entertainment
Beatlemania!
The closest thing to seeing The Beatles perform live at Spotlight 29 Casino The LA Cast of Beatlemania is one of longest running Beatles’ tribute band in the world. They recall the memories of that exciting era when the Fab Four ruled the world of rock ‘n’ roll, taking fans back in time, letting Beatles enthusiasts hear their favorite songs like “Penny Lane,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and “All You Need is Love” and more.
The L.A. Cast of Beatlemania
S
potlight 29 Casino is proud present the LA Cast of Beatlemania celebrating the music of The Beatles on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tickets are on sale at Spotlight29.com. Spotlight 29 Casino’s
Spotlight Showroom offers the premier entertainment experience in the Coachella Valley. The LA Cast of Beatlemania is a U.S. Beatles’ tribute band formed in 1980.
Don’t miss the chance to see the closest thing to seeing The Beatles perform live on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tickets are only $20 each and are available at Spotlight29.com, Star Tickets (800) 585-3737, or the Spotlight 29 Box Office and Gift Shop. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. All concerts are available to ages 6 and older, unless otherwise noted.
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. Staff Deb Geissler Publisher dgeissler@desertentertainer.com Jose De La Cruz Editor news@desertentertainer.com Kimberly Brucks Advertising Manager kbrucks@desertentertainer.com Judy Telander Marketing Specialist jtelander@desertentertainer.com Writers / Contributors Gary Walker Curtain Time
This Week
Lucinda Sue Crosby Dining
4 Sir Anthony Hopkins’ artwork in in display in Palm Desert
Greg Archer Story Editing
5 Storyteller: Author William Mann at Palm Springs Public Library The Desert Entertainer is published every Thursday
6 “Sylvia” at Theatre 29 7 Calendar of Events and Performances 8 Curtain Time Joe La Barbera Quintet, Page 23
10 The Buzz: Noteworthy happenings around the desert 16 Dining: Restaurants of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 18 El Paseo events 19 After-Hours: The Living Desert extends park hours 20 Nightlife 23 Joe La Barbera Quintet at Pete Carlson’s Jazz for Jazz Lovers Series
Cover photos: “Annie” courtesy of McCallum Theatre; Music of The Beatles courtesy of Cord Media; “The Wars of The Roosevelts” by William Mann courtesy of Palm Springs Public Library; “Elevated Dining courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEM IN THE DESERT ENTERTAINER! 2 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
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: “Fences” “Fences” film review, Page 24
Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211
www.desertentertainer.com
Titles registered and all contents copyright 2016 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
on stage
‘You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long’ U.S. National Tour of “Annie” to make a stop at the McCallum Theatre
T
he McCallum Theatre is proud to announce that the U.S. National Tour of “Annie,” now in its third smash year, will play three performances - Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of “Annie” is a brand new incarnation of the iconic Tony Award-winning original. “Annie” has a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. All three authors received 1977 Tony Awards for their work. Choreography is by Liza Gennaro, who has incorporated selections from her father Peter Gennaro’s 1977 Tony Awardwinning choreography. The celebrated design team includes scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One, The Scottsboro Boys, Rock of Ages), costume design by Costume Designer’s Guild Award winner Suzy Benzinger (Blue Jasmine, Movin’ Out, Miss Saigon), lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington (Chicago, Annie, White Christmas) and sound design by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Rocky, Bullets Over Broadway, Motown). The lovable mutt “Sandy” is once again trained by Tony Award Honoree William Berloni (Annie, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde). Musical supervision and additional orchestrations are by Keith Levenson (Annie, She Loves Me, Dreamgirls). Casting is by Joy Dewing CSA, Joy Dewing Casting (Soul Doctor, Wonderland). The tour is produced by TROIKA Entertainment, LLC. The production features a 25 member company: in the title role of Annie is Tori Bates, an 11-year-old actress from Sarasota, FL, making her tour debut. She most recently starred as Young Josephine in the sold-out run of “Josephine” at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Gilgamesh Taggett continues to star as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Erin Fish. Also starring in the tour are Casey Prins as Grace Farrell, Michael Santora as Rooster, Mallory King as Lily and
Jeffrey B. Duncan as FDR. Sunny and Macy, rescue terrier mixes, star as Sandy. The orphans are Bunny Baldwin as Molly, Jacqueline Galvano as July, Ava Slater as Kate, Amanda Swickle as Pepper, Amanda Wylie as Tessie and Katie Wylie as Duffy. The featured ensemble includes Timothy Allen, Todd Berkich, Katie Davis, Adam du Plessis, Mia Fitzgibbon, Caroline Lellouche, Conor McGiffin, Mackenzie Perpich, Connor Simpson, David Vogel, Anastasia Wolfe and Roxy York. The original production of “Annie” opened April 21, 1977, at the Alvin Theatre and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever. It ran for 2,377 performances after it first opened, and has been performed in 28 languages and has been running somewhere around the world for 39 years. Tickets for this performance of “Annie” on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. are priced from $47 to $107, depending on performance time and seating. Tickets are available at mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 3
art
Dreamscapes Featured paintings, drawings and serigraphs by Sir Anthony Hopkins on display in Palm Desert
S
