.cahuillacasino.com
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
84-245 Indio Springs Dr., Indio (760) 342-5000 | www.fantasyspringsresort.com
Morongo Casino Resort
49-500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon (951) 849-3080 | www.morongocasinoresort.com
Red Earth Casino
3089 Norm Niver Road, Salton Sea Beach (760) 395-1200 | www.redearthcasino.com
Spa Resort Casino
401 E. Amado Rd., Palm Springs (760) 883-1000 | www.sparesortcasino.com
Spotlight 29 Casino
46-200 Harrison Pl., Coachella (760) 775-5566 | www.spotlight29.com
Tortoise Rock Casino
73-829 Baseline Road, Twentynine Palms (760) 367-9759 | www.tortoiserockcasino.com
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ave you ever tried a vegetarian black bean and smoked jack tamale or a chocolate, banana, and peanut butter tamale? Well, this is your chance. The 25th annual Indio International Tamale Festival, presented by the City of Indio and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, unfolds in a fiery splendor Saturday and Sunday Dec. 3 and 4 in Old Town Indio. The big news this year may be that the popular annual festival, which hits the quarter-century mark, has grown considerably. This year, more than 75 tamale booths from across the country will be featured. Coachella Valley participants have included Adobe Grill, Jackalope Ranch, Las Carretas Taco Shop, Rita’s of La Quinta, and Salsa Momma. Favorites from past years include Grandma Lupe’s Authentic Tamales. Another returning favorite is Texifornia Tamale Co. out of San Diego, a winner of Best Overall Tamale in previous years—these are the folks who crafted the aforementioned chocolate, banana, and peanut butter tamale creation. The festival begins with the annual City of Indio and Tamale Festival Parade—yes, that’s right, a tamale parade with Santa at the helm riding in an antique fire truck. At least 125,000 people are again expected to attend the weekend-long celebration. Live entertainment is featured on five stages. Best bets may be the food itself. Tamale booths, a tamale-eating contest (the win-
ning record is 12 tamales, followed by a Pepcid), the opening parade, the 4th annual Car Show, an art and wine garden, a beer garden, Kiddieland, more than 200 vendors, sponsor displays, family-friendly activities, and arts and crafts exhibits are designed for all ages and interests. Each day, there will also be a Farmer’s Market, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Kids’ Zone and interactive art in the Art and Wine Garden. There’s even a Soul Train contest for singles and couples to compete for best costumes, dance moves and “soul.” Entertainment highlights include the IEHP Rad Rider Bike Show, the Evaros, Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico, Higher Heights, Luis Sequeda and Gilbert the Juggler. The Festival is produced by KevaWorks, Inc., in partnership with the City of Indio. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino serves as the official presenting sponsor, as they have since 1999. Other sponsors include O’Reilly Auto Parts, IEHP, Forest Lawn, Volkswagen and KMIR. Free parking is available on streets surrounding Old Town Indio, and free shuttle services are provided to all festival visitors from the Larson Justice Center at Highway 111 and Oasis Street. Indio International Tamale Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, 100 Civic Center Mall, Indio.Complete Festival details and schedules may be found online at tamalefestival.net.
6 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
calendar
Events & Performances December 1 through December 11 ONGOING ACTIVITIES
12/1
12/9 - 12/11
Pathway to Health • Beauty Wellness Expo 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Features speakers, workshops, seminars and vendors. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage. (760) 202-4007, www.bettekingproductions.com.
Winter Gathering POW WOW Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is proud to present The Winter Gathering Pow Wow. Family event, free admission. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. (760) 775-5566, www.spotlight29.com.
12/2 Certified Farmers’ Markets IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas Smithsonian traveling exhibition focusing on the seldomviewed history and complex lives of people of dual African American and Native American ancestry. Fee admission and free parking. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, 219 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs. (760) 778-1079, www.accmuseum.org. Palm Springs Historical Walking Tours 7 different walking tours including tours of downtown Palm Springs, historic neighborhoods with high concentrations of celebrity homes, mid-century modern commercial properties as well as inns. Visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org for description of tours, days and times. 221 S. Palm Canyon Dr. in the Village Green, Call for more information (760) 323-8297. Reservations required.
Certified Farmers’ Markets Fruits, vegetables, artisan food vendors and other products from California certified farms. Locations: Palm Springs, Saturdays at 8 a.m., 2300 Baristo Road. La Quinta, Sundays at 8 a.m., Old Town La Quinta at 78100 Main Street. Palm Desert, Wednesdays at 8 a.m., 72599 Highway 111. VillageFest Every Thursday, 7 to 10 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, farmers’ market, downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive. Stores along the street stay open late. (760) 320-3781. Palm Springs Vintage Market First Sunday of the month, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience a diverse gathering of merchants selling vintage, retro and mid century merchandise. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo, Palm Springs. Visit www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com.
FOR BAR, LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT, SEE NIGHTLIFE ON PAGE 20. FOR THEATER LISTINGS, SEE CURTAIN TIME ON PAGE 8.
www.desertentertainer.com
Palm Desert Holiday Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A Rockin’ Holiday Tribute to the King! Starring Scot Bruce singing the sounds of Blue Christmas and other Elvis classics. The Gardens on El Paseo, 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert. www. thegardensonelpaseo.com.
12/3 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade 5:45 p.m. Parade kicks off on Palm Canyon Drive and Ramon Road. Magnificent marching bands and twinkling holiday floats adorned in thousands of magical colored lights. www. psfestivaloflights.com. Roger Hodgson 8 p.m. Legendary voice, writer and arranger of most of Supertramp’s greatest hits. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. (760) 7755566, www.spotlight29.com.
12/3 - 12/04
12/2 - 12/3 WildLights 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring luminescent animal lanterns, snowball fight in Whoville, explore pathways decorated in hlights, tunnel of lights, visits with Santa, live entertainment, arts and crafts, carousel rides, and more. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. (760) 346-5694, www.livingdesert.org.
12/3 Denny Zeitlin Solo 7 p.m. Jazz for Jazz Lovers Concert Series, come out and enjoy world class jazz music at Pete’s. Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, 73-741 Highway 111, Palm Desert. (760) 568-3263, www.petecarlsonsgolf.com.
Indio International Tamale Festival 10 a.m. A favorite for locals and visitors to the area. Ranked as one of the top 10 “All-American Food Festivals” by Food Network. Sample every type of tamale one can possibly imagine. Activities include festival holiday parade, carnival, Mexican Folkloric dancing and a variety of live entertainment. Old Town Indio, www.tamalefestival.net.
12/4 Holiday Tree Lighting at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 5:30 p.m. Tram’s Mountain Station beginning with a holiday performance by the Palm Springs High School Madrigal singers. Then Santa lights the Tramway’s landmark 45-foot tree. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs. (760) 325-1449, www.pstramway.com.