ir Anthony Hopkins’ show “Dreamscapes” — featuring paintings, drawings and serigraphs — will be displayed at the Desert Art Collection in Palm Desert. Opening in tandem with The Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Hopkins show opens Friday, Jan. 6, during the El Paseo Artwalk, and continues through Friday, Jan. 27. There will be a Collector’s Preview on Thursday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Desert Art Collection & Sculpture Garden is located at 45-350 San Luis Rey Ave. and El Paseo in Palm Desert. If you ask Anthony Hopkins the meaning of a particular painting or drawing, the answer might surprise you. He says, “I don’t think there’s any meaning in it. I just paint. I discover as I go along and I don’t analyze, I just go for it. The way my mind is constructed, I like to do things fast and multitask. It’s something that I am proud of because I want to do everything I can. Time is running out.” That notion of multitasking to devour experience might derail any other artist whose pace might be more leisurely. But despite the fast moving mind and reflexes of this artist, he still manages to produce cohesive, moving, startling pieces of art again and again. He points to a studio filled to capacity with all manner of paints, oils, acrylics, tempera bottles, pens, markers, brushes, canvases—it’s all a riot of color and possibility. Strangely, even with the walls lined with paintings of all sizes, the studio is also very organized, very neat. Hopkins insists that he has no concept of the results while doing his art. “I do not feel afraid. I don’t feel that I have to prove anything.” This freedom from
expectation and judgment allows him to run in whatever direction his imagination happens to be at any split second. “My father took me into the Church at Margam Abbey. I saw the stained glass windows. I loved all the rich color. I’m sure it was much brighter in my childhood, as bright as a child sees it. Coming to California I was attracted by all the color here. You know, we’re not here for long, so I wanted to express color while I could.” Hopkins’ paintings are all very colorful. He plays with shadow and media, line and texture, but what they all have in common is the use of color to express emotion. Said Hopkins, “The face is not important. It’s the eyes. The eyes are the most haunting part of one’s soul. It’s very primitive. It’s childish art. It has to be childish because I am a child. I’ve discovered lately that I enjoy all that is supposedly wrong with me. I used to take myself so seriously, but now I don’t. I allow myself to revel in the exhilarating nature of it all, maybe reaching for the divine.” And Hopkins has no plans to change the way he is working anytime soon. “I’ve never had that kind of academic discipline to work by rules. I work by trial and error. I guess I am purely instinct.” Desert Collection Gallery hours are: MondaySaturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (760) 674-9955 or visit desertartcollection.com.
4 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
special event
Storyteller
Author William Mann to speak at Palm Springs Public Library
O
n Saturday, January 7, at 3 p.m. the Palm Springs Public Library will present author William Mann discussing his newest book “The Wars of the Roosevelts: The Ruthless Rise of America’s Greatest Political Family.” Recently released by Harper/ HarperCollins Publishers on Dec. 6, 2016 this fast-paced, page-turning narrative nonfiction reveals unknown truths about the Roosevelts. Individually and collectively, the family has been chronicled, memorialized, and dissected by countless historians—including, most recently, by Ken Burns in his multi-part
www.desertentertainer.com
PBS documentary. But there is a hidden story. It began with Theodore’s destruction of his brother Elliott (Eleanor’s father) and continued in each succeeding generation: the family’s mavericks and rebels were routinely and brutally banished from the family. Mann for the first time, based on newly uncovered documents and interviews, explores the long-guarded secrets within this storied clan. William J. Mann is an esteemed biographer and historian best known for his studies of Hollywood and the American film industry. His book “Tinseltown:
Murder, Morphine, Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood” won the 2015 Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime. He is the author of “Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn,” named a New York Times Notable Book; “Hello Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand”; and “Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines,” for which he won the Lambda Literary Award. All three biographies have been optioned as feature films. Mann is also the author of Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood; Edge of Midnight: The Life of John Schlesinger; and How to Be a Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood, which USA Today described as “like gorging on a chocolate sundae.” For more on Mann, visit williamjmann.com. The lecture is free and open to the pub-
lic, but seating is limited. The lecture will be presented in The Learning Center at the Library. QTrading will be on site at the event with an assortment of books by Mr. Mann available for purchase. Mr. Mann will be available to autograph the books following the presentation. The Library is located at 300 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road. For more information about the Library call (760) 322-7323 or log on to palmspringslibrary.org. Download our Palm Springs Library mobile app; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 5
on stage
Woof 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
‘A Season of Magic’ begins at Theatre 29 with the performance of ‘Sylvia’
A
Season of Magic is about to begin at Theatre 29! The first production of the 2017 season is opening with Soroptimists International of Twentynine Palms hosting a Gala Opening Night Benefit. The “tail-wagging comedy”, “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney, gala opening night is Friday January, 13th doors will open at 6 p.m. refreshments will be served. Get your 50/50 drawing tickets and place your bids on the silent auction items including gift baskets and art pieces. The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. with sweets served at intermission. “Sylvia” tells the tale of Greg, played by Jeremy Volsteadt. Last seen in “The Sunshine Boys” at Theatre 29. While facing a mid-life crisis he adopts a stray labradoodle named “Sylvia” played by Amy Fangmeyer. A recent Twentynine Palms High School grad, currently attending Copper Mountain Collage. She’s done several Theatre 29 productions. Greg’s wife Kate is portrayed by Ann Van Haney a new comer to Theatre 29 but not to the stage as she’s performed at many theaters in Washington State.
A trio of eccentric characters join the mix, all played by Theatre 29 veteran actor and Desert Theater League honoree Kurt Schaupppner. The cast is led by director Eddie Tucker who has also directed “The Sunshine Boys” and “The Man From Earth” at Theatre 29. Tickets for the gala opening night only are $25. and can be purchased from all Twentynine Palms Soroptimists. “Sylvia” will run for nine performances over 3 weekends Jan., 13 through the 29. Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets after opening night are $15. for general admission, $12. for Seniors and Military, and $8. for Students with ID. Due to strong language “Sylvia” is not recommended for children under 13. Tickets (Except Opening night) are available by calling the theatre 29 Box Office at (760) 361-4151 or online at theatre29.org
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
6 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
calendar
Events & Performances January 5 through January 15 ONGOING ACTIVITIES 1/5- 1/16 Palm Springs International Film Festival The Palm Springs International Film Festival culturally diverse program of 200+ films from more than 60 countries represents the best in international cinema, with more than 135,000 attendees each year. (760) 778-8979, www.psfilmfest.org.
Woven Stories Woven Stories Baskets of the Cahuilla Baskets in this exhibition come from Southern California and especially from Cahuilla Territory. Some of these baskets are on exhibit for the first time in their 25 year history. 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
1/5 Let’s Talk Series: Women Built This Town Renee Brown for “Women Built This Town” featuring women of the 1950s and how they shaped growth and development of Palm Springs. Presented by Palm Springs Historical Society. Los Compadres Clubhouse, 1849 El Cielo Rd., Palm Springs. (760) 323-8297, www.pshistoricalsociety.org
1/6 Free Tribute Concert 8 p.m. The Long Run, a tribute to The Eagles. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. (760) 775-5566, www.spotlight29.com. El Paseo Cruise Night Cars start arriving around 3:15pm at the upper level of parking structure behind The Gardens on El Paseo. Cruisers hit El Paseo at 4:30pm, so grab a chair and enjoy the show! www.elpaseocruisenight.com/ calendar.html.
1/7
1/7
1/12
The Joe La Barbera Quintet 7 p.m. Pete Carlson’s 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.
Author Lecture: William Mann 3 p.m. Novilist and awardwinning biographer William J. Mann will discuss his latest book about the Roosevelts. For the first time, based on newly uncovered documents and interview with the so-called “illegitimate” branch of the family, he explores and reveals the long-guarded secret about the truth relationship within his storied clan. Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs. (760) 322-7323, www.palmspringslibrary.com.
The Desert Symphony in Concert with Super Diamond 8 p.m. Super Diamond delivers a glittering show performing Neil’s power balance and uptempo hits with unrestrained enthusiasm. McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com.
1/8
1/13
Sunday Polo at Eldorado Polo Club Noon and 2 p.m. Join Eldorado Polo Club this season for the most competitive and thrilling polo in the Desert. Eldorado Polo Club, 50950 Madison Street, Indio. (760)-342-2223, eldoradopoloclub.com.
The Highwaymen A Musical Tribute 8 p.m. Perhaps the greatest super group in country music history, the original Highwaymen, formed in 1985, consisted of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com.
A Celebration of the Music Of The Beatles 8 p.m. The LA Cast of Beatlemania is a U.S. Beatles’ tribute band formed in 1980, one of longest running Beatles’ tribute band in the world. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. (760) 775-5566, www.spotlight29.com. Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association presents Cruise-In 1 to 5 p.m. Featuring over 150 classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods, corvettes, customs, antiques, restored and original collectible cars and motorcycles. There will be coloring and hula hoop contests for children, a raffle and 50/50 drawing, trophy presentations and activities for the whole family. Westfield Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert. www.palmspringscruisinassociation.com. ‘An Idea, and Bullets’ at Palm Springs Air Museum A “Rice Roots” exploration of why no French, American or South Vietnamese general could have been victorious in Vietnam. What was this decades long war really about? It was about independence and unification. The Vietnamese had struggled for 2,000 years to throw off the foreign yoke. And after World War Two, it was about unification. Presented by Jim Selsor. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. (760) 778-6262, www.palmspringsairmuseum.org.
1/11 Author Lecture: Andrew Neiderman 6:30 p.m. Learn more about this best-selling American novelist, author of the “Devil’s Advocate” and other works. In 1987 he began writing as V.C. Andrews, and ha become the most successful ghost writer in American Literary history. Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs. (760) 322-7323, www.palmspringslibrary.com.