12/5 Vienna Boys Choir 7 p.m. Christmas in Vienna showcases the voices of these child musicians in a program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and, of course, holiday favorites. McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com.
12/6 The Irish Tenors Christmas 8 p.m. One of the most successful Irish touring acts ever, celebrate the Season with a special holiday concert of traditional carols and classic Irish ballads, accompanied by a live 30-piece orchestra. McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com.
12/10 The Rickey Woodward Quintet 7 p.m. Jazz for Jazz Lovers Concert Series, come out and enjoy world class jazz music at Pete’s. Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, 73-741 Highway 111, Palm Desert. (760) 568-3263, www.petecarlsonsgolf.com. American Car Show 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring classic, special interest cars, trucks, exotic cars and live entertainment. Free public entry. Old Town La Quinta, 78010 Main Street, La Quinta. www. americancarshow.com.
12/8
12/10 - 12/11
Oh What A Night! 8 p.m. Exciting musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with The Desert Symphony You’ll hear…Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You… and every classic pop hit made famous by those boys from Jersey! McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com.
Desert Arts Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring 100 artists presenting their original work in all mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, including paintings, photography, etchings, sculpture. Artists will be present to meet and discuss their work. Frances Stevens Park, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. (818) 813-4478, www.westcoastartists.com
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 7
curtain time
Magic in ‘Miracles’
CV Rep to deliver a powerful celebration of Jewish Writers of the American Musical Theater By Gary Walker For Desert Entertainer
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alm Canyon Theatre is aiming for the heart this holiday season when it presents “Meet Me in St. Louis” Dec. 2-18. The Broadway version in 1990 was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book (Hugh Wheeler), Best Original Score (Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane) and Best Choreography. The Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien film version introduced the beautiful “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Directed by Dr. William “Bill” Layne, it’s the classic tale of the Smith family members who try to find their own way near the beginning of the 20th Century. Steve Smith is musical director and leads a five-piece combo. Andrea Bellato choreographs, Derik Shopinski designs the costumes and Co-Artistic Director J.W. Layne designs the sets and lighting. The cast includes J. Steger Thompson, Suzie Wourms, Lizzie Schmelling, Kate Antonov, Sadie Paiz, Natalia Fernandez and Abel Rodriguez. Curtain Time: “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2-18, Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Tickets and info: $32-$36, students $15 with valid ID. For more information, call (760) 323-5123 or visit PalmCanyonTheatre.org.
Valli Tribute “Oh What a Night!” kicks off the Desert Symphony’s 28th season Thursday evening, Dec. 8, at the McCallum Theatre in
Palm Desert. This musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is the first of the 20162017 “Ovation III Series” and a return by popular demand of one of the most popular tribute concerts in the symphony’s history. The program consists of the group’s classic pop hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Grease” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” As part of the family-friendly show, Musical Director Gary Bergson and the symphony once again feature their special holiday tribute to Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers. The stellar cast will perform holiday classics personally taught to them by Andy’s brother Dick Williams. Curtain Time: “Oh What a Night!” – A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Desert Symphony, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets: $52-$108, (760) 340-2787 or mccallumtheatre.com.
CVRep’s “Miracles” Coachella Repertory Theatre (CVRep) offers a tantalizing program the weekend of Dec. 9-11 when singer/actor/Broadway veteran Danny Gurwin and accompanist Scott Harlan perform “Miracle of Miracles – Celebrating Jewish Writers of the American Musical Theatre.” It’s an evening of music and songs that pay tribute to musical theatre’s Jewish legacy, focusing on heritage, history and Jewish traditions. The program includes songs from the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Jule Styne, Leonard Bernstein, Jerry Herman and Dorothy Fields, along with contemporary selections from composers Charles Strouse, Alan Menken and Andrew Lloyd Webber. CVRep’s founding Artistic Director Ron Celona says that “marvelous histori-
8 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
Danny Gurwin cal tidbits and stories will be showcased along with their respective composers and lyricists…And, of course, a gorgeous medley from “Fiddler on the Roof” will be featured, along with selections from Bock & Harnick’s other Jewish masterwork, “The Rothschilds.” Gurwin’s credits include Broadway shows “Little Women,” “Urinetown,” “The Full Monty” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” He also has appeared in L.A. Opera’s “A Little Night Music,” the local “One Night Only” benefit for three years
and has starred in one of the Cabaret 88 sellouts at Palm Springs’ Annenberg Theater. Harlan has been seen in LA with Carol Burnett in the world premiere of the new musical “From the Top” and in the new musical “Radio Gals” at La Mirada Theatre and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. Prior to that, he appeared in the national companies of “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” And “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
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curtain time Curtain Time: “Miracle of Miracle – Celebrating Jewish Writers of the American Musical Theatre,” 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, CVRep, The Atrium, 69930 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage. Tickets: $25. For more information, call (760) 296-2966 or visit cvrep.org.
Lavin & Stritch Two of the biggest Broadway successes will grace the stage of Palm Springs’ Annenberg Theatre Saturday, Dec. 10, in “An Evening with Linda Lavin & Billy Stritch.” The program is the 2016 Temple Isaiah Benefit Concert, featuring Tony Award-winning Linda Lavin and Musical Director Billy Stritch in an evening of jazz standards and show tunes. Broadway, television and film star Lavin has received a Tony (“Broadway Bound”), a Drama Desk, an Outer Critics’ and a Helen Hayes award. Her other Great White Way credits include “Gypsy,” “The Sisters Rosenzweig,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” and “Collected Stories,” which gar-
Billy Stritch nered her fifth Tony nomination. Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scenes. Curtain Time: “An Intimate Evening with Linda Lavin & Billy Stritch,” 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive. Tickets and info: $150 show only, $250 show and reception, (760) 325-4490 or annenbergtheater.org.
Box Office • “Mamma Mia!” 8 p.m. FridaySaturday, Dec. 2-3; 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday, Dec. 3-4; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets: $47-$117. For more information, call (760) 3402787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com. • “Home for the Holidays,” presented by the Desert Winds Freedom Band. Sunday, De. 4, 2 p.m. Jewish Community Center, Bochner Auditorium, 332 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs. Tickets: $20. For more information, call (760) 459-9371 or visit desertwindsfb.org. • “The Irish Tenors Christmas,” 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets: $37-$107. For more information, call (760) 340-2787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com. • “A Modest Proposal,” 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10,
Script2Stage2Screen, 72-425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage. Tickets: $10. For more information, call (760) 345-7938 or visit script2stage2screen.com. • “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sidaris and Joe Mantello, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, thru Dec. 18, Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage. Tickets: $32-$35. For more information, call (760) 202-3000 or visit desertroseplayouse.org. • Tippi Hedren Luminary Luncheon, with emcee Don Martin Wednesday, Dec. 14, presented by CVRep, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Tickets: $45. For more information, call (760) 296-2966 or visit cvrep.org. • “A Christmas Story,” 7 p.m. Friday-Saturdat, thru Dec.16; 2:30 p.m. matinees Nov. 26 & Dec. 17, Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms. Tickets: $8-$15. For more information, visit theatre29.org.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 9
Hiking & Biking Trails Hiking Palm Springs
Hiking La Quinta
Andreas Canyon Trail
Boo Hoff Trail to Lake
Tahquitz Canyon
Cahuilla Loop
Palm Springs Art Museum Trail
For directions, maps and information visit www.playinlaquinta.com.
Murray Canyon Trail Araby Trail South Lykken Trail North Lykken Trail For directions, maps and information visit www.visitpalmsprings.com.
Hiking Rancho Mirage Bighorn Overlook Trail Butler-Abrams Trail Chuckwalla Trail Clancy Lane Trail Jack Rabbit Trail Road Runner Trail For directions, maps and information visit www.ranchomirageca.gov.
Hiking Palm Desert Hopalong Cassidy Trail
Biking Palm Springs Las Palmas Loop Downtown Loop Citywide Loop Tahquitz Creek Loop Deepwelll Loop Canyon Country Club Loop Gene Autry Bikeway Whitewater Trail For directions, maps and information visit www.visitpalmsprings.com.
Biking La Quinta Bear Creek Trailhead Cove Oasis Trailhead Fritz Burns Park
Randall Henderson Trail
Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve
Herb Jeffries Trail
La Quinta Library
For directions, maps and information visit www.cityofpalmdesert.org
La Quinta Park Sports Complex
Hiking La Quinta
Boys and Girls Club
Bear Creek Trailhead to Cave, Cave to Palm Oasis
For directions, maps and information visit www.playinlaquinta.com.
Cove to Lake Cahuilla
dining
News
Around the desert Nicole Kidman to Receive International Star Award at PSIFF The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman with the International Star Award for her performance in Lion at its annual Film Awards Gala. The Film Awards Gala, hosted by Mary Hart, will be held Monday, Jan. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Festival runs Jan. 2-16. “One of the world’s most luminous and versatile actresses, Nicole Kidman has filled so many unforgettable roles including her performances in The Hours, Moulin Rouge!, Cold Mountain, Rabbit Hole and dozens more,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “In her latest film, Lion, she gives yet another awardworthy performance as Sue Brierley, an Australian woman who adopts two young boys from India. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is honored to present the International Star Award to Nicole Kidman.” Kidman received the Festival’s Chairman’s Award in 2005. Past International Star Award honorees include BAFTA and Academy Award winning actors Javier Bardem, Helen Mirren and BAFTA and Academy Award nominated actress Saoirse Ronan.
The event will be packed with about 20 chefs, all of them preparing the chili and foods and drinks, Exotic birds on display presented by their handlers. A silent auction will be held. Face painting for the young and young at heart. Santa will be on hand and live music by Range Riders are among the lineup. Tickets are $25 or more donation, in advance of the event. Tickets will be made available at the door based on availability the day of the event. BG Bird Gardens is located at 73179 Joshua Tree St.,, Palm Desert. For additional information, tickets or donations, call (760) 288-7878.
Tramway’s Snow Guessing Contest Winners Announced The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Snow Guessing Contest officially ended on Monday, Nov. 21 with oneand-a-half inches of measurable snow at the Tramway’s Mountain Station. The first ten contestants who submitted the correct date are: 1. Richard Namey of Desert Hot Springs 2. Brenda Siddon of Desert Hot Springs 3. Diane Lakata of Palm Desert 4. Joyce Mochizuki of Indio 5. Carey Kirner of San Diego
For more information, call (760) 322-2930 or (800) 898-7256 or visit psfilmfest.org.
Family Services of the Desert’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser Family Services of the Desert, Food Now is having it’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on Dec. 3, 2016. A longstanding local organization with over 50 years of volunteer work in the desert. This event will be hosted by Geno and Lindi Biggi of Beaverton Food, inc. at their BG Bird Gardens in Palm Desert from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. BG Bird Gardens is a lush and very exotic desert estate that is home to more than 50 exotic birds from around the world.
6. Michael & Renee Southard of Indio 7. Nancy Dunn of La Quinta 8. Andy Green of Redlands 9. Hoang Nguyen of Menifee 10. Cleone Knopfle of Palm Springs The winners will receive four Tram admissions plus a special gift. The contest began October 1 and 863 entries were received, more than double last year’s total.
10 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
crossword
“BIRD IS THE WORD”
Across
55 Sharp feller 56 Home of the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil
1 Vandals
60 Japanese soup
5 ___ loading (marathoner’s prep)
63 Actress Verdugo
10 “Get lost!”
65 After-school cookie
14 “Paradise Lost,” e.g.
66 ___ anchor
15 Roughly
67 Hide
16 Common street name
68 Existed
17 ___ la Douce 18 Build up
69 Big name in computers
19 Kon-Tiki Museum site
70 Circle segments
20 Gibberish 23 “2001” mainframe 24 Brews 25 Go (into) 29 Long lock 31 Old Mazda truck line 33 Error 37 Gun advocate grp. 38 Speaking frankly 42 Part of HRH 43 Mad Ludwig’s land 44 End a hug 47 Glossy brown fur 51 Hawke of “Training Day” 52 Polish’s partner
64 Add to the pot
Down
1 Elevation 2 Hullabaloo 3 Light-footed 4 Sign of healing 5 Bedouin’s mount 6 Quarters 7 Rakes 8 Keg stopper 9 Italian eight 10 Cigar enthusiast 11 Suffers from 12 Engine need 13 Plastic ___ Band 21 Corrective eye surgery 22 Wordsworth work
26 27 28 30 31 32
Occupation Mucho mucho Julio’s “that” Tee sizes, briefly Second in a series Cowboy boot attachment 34 They’re all in the family 35 Go bonkers 36 Rapid transit in France 38 Fair sight 39 Chief 40 Laugh-a-minute folks 41 Actress Dennings 42 Tint 45 Shallow sound 46 Mayo is part of it 48 He seeks hides 49 Recherché 50 Insurrectionists 52 Catch some Z’s 53 Prison-related 54 Foaming at the mouth 57 Composer Bartok 58 Radar image 59 Polynesian drink 60 Kind of rule 61 Anger 62 Catch
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 11
astrology
Horoscopes December 1 - 7 ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you’re not into it, don’t do it. If you have to do it, then try to change the way you think about it. Make it about the action, not about the outcome the action will bring to you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Get what you want from a place, and then get out. This is how your gypsy spirit will find satisfaction. Keep it moving along; this is freedom — or something like it. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’d like to believe that there are a “wise few,” yet the group often gets together and behaves otherwise. Real leadership is needed here. Are you up to it? CANCER (June 22-July 22). Many forces of destruction are captivating, seductive and beautiful. This is why you should beware of anything that crosses your path today that falls into the “captivating, seductive and/or beautiful” category. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Mark Twain’s advice was to eat what you like and let the food fight it out on the inside. However, today, good digestion will be a secret key to your success. Don’t leave it to chance. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s mighty fine when the game is good enough on its
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
own, but that won’t always be the case. When it’s not, you have to be the fun. What you bring to the table will make the intolerable thing tolerable. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your ability to suspend disbelief helps you enjoy stories that are crafted for your entertainment. But when the story is supposed to be true, no good can come from ignoring the glaring discrepancies. Get to the bottom of it. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll learn from a failed test. It’s better to fail early and cheaply. Don’t be afraid to mess it up in order to see the boundaries of what you’re dealing with. You’ll apply that learning to create a winning strategy. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). What is making it hard for you to deliver the result you and the others expect? The answer to this simple question, applied well, could lift your mood by 10 points. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll seldom find meaning in a cake, unless it’s the pink and green cake that’s melting in the rain in MacArthur Park. Meaning is, after all, usually readily found in annoying and unsatisfactory things. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Life gets bigger when you’re braver and constricts with fear. Life on the small scale is no better than an outsize life; it’s just a matter of personal preference. Just be sure that you’re choosing it and not merely reacting to it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Gather more information and put off judgment for as long as possible. Maybe this one is not up to you to figure out, and in that case, you’re free to apply yourself in better places.