1/14-1/15 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.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 7
curtain time
Diamond in the Rough
Super Diamond in concert with The Desert Symphony to pay tribute to the ‘solitary man’ By Gary Walker For Desert Entertainer
I
n a tribute to the much-loved music icon Neil Diamond, the Super Diamond Band will perform his timeless classics when they take the McCallum Theatre stage with the Desert Symphony Thursday evening, Jan. 12. The band’s program includes “Sweet Caroline,” “ A m e r i c a , ” “Cracklin’ Rose,” “Cherry Cherry,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Forever in Blue Jeans” and many more. With a nod from the man himself, Super Diamond has been embraced by Diamond fans, and they have become one of the most successful tribute bands in the country. Musical Director Gary Berkson notes that in the first half of the concert, the symphony will be performing Music from “Exodus,” “On Golden Pond,” “76 Trombones” (with last year’s baton winner conducting) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.” Curtain Time: “Super Diamond – Music of Neil Diamond,” Desert Symphony, 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets, $57-$110. For more information, call (760) 340-2787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com.
‘Annie’ in “NYC” “NYC” is one of my favorite songs (and there are many great ones) in “Annie,” one of the most popular and honored American musicals, and you can relive its glory the evenings of Tues.-Wed., Jan. 1011, at Palm Desert’s McCallum Theatre. Featuring book and score by Tony
Super Diamond Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, “Annie” includes other unforgettable songs, such as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and its Depression Era anthem, “Tomorrow.” Charnin also directs this production, with choreography by Liza Gennaro, set design by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Suzy Benzinger, and let’s not forget Sandy’s animal trainer, William Berloni (the usually and unfairly forgotten man). Curtain Time: “Annie,” 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets: $57-
8 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
$107. For more information, call (760) 340-2787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com.
‘Clybourne Park’ Dezart Performs presents the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, “Clybourne Park,” Jan. 13-22, at Palm Springs Pearl McManus Theater. Bruce Norris’ play is a spinoff of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 classic “A Raisin in the Sun,” which focuses on cultural and racial issues in a Chicago community; The work also won the 2012 Theatre World Award, the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2011 Laurence Olivier
Award for Best Play (in London). Dezart Perform’s production is directed by Artistic Director Michael Shaw and stars David Youse, Theresa Jewett, Rob Hubler, Ron Morehouse, Desiree Clarke, Robert Ramirez, Sean Timothy Brown and Phylicia Mason. Curtain Time: “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 13-22, Dezart Performs, Pearl McManus Theater, located at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Rd., downtown Palm Springs. Tickets: $25-$30. For more information, call (760) 322-0179 or visit dezartperforms.org.
www.desertentertainer.com
curtain time
Hi Desert “La Comedia”
Hi-Desert Auditions The multiple award-winning Hi-Desert Playhouse will hold its second set of season auditions this Saturday for its 2016-2017 theater productions, “Almost, Maine,” “Godspell – the Musical” and the world premiere of “The Goldfish Letters.” Additionally, the Playhouse will be casting for its Reader’s Theater Series productions of “Love, Lose and What I
Wore,” “Grounded” and “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Isn’t Enuf.” All roles are available and Equity and non-union actors will be considered. If you’re interested, go to their website: hidesertculturalcenter.org for information, character breakdowns and sides. Appointment times will be scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m.
Box Office • “The Highwaymen – A Musical Tribute,” 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. For tickets, call (760) 340-2787 or mccallumtheatre.com. • “Sylvia,” 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees, Jan. 13-29, Theatre 29, Twentynine Palms. Tickets: $15 general, $12 seniors and military, $8 students. For more information, call (760) 361-4151 or visit theatre29.org. • Gerald Colucci sings “Great Italians in Song – from Caruso to Dean Martin,” 7 p.m. Fri. Jan. 13, Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, Rancho Mirage; 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 15, Sunday Sounds concert Palm Desert Library, free to the public. Info: (760) 346-6522. • “Baby,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesdat-Saturday.; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan 18-Feb. 12, Coachella Valley Rep, The Atrium, 69930 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage. Tickets:
$48. For more information, call (760) 296-2966 or visit cvrep.org. • “Inside Dumont a Novel” by Michael Craft, Fri., Jan. 13. Artistic Director Gina Bikales and playwright Craft will perform “In the Fridge,” a staged reading from his book of linked short stories. For tickets ($10) and information, call (760) 345-7938 or visit script2stage2screen. • Pianist/Vocalist Doug Montgomery in Concert, 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, Annenberg Theater on the Eisenhower Hospital Campus. Tickets; $45. For more information, call (760) 416-5355. • “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” and “Sleeping Beauty or Coma,” Jan. 20Feb. 12, Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage. Tickets: $32-$35. For more information, call (760) 202-3000 or visit desertroseplayhouse.org.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 9
the buzz
News
Noteworthy happenings around the desert Largest transformer makes its way to the Riverside County Fair
Thirty tons of car-crushing, awe-inspiring entertainment will stun fairgoers at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. in the Grandstand Arena. Robosaurus is a marvel of engineering – a robot T-Rex that travels the country in the form of a futuristic trailer on the back of a semi-truck. Robosaurus transforms into a 30-ton fire-breathing colossus in less than two minutes flat! Seeing Robosaurus in action is like watching a big-budget Hollywood movie come to life! Cars and even planes are no match for Robosaurus: its 28,000 pounds of biting force per square inch crush them like toys. Flames shoot from its nostrils in twenty-foot bursts as audiences go wild. The Fair, in Indio, runs February 17-26. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. For more information, call (800) 811-FAIR or visit datefest.org where you can buy and print your Fair tickets at home.
Wreath Extravaganza raises funds for Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City raised more than $77,000 thanks in part to the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, which matched the first $35,000 raised at the organization’s Holiday Gift and Wreath Extravaganza. More than 250 people attended the seventh annual holiday event, which included the sale of various festive wreaths, a silent auction, plus a live auction. Funds benefit afterschool programs, field trips, and many other activities, which all support the Club’s mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City call (760) 7704965 or visit bgcccity.org.
Joshua Tree National Park experiencing record visits Joshua Tree National Park is experiencing unprecedented visitation. All campgrounds are currently full and visitors can expect up to an hour wait time at the Joshua Tree entrance. Park officials recommend entering the park before 9 a.m. or, enter through the Cottonwood or Twentynine Palms fee stations. In order to expedite entrance, it is also advised to purchase your park pass and obtain park maps and information at one of the three visitor centers. Parking has also been a challenge due to the record number of visitors. The public is asked to park in designated spaces or along side the road where there is safe and sufficient space without damaging vegetation. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and possibly towed. For more information, visit nps.gov/jotr.
Fred ‘The Hammer’ Williamson Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament Actor, director, producer, and former Kansas City Chiefs all-pro defensive back Fred “The Hammer” Williamson returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Jan. 6-7, to host the 8th Annual Fred “The Hammer” Williamson Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Local and national celebrities like Beverly Johnson, Richard Roundtree and Dawnn Lewis and sports stars Willie Gault and Sugar Ray Leonard as they spend two exciting days having fun raising money for The Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization that seeks to assist men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations around the world. Proceeds from the tournament will be donated. To register or for more information, visit fantasyspringsresort.com/wwpgolf.
10 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
crossword
“GETTING AIR”
Across
1 Itsy-bitsy bits 6 Poet Khayyám 10 Furrowed part of the head 14 Immature insects 15 Beehive, e.g. 16 Bart Simpson sister 17 Hobo 18 New Mexico resort 19 Roundish 20 Utterly squashed 23 Come across as 24 Italian numero 25 ___ Angeles 26 Hotshot 29 Bygone Russian leader 31 Beast of burden 33 Cup at a frat party 35 Blast furnace input 37 Claw 41 Cry to a DJ, perhaps 44 Display 45 Rani’s wear 46 ___ out (manages) 47 Pound sound 49 Dust jacket bits 51 Tonsillitis M.D. 52 Abate
55 The Halos, on sports tickers
22 “Peachy!”
57 Reuniongoer
27 Masterstroke
59 Tendency to raise academic scores over time 64 Soprano Ponselle 65 Talking iPhone feature 66 Express 68 Get to work on Time? 69 Completely 70 Hardly modern 71 River to the North Sea 72 Label 73 Eat away at
26 Nile slitherers 28 Ticklish one 30 Kind of center 32 Moolah 34 Grand Ole ___ 36 Broadcast in installments 38 Gospel writer 39 Doomsayer’s sign 40 Catbird seat? 42 Serviceable 43 Kind of concerto 48 Pal, in slang
Down
50 Put in stitches
2 Gang’s domain
53 Adrien of “The Pianist”
1 Prone
3 October birthstone 4 ___ boy 5 Beethoven work in E flat 6 Tricks 7 Film rating org. 8 Take as one’s own 9 Beads for the prayerful 10 Voting group 11 Play against 12 Expo ‘70 site 13 Dylan Thomas’s home 21 Fable writer
52 Wading bird
54 Place to wash up 56 “West Side Story” girl 58 High hat 60 Go out with 61 Word on a gift tag 62 Chemistry Nobelist Hahn 63 Dork 67 Sushi ingredient
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 11
astrology
Horoscopes January 5-11
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Feel scattered? Think of it as a prolonged state of brainstorming. You’re searching for one small new thing to add to your life to brighten your mood and enhance the impression you make on the world. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Some of the good questions have answers. But most of them just hang their, ripe, overhead and will continue to do so for many lifetimes, scenting the air with their sweetness, drawing our imaginations up and up and up. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Give yourself a wide margin for error. You won’t need it, but this will keep you at the low stress level that allows for maximum poise and charisma to spare. You’ll like whom this attracts. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Laughter usually bonds people, but be aware that it can also alienate people. Not everyone has your stellar sense of humor, especially when it comes to kidding that’s a little too close for home. Sensitivity required. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). From Hitchcock to Shakespeare, the best storytellers know to leave the most intense scenes off the stage and let the audience fill in the blanks with imagination. You’ll benefit
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
from doing the same. Say nothing. Let them fill in the blanks. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The social technology that is supposed to facilitate human connection often has the opposite effect, drawing us into a social fantasy while we ignore those who actually exist at an arm’s length. Don’t let it happen to you and yours. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Greatness and inner strength go hand in hand. You develop it the same way you do physical strength — by doing hard things over and over. It’s why you choose to stick to this job until it’s done. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The animals have an effect on you, and you’ll be more keenly aware of this. Whether you care for an animal or just admire the natural world, you’ll be enriched by other lifeforms today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Being in control of a small part of your environment will make you feel in control of your whole world. To extend the idea, what you do for your body, you’ll do for your life. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When it comes to “getting over it,” there’s no time limit. Take as long as you need. Just know that until you’re “over it,” it will be hard to get “on with it,” so it’s in your own best interest not to wallow. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The concept of one person not being good enough for another person is truly false. There are better matches and worse matches, but no one is inherently better than anyone else. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Life doesn’t usually offer closure in any kind of neat form. Endings often aren’t. And even when they are, they can be so long and drawn out, you might as well say “so long” instead of “goodbye.”