14 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
Off theVine Vino Ladies Talk Wine
Meet the Vino Ladies Cher
(not the famous one)
A weekend wine taster who prefers a good craft beer over anything! Cut my wine tasting teeth on Rieslings and other sweet wines but have evolved through the years and now tend to gravitate towards red wines more than others. Enjoy fullbodied wines with low tannins and a smooth finish. Love the adventure of trying new wines but look for a bargain that is drinkable now.
DeAnn
A marketing professional who has been a beer drinker for most of my life; probably because I played softball and the two just seemed to go together! On occasion I enjoy a sweeter wine such as a White Zin, Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer. I’m a novice for sure and enjoy learning more about wine each day. I love the relaxed, social aspect of enjoying a glass of wine in the evening with a partner or a good friend.
Jules
A wine lover who appreciates the intricacies of different varietals, exploring how wines pair with food and learning more about how the weather, the land and processing affects the taste. An educated novice who is partial to full-bodied, jammy, reds with a smooth finish.
Suze
Over 50 but feel like 30. I sometimes enjoy a boxed wine, over ice, by the pool on a hot summer night or a smooth, not too dry red, during the winter cold. I usually prefer a semi sweet white wine but my tastes are evolving. I love to read or play on the beach with my puppy dog.
Contact the Vino Ladies at VinoLadies@gmail.com.
www.desertentertainer.com
L
ocated in the heart of the Willamette Valley Panther Creek Cellars has been producing wines since 1986. Known as one of Oregon’s most established Pinot Noir producers, they have been recognized for their signature blends as well as single vineyard designated wines. Founded by acclaimed Oregon Pinot Noir winemaker Ken Wright, Panther Creek Cellars established its reputation for making big, fruity, collection worthy Pinot Noirs. In 1994 Wright sold Panther Creek to the Kaplans who, with the help of winemaker Mark Vlossak continued to produce award-winning wines. After other changes in winemakers and owners Panther Creek was acquired by the private equity firm Bacchus Capital Management in 2013. This year Panther Creek celebrated its 30th Anniversary. About the Wine: Panther Creek Cellars Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Cuvée Vintage: 2014 Appelation: Eola Amity Hills, Dundee Hills, Yamhill Carlton, & Chehalem Mountains Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $30
CHER When I was told that we would be tasting the Panther Creek Winemakers Cuvée Pinot Noir from Dundee, Oregon my thoughts flashed back to my childhood summer road trips to visit family in Oregon. My mother was born in nearby McMinneville so every summer we made the pilgrimage back to Yamhill County. I don’t remember any vineyards so I was surprised to learn that the first vines were planted in the 1970s. When I visited Dundee about three years ago, I was amazed to see how prolific and sophisticated wine production has become. The Panther Creek Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir provided a nicely balanced juicy raspberry mouth with a slightly dry finish. Because of the dry finish, I prefer to drink this wine with food. It would pair easily with a variety of foods but my first thought would be to have a glass with pork or duck. Good to know that
in addition to some of the best craft beer production, Oregon also produces some beautiful Pinot Noir wines.
DeANN This youthful 2014 Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from Panther Creek Cellars has a beautiful blend of flavors and it’s gorgeous as well as easy to enjoy. It’s flavors of dark fruit and cola are balanced with fine grain tannins. It’s a delicious representation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. This has to be the most complex wine I have ever tasted. I really enjoyed this wine with smoked turkey and cheddar cheese.
JULES The 2014 Panther Creek Cellars Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Cuvée from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a ‘cherry-bomb’ of flavor. The oak aging gives this wine a dry finish with earthy notes of pepper and leather. However, the berry flavors of cherry and cranberry sing through on initial taste, it’s like drinking a cherry-cola disguised as a wine! This is a wine that pairs nicely with food; like pork chops, sausage or a nice berry pie. This is a great wine to drink now but you could let it age for a few years and let the complex flavors develop even more.