14 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
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
www.desertentertainer.com
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
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
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 15
dining
Elevated Dining
The restaurants of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ensure dining pleasure
By Lucinda Sue Crosby For Desert Entertainer
A
gainst the a dramatic backdrop of angular Mt. San Jacinto sprawls a prime example of American ingenuity and creative technology. Every year, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway zooms tens of thousands of tourists and locals from the heat mirages of our desert floor to the sweet-scented woods standing guard above Chino Canyon. The brain child of electrical engineer Francis Crocker, this intricate steel and iron wonder wasn’t actually completed until 1963. Due to the site’s steep incline and rugged topography, crews resorted to
cutting edge construction techniques for that time, including the use of helicopters to install four of the five supporting towers. Today, a seamless 10-minute ride will sweep you up past jagged cliff faces to Mountain Station where an Alpine landscape, an awe-inspiring vista and two very different dining experiences await. For those who prefer crisp table linens, candles and a more sophisticated bill of fare, I recommend Peaks, overseen for the past year by Executive Chef Frank Decker, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles. Originally from Orange County, Chef Decker acquired years of experience in a number of well-known first-class hotels, resorts and restaurants in the San Diego area and the Coachella Valley including the Pamplemousse Grill, the legendary Hotel Del Coronado, La Costa Resort and the Parker Palm Springs. As you can imagine, with such an ex-
16 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
perienced creative force leading the way, Peaks has added and/or reinvented some delicious upscale menu items particularly becoming to this time of year. Some best sellers: the Crispy Pork Belly Appetizer (served over Angel Hair with red pepper, green onions and a soy glaze) and the Miso Salmon entrée (Atlantic salmon steeped in a tomato saffron broth, with Shitake mushrooms and spinach). For you beef lovers, Peaks is proud to offer Steak Au Poivre (a modern take on a traditional recipe … a flavorful 8oz filet accompanied by green peppercorn/Yuzu Demi with confit potatoes and sautéed veggies). I can also recommend the Aged Ribeye (12oz Harris Ranch ribeye, Red Bliss potato puree with asparagus, Cabernet Demi). Of course, Peaks provides a full bar, a range of interesting beers and a thoughtful wine list. And do consider trying two of the several fan favorite seasonal signature cocktails (my picks): the Woodland
Warmer (bourbon, ginger infused simple syrup, hot apple cider, cinnamon and nutmeg garnished with a slice of crunchy green apple) or the Pumpkin Spice Martini (Pinnacle Pumpkin Spice infused with Pumpkin Pinnacle whipped, Brady’s, finished with a graham cracker rim). Although Peak’s luncheon fare is lighter and more casual, some of the offerings still exhibit an updated European influ-
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs Mon-Fri: First tram up, 10 a.m. Sat-Sun: First tram up, 8 a.m. Last tram up, 8 p.m. Last tram down, 9:45 p.m.
(760) 325-4537 pstramway.com
www.desertentertainer.com
dining
Chef Frank Decke ence. I like the Salmon Carpaccio (paperthin slivered salmon, capers, olive oil, garlic with Crostini) and the Flatbread Pizza (meaty Portabella mushrooms, Brie cheese and candied apricots). And if you’re in the mood for something in the comfort food arena, consider any of the hamburgers – they’re great. Of course, many visitors travel to the top of the tram to explore the 14 miles of manicured trails replete with woodland denizens like red-tailed hawks, bob cats, squirrels – even deer and Big Horn sheep share the landscape, although shyer of human company. Whether you’re hungry for a “grab n go” snack or a “seat and eat” meal, be sure to try Pines, a cafeteriastyle eatery offering a generous salad bar
and four hearty entrees served with your choice of two sides, including roasted seasonal vegetables, fingerling potatoes, corn on the cobb and mashed potatoes. And for an unusual, destination-style treat, explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Ride ‘N’ Dine combination ticket, good only for the Pines Café. This combo ticket is available for purchase beginning at 4 pm daily with dinner available from 4:30 pm daily. As snowfall blankets our mountains, the idea of a really good meal in a warm, pretty setting with a magnificent vista is so appealing; winter is the perfect time to become acquainted with our Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains! Up, up and away!