SUZE If you enjoy a red wine with some peppery notes you will love this 2014 Panther Creek Cuvée Pinot Noir. The smell and taste of pepper really come through with just a hint of cranberry and pomegranate as it sits on your tongue. It’s very dry and slightly acidic. Although I am usually not a fan of acidity in my reds I thought it tasted very nice with the chocolate toffee pretzels we were sampling along with hickory smoked turkey sausage. They were a nice complement to each other.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 15
dining
Havana Delights
Rick’s Desert Grill serving up great food with a touch of Cuba By Lucinda Sue Crosby For Desert Entertainer
R
unning a restaurant successfully in the Coachella Valley takes commitment and vision. With the fierce competition for tourist dollars during season and lulls in the number of visitors during hotter months, keeping that delicate balance between attracting new clients and satisfying regular locals is a bit of a high wire act. Since its opening, Rick’s Desert Grill has continuously expanded its appeal to both categories of diners because it occupies a unique niche while offering premier ingredients and impeccable service. The décor is a cool mix of Palm Springs mid-century modern and diner retro with a healthy dose of Hollywood’s Golden Age sprinkled in for good measure. The walls are adorned with oversize, dramatic black-and-white photos of former desert lovers/dwellers like Francis Albert Sinatra, Dino Martin and TV comedy legend Lucille Ball … who also happened to be A-list movie stars ... and presto! the stage is set. Comfortable booths encircle a wellappointed full bar where you’ll be greeted by a leaflet describing frothy cocktails created by General Manager Nick Se-
Rick’s Desert Grill 1596 N. Palm Canyon Palm Springs Open: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily Happy Hour: 3 p.m to 7 p.m. All Day Happy Hour Mondays (760) 325-2127 ricksrestaurant.biz
Homemade Turkey pot pie with a puff pastry top idner. These vivid, often rum-based libations, refreshing in the desert any time of year, pop the Grill’s character. Ice-frosted mojito glasses bearing flourishes of ripe, sweet fruit beckon the thirsty. “We sell a LOT of mojitos,” Nick explained with a laugh. The GM looks a bit young for his responsibility level but exudes enthusiasm for his job. He has decades of training that began with dish washing and table bussing at Rick’s Restaurant, a wellknown day-time eatery in downtown
16 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
Palm Springs owned by Nick’s father, Rick Seidner. “My dad opened his first place in honor of his mother, who had given him so much,” Nick said. “It’s been popular for about 30 years. Then, in 2009, when our family invested in Rick’s Desert Grill, my wife Adeline and I, along with our daughter Alina, had a chance to be a part of my dad’s legacy. It’s been great.” While the bill of fare includes allAmerican dishes like fried chicken or Tbone steak, you will also find a spirited
Cuban accent, part of this family’s heritage. Noted dishes include the Lechon Asado (pork, slow roasted and cooked with rich rock salt, a black & white pepper rub and roasted-to-sweetness garlic, basted with orange juice and red wine until the flavors are soaked into the meat); and the Cuban Salad with fresh ripe Roma tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onions and avocado in a homemade Balsamic vinaigrette. I recommend the Stuffed Tostones, which are “bowls,” fashioned of green plantains filled with
www.desertentertainer.com
dining
Ropa Vieja Stuffed Tostones
Marinated Cuban ribeye in a garlic, salt and pepper and virgin olive oil
the Lechon Picadillo (sweet ground beef, raisins, bell peppers, olives and onions) or Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak in a Creole tomato sauce). Sides like Caribbean rice and black beans are authentic and delish. For lunch, I enjoy the Ahi Tuna Salad (Ahi tuna steak rolled in black and white sesame seeds and seared rare with pickled ginger and wasabi cream sauce, served on a bed of mixed baby greens with house vinaigrette dressing). On the lighter side, consider The Vegetarian (a Signature Sandwich of avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts, Swiss and Cheddar cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar).
www.desertentertainer.com
“Petite Meals” consist of fish tacos, sweet meatloaf, roasted turkey, etc. in portions that leave space for creamy flan … with a touch of Kahlua. Starting December 22, the Desert Grill will be open for breakfast at 8 am. Nick has two particular faves on his developing menu: Eggs Norwegian (two poached eggs, Nova Scotia lox and sliced tomato on a grilled English muffin, topped off house Hollandaise sauce) and Rick’s Giant Cinnamon Roll (baked fresh daily – must be inhaled to be believed!). Over the years, Nick has learned how much his savvy employees add to his business and is quick to praise their work ethic. “So many of these people have
been with us from our first day,” Rick explained. “I make sure the wheels are turning; that our ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality; that the dining room is inviting – but the people who work here – they are the ones who make it what it is. My crew knows how to provide an unforgettable experience.”
Consider this an invitation to test taste Rick’s Desert Grill. Happily, the Happy Hour here extends from 3 to 7 p.m. daily and from 3 p.m. to closing on Monday with discounts on draft beer, house wine and lush Mojitos. Vamanos!
I
f you’re looking for a down-town convenient breakfast and/or lunch eatery, consider Rick’s Restaurant – owned and operated by Nick’s dad, Rick Seidner. And be sure to bring your appetite! Alongside lighter fare like yogurt or the designated low-carb plates, the breakfast menu offers local favorite dishes like the hearty signature Paul Bunyan Special or a French toast-based darling called the Cinnamon Swirl. Luncheon items represent a nice variety with some standards like Waldorf salad, a personal favorite.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 17
AMERICAN AJ’s on the Green 36-200 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Jem Steakhouse at Spotlight 29 Casino 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella (760) 775-5566 www.spotlight29.com
AMERICAN Simon Kitchen + Bar at Hard Rock Hotel 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9676 www.hrhpalmsprings.com/simon Goody’s Cafe 72246 Varner Rd., Thousand Palms (760) 343-7710 www.goodyscafe.com
Escena Lounge & Grill 1100 Clubhouse View Dr., Palm Springs (760) 992-0002 www.escenagrill.com
Mélange at The Chateau 78-120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta (760) 564-7332 www.thechateaulakelaquinta.com
Rick’s Restaurant & Bakery 1937 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz
Trio 707 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com
The Palm House 450 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com La Rue Bistro 78-015 Main Street, La Quinta (760) 296-3420 www.laruebistro.com Peaks Restaurant at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 1 Tramway Rd., Palm Springs (760) 325-4537 www.pstramway.com/dining Lost on 111 Grill 79-410 Highway 111, La Quinta (760) 564-8601 www.loston111.com Rick’s Desert Grill 1596 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (760) 325-2127 www.ricksrestaurant.biz
ITALIAN Riccio’s Steak and Seafood 495 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-3111 www.ricciossteakandseafood.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill 265 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Trilussa Ristorante 68718 E. Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City (760) 328-2300 www.trilussarestaurant.com Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant 35-325 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City (760) 324-0411 www.nicolinos.com
18 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
Filet at Escena Lounge and Grill
ITALIAN
INDIAN
Bucatini Tratoria 46-660 Washington St., La Quinta (760) 777-9007 www.bucatini.biz
Monsoon Indian Cuisine 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs (760) 325-2700 www.monsoonindiancuisine.com
Alberto’s Ristorante 71-416 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage (760) 346-3221 www.albertosristorante.com
India Oven 35-875 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City (760) 770-3918 www.india-oven.com
MEXICAN El Ranchito 78-039 Calle Estado, La Quinta (760) 564-0061 Tortillas Restaurant 32-123 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City (760) 324-8070 www.trilussarestaurant.com Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill 73325 Highway 111, Palm Desert (760) 836-9028 freshagavemexicanbarandgrill.com
SEAFOOD Fisherman’s Market and Grill www.fishermans.com 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 327-1766 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 776-6533 78575 Highway 111, La Quinta (760) 777-1601
www.desertentertainer.com
special event
Up in Smoke
Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa hosts world’s top BBQ Pit Masters
2
4 of the nation’s top BBQ chefs will compete on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the fifth annual Smithfield King of the Smoker competition taking place at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. A cash purse of $75,000 is at stake for the chefs who produce the winning entry. The competition is the highlight of the event that also includes infotainment, tastings, and demonstrations. The event is open to the public and all proceeds benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation for Pediatric Kidney Disease Research. Sponsored by Smithfield Foods and hosted by The Westin Mission Hills Resort, the Smithfield King of the Smoker championship is a one-of-a-kind BBQ competition in that contestants compete on a level playing field with no electricity and the same cuts of meat. Attendees can expect to see perfect pulled pork to rock star ribs and savory smoked brisket from the elite BBQ team competitors as they vie for the Smithfield King of the Smoker crown. The event which opens to the public at 1 p.m. is a
must for backyard barbecue enthusiasts, pit masters in training, and veteran home chefs seeking the newest in BBQ trends and techniques. Classes and cooking demos will be presented during the afternoon by professional pit masters. Attendees can also feast on delicious BBQ with Big Poppa Smokers Brand Ambassadors serving up a combination of brisket, ribs, chicken and pulled pork with traditional sides for $12 per plate. Tickets to attend the event are available online or at the gate for $10; food and drink is sold separately at the event. For more information visit: kingofthesmoker.com.