Restaurant Information Peaks Restaurant – Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner: opens at 5 p.m. (Peaks seats dinner reservations until 7:45 p.m. and welcomes walk-ins up to 7:45 p.m.) Bar hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Note: We recommend reservations for dinner during season. Pines Café – Cashier opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ride N Dine begins at 4:30 p.m. every day. Cashiers and Ride N Dine close at 8:30 p.m. Note: Ride N Dine tickets are for Pines Café only.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 17
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
special event
El Paseo
New Year includes concert series kick-off, new shops, cruise night and more
E
l Paseo, the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, has several events planned for January, as well as special offers available from a variety of retailers and restaurants. In addition, two new shops are now open at The Gardens. The Gardens 19th Annual Concert Series benefitting charities begins on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. Live entertainment by Heatwave, two glasses of wine, and lite bites from a seat on The Gardens lawn area costs $15 per ticket benefitting American Cancer Society. The City of Palm Desert has planned a special dedication taking place on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10:30 to noon. Dignitaries, attending artists, and docents will be available to comment on the 18 new sculptures recently installed on El Paseo for the 2017/2018 El Paseo Invitational Exhibition. There will also be an introduction of a new public art app, as well as pop-up arts and crafts stations between Highway 74 and Portola. Art lovers can also stroll the street visiting numerous art galleries during City of Palm Desert’s First Weekend during El Paseo Art Walk, on Jan. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. This First Weekend event features artist receptions, exhibit openings, and more. CODA Gallery is featuring Artwalk@Coda - a special reception for artists Jesse Kelly and Jamie Perry, along with live acoustic music and a no-host wine bar by Organic Wines. Another new
exhibition, at Hohmann Fine, debuts Jan. 14 through Jan. 30, with new works by artist Michael Azgour. Now in its fourth year, the popular classic cars and El Paseo Cruise Night continues into the New Year, also as part of First Weekend. On Friday, Jan. 6, on the upper parking deck of The Gardens on El Paseo, a few dozen vintage and exotic cars will be on view from 3 p.m. until they hit the streets at 4:30 p.m. Several neighboring retailers on El Paseo are joining together for a Block Party during First Weekend, taking place Friday, Jan. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. El Paseo Jewelers, Alankara Aveda Lifestyle Salon, BG’s el paseo, il Corso, and Cambria will host a combined personal, home, and beauty party, including the raffling of a $4,000 bracelet. There will be informal modeling, a Stress Relieving Wellness Retreat, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. Other news from retailers includes fashion shows, book signings, introductions of unique apparel, trunk shows, beauty events, and the debut of two new shops, J.Jill, casual women’s apparel; and Johnny Was, a new-to-market retailer offering Bohemian style apparel and accessories for women. For more information about the shops on El Paseo and scheduled special events, visit shopelpaseo.com.
18 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
attraction
After-Hours
The Living Desert extends park hours
T
he Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will offer special, extended hours now through Friday, Jan. 6. The zoo will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the last admission at 6 p.m. During the extended hours, guests will enjoy seeing the animals of Africa, including warthogs, zebras, cheetahs, addax, camels and more! The G-scale garden railroad with more than 3,000 feet of track, activities in the Discovery Center, camel and carousel rides will also be open and available for guests to experience. Two special after-hours keeper chats will be held at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a rotating schedule posted nightly. In addition, all of the park’s holiday lights will be on display and the café and gift shop also
www.desertentertainer.com
will also be open. “Extending our hours during the holiday season allows for families to enjoy sunset at the park and gives them a few more hours to take in much of what The Living Desert has to offer,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “And, it also offers our guests another way to see our light displays and continue to share in the holiday spirit.” For those wishing to attend just the extended hours, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., admission fee is reduced to $6 for members and $8 for nonmembers. The reduced admission rate begins at 5 p.m. For more information about The Living Desert visit livingdesert.org or call (760) 346-5694. The Living Desert is located at 47-900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert.
Photo courtesy of Cord Media
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 19
nightlife
Nightlife
January 5 through January 11 Entertainment sometimes changes after press deadline. Please check with venue to confirm the evening’s entertainment.
THURSDAY - 1/5 AJ’s on the Green Jazz trio with Bill Marx, Doug MacDonald and Francesca Amari 7 to 10 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com 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 La Quinta Brewing Company Entertainment at 8 p.m. 78-065 Main St., La Quinta (760) 972-4251 www.laquintabrewing.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 Smooth Brothers, 7 p.m. to closing 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (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, 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 - 1/6 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 Ace Hotel & Swim Club Goomba Nights with Pop.Morris, Tom Richman, Maal A Goomba and music by Bear Club , 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-9900 www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
78-015 Main Street, La Quinta (760) 296-3420 www.laruewinebar.com
46200 Harrison Place, Coachella (760) 775-5566 www.Spotlight29.com
Fisherman’s Market & Grill The Carmens, 7 p.m. to closing 78575 Highway 111, La Quinta (760) 777-1601 www.fishermans.com
Oscar’s Café & Bar Carnival Cabaret, 8 p.m. 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs (760) 325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.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
The Fisherman’s Grotto Live music from 4 to 7 p.m. 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 776-6534 www.fishermans.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
Indian Wells Resort Hotel Frank DiSalvo, 6 to 9 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.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
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
La Rue Bistro Entertainment at 6 p.m.