Smoke, Drink and be Merry
Las Casuelas Terraza hosts holiday Cigar and Tequila dinner
C
elebrate Mexican-American culture and cuisine this holiday season at Las Casuelas Terraza, during the signature Cigar & Tequila dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. The event continues to grow in popularity, and reservations are the perfect seasonal gift for parents, siblings, coworkers, and more. On the restaurant’s private Terraza Patio, guests will enjoy aromatic cigars with two perfectly paired tequilas from Cazadores and Partida Tequila, in addition to delicious offerings from the Las Casuelas Terraza carnitas bar. “We have created a following for this event and are excited to continue bringing people together for a flavorful and educational evening,” said Patrick Service, the fourth-generation Las Casuelas Terraza manager, and founder of the cigar
and tequila series. “The selected tequilas, paired with 20-minute cigars, will leave flavors dancing on your tongue. We look forward to another sold out event.” Tequila and cigar pairing events are becoming increasingly common across the United States. Although cigar pairings with scotch, whiskey, and fine wines have been more popular in the past, the nuances shared between cigars and tequila are of a similar richness and depth, and more and more people are beginning to enjoy them. Tickets to the Las Casuelas Terraza Cigar & Tequila dinner are $35 per person. That price includes tequila tastings, a cigar, and dinner from the carnitas bar. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Las Casuelas Terraza at (760) 325-2794. The event is open to adults, 21+. Las Casuelas Terraza is located at 222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 19
nightlife
Nightlife
December 1 through December 7 Entertainment sometimes changes after press deadline. Please check with venue to confirm the evening’s entertainment.
THURSDAY - 12/1 AJ’s on the Green Jazz trio with Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald, 7 to 10 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Ace Hotel & Swim Club DJ Victor Rodriguez, 9 p.m. 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9900 www.acehotel.com/palmsprings Indian Wells Resort Frank DiSalvo, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com La Rue Bistro Entertainment at 6 p.m. 78-015 Main Street, La Quinta (760) 296-3420 www.laruewinebar.com
(760) 322-9293 www.fishermans.com Trilussa Italian Restaurant Julius & Sylvia from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. 68-718 Highway 111, Cathedral City (760) 328-2300 www.trilussarestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe Robert Salisbury from 5 to 6 p.m. Carolyn Martinez & Trio, 6:30 to 10 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Linda Peterson, 6 to 10 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
FRIDAY - 12/2 AJ’s on the Green The Gilmore & Bryan Show, 7 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com
La Quinta Brewing Company Entertainment at 8 p.m. 78-065 Main St., La Quinta (760) 972-4251 www.laquintabrewing.com
Ace Hotel & Swim Club Kiefo Nilsson with DJ’s Big Mike and TJO , 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9900 www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
Oscar’s Café & Bar Carnival Cabaret, 8 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com
Fisherman’s Market & Grill The Carmens, 7 p.m. to closing 78575 Highway 111, La Quinta (760) 777-1601 www.fishermans.com
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Evaro Brothers from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com
The Fisherman’s Grotto Live music from 4 to 7 p.m. 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 776-6534 www.fishermans.com
Shanghai Reds Bar & Grill Smooth Brothers, 7 p.m. to closing 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Indian Wells Resort Hotel Frank DiSalvo, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells
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Linda Peterson performing at AJ’s on the Green on Tuesday (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com La Rue Bistro Entertainment at 6 p.m. 78-015 Main Street, La Quinta (760) 296-3420 www.laruewinebar.com Oscar’s Café & Bar Carnival Cabaret, 8 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill The Evaro Brothers from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Shanghai Reds Bar & Grill Barry Baughn Blues Band at 8 p.m. 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 322-9293 www.fishermans.com
Spotlight 29 Casino DJ Chase Martinez at Groove, 7 p.m. 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella (760) 775-5566 www.Spotlight29.com Trilussa Italian Restaurant Julius and Sylvia from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. 68-718 Highway 111, Cathedral City (760) 328-2300 www.trilussarestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe Meet the Corwins, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. John Stanley King Show, 8 to Midnight 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Rose Mallett, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
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nightlife SATURDAY - 12/3 AJ’s on the Green Cabaret Open Mic with Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Ace Hotel & Swim Club DJ’s TJO, Big Mike, Jespelita, Showbiz Pig, 11 a.m. 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9900 www.acehotel.com/palmsprings Fisherman’s Market & Grill The Carmens, 7 p.m. to closing 78575 Highway 111, La Quinta (760) 777-1601 www.fishermans.com The Fisherman’s Grotto Live music from 4 to 7 p.m. 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 776-6534 www.fishermans.com Indian Wells Resort Hotel Frank DiSalvo, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com La Rue Bistro Entertainment at 6 p.m. 78-015 Main Street, La Quinta (760) 296-3420 www.laruewinebar.com Oscar’s Café & Bar Carnival Cabaret, 8 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Evaro Brothers from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Shanghai Reds Bar & Grill Barry Baughn Blues Band at 8 p.m. 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 322-9293 www.fishermans.com Spotlight 29 Casino DJ at the Blue Bar, 8 p.m. 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. (760) 775-5566 www.Spotlight29.com
Vicky’s of Santa Fe Rose Mallett & Barney McClure, 5 p.m. Kal David and the Real Deal, 7:30 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Stanley Butler Band, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
SUNDAY - 12/4 AJ’s on the Green Jazz Brunch with Joel Baker, 11:30 a.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Ace Hotel & Swim Club DJ’s TJO, Big Mike, Jespelita, Showbiz Pig, 11 a.m. DJ Neil Schield, 9 p.m. 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9900 www.acehotel.com/palmsprings Indian Wells Resort Hotel Ted Herman Big Band, 6 to 8 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com Oscar’s Café & Bar Dj Bob Scatch, 4 to 9 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Eddie Gee in the lounge from 6 to 10 p.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe John Stanley King & Trio, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Smooth Brothers, 6 to 10 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 21
nightlife MONDAY - 12/5
PALM SPRINGS
INDIAN WELLS
Ace Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 325-9900. Happy Hour Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Amigo Room.
Vineyard Lounge, Miramonte Resort and Spa, 45-000 Indian Wells Lane. (760) 3341-2200. Drink and appetizer specials, Thursday 5-8 p.m.
Shanghai Reds Bar & Grill ,235 S. Indian Canyon Dr. (760) 322-9293. Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. All day Sunday. 8 p.m. to closing happy hour.
Agave Sunset at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 44600 Indian Wells Lane. (760) 3411000. Daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m.
Rick’s Desert Grill, 1596 N. Palm Canyon Dr. (760) 325-2127. Daily happy hour, 3-10 p.m. all day Monday. Woody’s Palm House, 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 230-0188. Daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Las Casulas Terraza, 222 S. Palm Canyon Dr., (760) 325-2794. Monday - Friday happy hour, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
LA QUINTA Fisherman’s Market & Grill, 78575 Highway 111. (760) 777-1601. Happy hour: Monday - Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. Late night happy hour 8 p.m. to close. All day Sunday. La Quinta Cliffhouse, 78-250 Highway 111, (760) 3605991, www.laquintacliffhouse.com. Daily happy hour, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. All day Sunday. Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, 78015 Main St Ste 100. (760) 777-9989, www. stuftpizzabarandgrill.com. Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.
Indian Wells Resort Hotel, 76661 Highway 111. (760) 345-6466. Daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
PALM DESERT Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill , 73325 Highway 111. (760) 836-9028. Daily, 3-5 p.m. at the bar only.
COACHELLA Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place. (760) 775-5566. Happy hour at the Hot Spot inside Spotlight 29 from 2 - 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to closing.
CATHEDRAL CITY AJ’s on the Green, 36-200 Date Palm Drive, inside Date Palm Country Club. (760) 202-111. Happy hour , Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, 2 to 7 p.m., 9 to close in bar and lounge.
AJ’s on the Green Bill Marx from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Indian Wells Resort Larry Capeloto, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com Oscar’s Café & Bar Kal David & the Real Deal, 6 to 9 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Randy Seymon from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe Mike Costly’s Jazz at its Finest, 6:30 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Trish Hatley & Barney McClure at 6 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
TUESDAY - 12/6 AJ’s on the Green Linda Peterson from 7 to 10 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Indian Wells Resort Patricia Welch, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com La Quinta Brewing Company Trivia Night at 7 p.m. 78-065 Main St., La Quinta (760) 972-4251 www.laquintabrewing.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Randy Seymon from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe Mike Costly Trio, 6:30 to 10 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House John Bolivar, 6 to 10 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
WEDNESDAY - 12/7 AJ’s on the Green Shelley Yoelin Group, 7 to 10 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Indian Wells Resort Terri Olsen and The Perfect Band, 6 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.com Oscar’s Café & Bar Open mic, 7:30 to 10 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Eddie Gee in the lounge from 6 to 10 p.m. 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 320-8041 www.sammygsrestaurant.com Vicky’s of Santa Fe Supper Club Series: Rockin’ the Holidays, 6:30 p.m. Call for reservations. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Chuck Alvarez, 6:30 to 10 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
Venues and entertainers: Please email information at least two weeks in advance to news@desertentertainer.com
22 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
entertainment
The Doctor is in
Jazz pianist Denny Zeitlin to make a rare Coachella Valley appearance at Pete Carlson’s
J
azz pianist Denny Zeitlin will make a rare Coachella Valley appearance and perform a solo piano concert at Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis’ Jazz for Jazz Lovers Series at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $30 students and active military are free. Denny Zeitlin is a 21st century renaissance man. Denny combines a dual career as one of the most imaginative and audacious jazz pianists, and a practicing clinical professor of psychiatry at UCSF with an active private medical practice. Zeitlin has twice been a first place winner of “Down Beat” Magazines International Jazz Critics Poll. “Jazz Times” Magazine recognizes Denny’s creative output over the past 50 years, placing him at jazz’s creative zenith. Zeitlin began improvising at age 2, composing before elementary school, and studied classical music at 6. In eigtht grade he switched to jazz and by high school was playing professionally. In college Denny was playing with greats like Ira Sullivan, Johnny Griffin, Wes Montgomery and others. Zeitlin credits Billy Taylor, and George Russell as his mentors, and Bill Evans as an early supporter who recorded Denny’s composition “Quiet Now” as the title track of a 1970 album. Denny sites George Shearing, Art Tatum, Dave Brubeck, Lennie Tristano, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock as early influences. Denny began recording in 1963 with Johnny Hammond at Columbia Records while studying medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine. Zeitlin first recorded with Jeremy Steig, Ben Riley, and Ben Tucker. Later, Denny recorded four trio albums with Charlie Haden and Jerry Granelli. Critic Leonard Feather called Zeitlin the most versatile young pianist to come to prominence in the early ’60s. Jazz historian Ted Gioia said, “Denny has assimilated the breakthroughs of the previous decade from impressionism of Bill Evans to the free-fall explorations of Ornette Coleman, blending them into a personal
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Denny Zeitlin style that anticipated the next 15 years of keyboard advances. Zeitlin stands out from the crowd for the unbridled creativity of his work, the richness of his harmonic pallete, and the sheer beauty of his piano tone. Denny has appeared with jazz greats like Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and many others. For over 30 years Zeitlin has focused on acoustic music. His latest recording is a solo concert exploring classic compositions of Wayne Shorter. Denny has combined his medical and jazz disciplines in a lecture and workshop entitled “Unlocking the Creative Impulse: The Psychology of Improvisation”. Denny has a passion for both of his careers where communication is paramount. Zeitlin says there has to be a depth of empathy that allows one to really inhabit the other persons’ world. It comes out as a collaborative journey in both settings. Denny’s piano playing has extraordinary range, is electrifying in depth and intensity, hypnotic in its flow and sweep, and perfection itself. Zeitlin plays with a boldness, power, and skill that is like a profound philosophical endeavor. Don’t miss this exciting performance on Saturday Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. inside Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, 73-741 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Tickets are $30. Students and active military are free. Non-profit concert proceeds support music education for young musicians in the Coachella Valley. For more information call (760) 568-3263 or visit petecarlsonsgolf.com.
December 1 - 7, 2016 | Desert Entertainer | 23
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum History, culture of Cahuilla Indians, baskets, artifacts, photographs. Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 219 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. (760) 778-1079. www.accmuseum.org. The Best of the Best Tours. Call for the Lowest and Best Tours in the Valley. We have been in business for 20 years now. The original PS Windmill Tour Company. Tours daily, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The original Rich & Famous City Celebrity Tour, Tours daily, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Indian Canyon Tour, Daily at 9 a.m. Also offering Combination Tours. Call for reservations at (760) 320-1365 or visit www.thebestofthebesttours.com. Palm Springs Air Museum. One of the world’s largest collections of flyable Worl War II aircrafts and memorabillia, vintage automobiles, large-scale model ships. Open daily year round 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last admission at 4 p.m. 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, www.palmspringsairmuseum.org.
Moorten Botanical Garden. 1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Wednesdays. For more information, (760) 327-6555 or visit www.moortengarden.com. Coachella Valley History Museum. Open Thursday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 82616 Miles Avenue, Indio. For admission information call (760) 342-6651 or visit www.cvhm.org. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. World’s largest rotating tram provides breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley as it ascends Mt. San Jacinto. Monday - Friday. First tram up 10 a.m. Last tram up Sunday - Thursday 8 p.m., last tram down 9:45 p.m. Last Tram up Friday - Saturday 9 p.m. and last tram down 10:30 p.m. Highway 111 and Tram Road, Palm Springs. For info, (760) 325-1391. www. pstramway.com. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. 67616 East Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs. For more information call (760) 329-7610 or visit www.cabotsmuseum.org.
film review
Rule Breaker
Warren Beatty salutes Howard Hughes in farcical ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ By Neil Pond
W
arren Beatty’s long-awaited Howard Hughes movie is a nostalgic love letter to old Hollywood, a farcical rom-com about a couple of young Tinseltown transplants and a semi-sympathetic portrait of one of 20th century America’s most famous, successful and eccentric business tycoons. Howard Hughes was a huge deal back in the previous century. His tremendous wealth, high-profile enterprises, dashing daredevil antics and widely reported quirks made him one of the most famous personalities on the planet until his death in 1976. He made headlines and newsreels as a doer, dreamer, inventor, movie mogul, Las Vegas developer and aviation pioneer. Actor-director Warren Beatty caught a rare, fleeting glimpse of Hughes in a Hollywood hotel in the early ’70s and vowed to make a movie about him. He’s been chipping away at it ever since. In Rules Don’t Apply, set in the late ’50s, Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins), a young, devoutly religiously beauty queen from Virginia, is summoned to Hollywood to become one of Hughes’ female contract players at RKO, the movie studio he took over in 1948. She and her overly protective mother (Annette Bening, Beatty’s wife) are assigned a lavish house in the Hollywood Hills and provided studio transportation. Fresh-faced Frank (Alden Ehrenreich), himself a Hollywood greenhorn just off the farmlands of Fresno and also a Sunday-go-to-church kind of guy, is appointed as one of their drivers. Marla discovers she’s among the many young female hopefuls under contract
Rules Don’t Apply
Starring Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich, Warren Beatty & Matthew Broaderick Directed by Warren Beatty Rated: PG-13 Theaters: Mary Pickford Theatre, Regal Cinemas Rancho Mirage Stadium 16, Regal Cinemas Indio Metro 8, Century Theatres Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert 10 Cinemas, Regal Cinemas Palm Springs Stadium 9, Century Theatres La Quinta, Camelot Theatres, Regency Theatres.
Lily Collins and Alden Ehrenreich in ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ to Hughes, a well-known Hollywood womanizer. But even though she’s paid well and treated royally, she’s dismayed when days—then weeks—go by and she doesn’t get to meet her famous boss and benefactor, doesn’t get a screen test and doesn’t get any sign that her Hollywood career is going anywhere. She laments that she doesn’t look like the other—mostly blonde, all busty— starlets, doesn’t feel worldly and with-it like them, and, as more of a musician and songwriter, she’s not even really an actress. “I’m a square,” she pouts. Frank consoles her, tells not to worry about everyone else. “You’re an exception,” he says. “The rules don’t apply to you.” Love blossoms between Frank and Marla. But it whirls and swirls around Hughes, who’s given a gauzy, wistful gloss-over by Beatty, who also directed, co-produced and wrote the screenplay. This movie feels like a project he’s been thinking about, and working on, for a long time: It’s jam-packed with nearly everything and everyone. Matthew Broderick is Levar, Frank’s fellow driver who warns him to keep his hands off the movie “merchandise,” since Hughes prohibits any employee hanky-panky. There’s Candace Bergen, Ed Harris, Martin Sheen, Amy Madigan, Alec Baldwin and Paul Sorvino. Watch for Haley Bennett, from The Girl on the Train and Broadway actress Megan Hilty, as other contract players.
24 | Desert Entertainer | December 1 - 7, 2016
The movie meanders through several themes and ideas—daddy issues, the splash of Frank and Marla’s puritanical upbringings in Hollywood’s cauldron of vice, and Hughes’ various quirks, fetishes and fixations. Award-winning cinematographer Caleb Deschanel washes them all in the same gorgeous, golden tones that got him Oscar nominations for The Right Stuff, The Passion of the Christ, The Natural and The Patriot, making the whole film glow like a time capsule from a L.A.’s picture-postcard past. Collins, the daughter of pop star Phil Collins, who launched her movie career as the teenage daughter in The Blind Side (2009), is radiant as Marla, with the freshness and spark of a young Elizabeth Taylor, especially in adoring close-ups. One of the movie’s sweetest spots is when her character sings “Rules Don’t Apply” (by Lorraine Feather and Eddie Arkin), the tune Marla is inspired to write based on Frank’s advice that becomes the movie’s theme and its theme song. And Ehrenreich, who was a standout as singing sodbuster Hobie Doyle in the Coen Brothers’ Hail, Caesar!, has the chiseled, classic looks of a ’50s leading man, as if he were sculpted specifically for his role. For one of his next ones, he’ll be fast-forwarding into the future as the new Han Solo in the Star Wars’ character’s origin story, due in theaters in 2018. Beatty, himself a Hollywood living leg-
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
end, has more than 30 film and TV roles to his credit. Even with Collins and Ehrenreich, this is still his movie through and through, and it all revolves around the sad, odd gravity of its soft-focused central character, a man who loved women, airplanes and banana nut ice cream. At one point in the film, there’s comedic confusion about an actress whose initials are MM—is it Marla Mabrey, or another Hughes contract player, or Marilyn Monroe? It’s sorted out onscreen, but the bigger issue for today’s multiplex crowd—especially younger viewers—will be with another pair of initials. To really appreciate Beatty’s passion project, it would help to be old enough to remember something about HH and all the hoopla and the hype that became part of his personal history. One of Hughes’ most publicized projects was the so-called Spruce Goose, a gigantic transport seaplane made entirely of wood, born from the need to move troops and materials across the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Skeptics doubted the Goose would ever fly. But it did, for one flight at an altitude of 70 feet, for one minute. Rules Don’t Apply also does, at least, what it was designed to do, fulfilling Beatty’s quest. But also like the Goose, it’s a big, cumbersome, well-intentioned project that just gets off the ground but never really soars, and it’s probably not going to go very far with contemporary audiences.
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