Spotlight 29 Casino DJ Chase Martinez at Groove, 7 p.m.
20 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
Linda Peterson at Woody’s Palm House every Thursday
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
www.desertentertainer.com
nightlife SATURDAY - 1/7 AJ’s on the Green Open mic with Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel, 7:30 to 10 a.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Ace Hotel & Swim Club Goomba Nights with Pop.Morris, Tom Richman, Maal A Goomba and music by Bear Club , 10 p.m. to 2 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, 5:30 & 9 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 The John Stanley King Show! 6:30 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Rose Mallet & Barney McClure, 5 p.m. Kal David & Lauri Bono, 7:30 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
SUNDAY - 1/8 AJ’s on the Green Shelley Yoelin & Bill Casale 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 36-200 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 202-1111 www.ajsonthegreen.com Ace Hotel & Swim Club Goomba Nights with Pop.Morris, Tom Richman, Maal A Goomba and music by Bear Club , 10 p.m. to 2 a.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
January 5 - 11, 2017 | Desert Entertainer | 21
nightlife MONDAY - 1/9
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
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 & Tony Granberry, 6 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (760) 778-3520 www.palmhousepalmsprings.com
WEDNESDAY - 1/11
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
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
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
Indian Wells Resort Terri Olsen and The Perfect Band, 6 p.m. 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells (760) 345-6466 www.indianwellsresort.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
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
TUESDAY - 1/10
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
AJ’s on the Green Eric Lindstrom 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 Barry Minniefield, 6:30 to 10 p.m. 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells (760) 345-9770 www.vickysofsantafe.com Woody’s Palm House Deanna Bogart, 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 | January 5 - 11, 2017
entertainment
Modern Jazz
World-class musicians perform highlevel jazz at Pete Carlson’s
T
he talented Joe La Barbera Quintet will perform at Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis’ Jazz for Jazz Lovers Series on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, students and active military are free. The quintet is led by Joe La Barbera on drums, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Rob Lockart on saxophones, Bill Cunliffe on piano, and Jonathan Richards on bass. Drummer, composer, and arranger Joe La Barbera has played with two dozen of the finest jazz groups all over the world. Joe was a member of Bill Evans last trio, and Chuck Mangione and Joe Farrells Quartets. La Barbera was mentored by jazz greats John LaPorta, Charlie Mariano, Herb Pomeroy and Alan Dawson. Joe began his career with Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, and has played with Bill Evans and Tony Bennett. La Barbera’s drumming talents, insights, and experience allow for his group to play rhythmically and free throughout their performances, and possesses the maturity to play both styles and splice them together when necessary. Joe’s musical family includes his brother Pat La Barbera who is an accomplished saxophonist, and brother John La Barbera, trumpeter, arranger, composer, and leader of a very prominent big band. Trumpeter Clay Jenkins has toured and recorded with the big bands of Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Harry James, Jim Widner, Clayton-Hamilton, has played with over 50 jazz greats. Jenkins has studied with trumpet teachers John Haynie, James Stamp, Boyde Hood, and Uan Rasey. Clay has taught at USC, Cal State Northridge, California Institute of the Arts, Colburn School of Performing Arts, The Foundation for the Junior Blind, and since 2000 has taught at Eastman School of Music. Saxophonist Rob Lockart is a graduate of Eastman School of Music with both a bachelor and masters degree. Lockart has played with the big bands of Woody Herman, Tom Harrell, Doc Severinsen, Chris Walden, and jazz greats Kurt Elling, Dave Liebman, Mel Lewis, Hank Jones, Clark Terry, and the Houston Symphony. Pianist, composer, and arranger Bill Cunliffe, known for his swinging, soulful lyricism on piano, and creative inven-
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Joe La Barbera tiveness as an accomplished composer and arranger of jazz, is described as being in the modern jazz mainstream. Bill discovered classical and jazz music at an early age in the ’60s and ’70s. Cunliffe loved listening to the music of the Fifth Dimension, Burt Bacharach, and Herb Alpert. His first listening to pianist Oscar Peterson made him become a jazz player overnight. Bill began his career as the pianist and arranger for Buddy Rich, and toured with Frank Sinatra. Cunliffe has played with Ray Brown, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Woody Shaw, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Clayton Brothers, and flutist Holly Hofmann. Bill has been a member of the Joe La Barbera Quintet since the early ’90s. Bassist, composer, and teacher Johnathan Richards is a student of the USC music program. Jonathan has studied and recorded at California Institute of the Arts, and plays regularly with many of LA’s best young jazz players in a variety of groups. Jonathan has played with Peter Erskine, the LA Jazz Society, the Richard Sears Trio, and the Roll Call Quartet. Don’t miss these five world-class musicians performing modern jazz at the highest level on Saturday Jan. 7 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 petecarlsonsgolf.com.
January 5 - 11, 2017 | 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
Swing for the Fences
Powerful leading performances move ‘Fences’ from stage to screen By Neil Pond
F
ences can keep things in, keep things out, make it difficult for people to see what’s happening, and mark lines of division, separation or conflict. Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington directs as well as stars in this big-screen adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1987 Broadway play, an epic domestic drama about a black family in Pittsburgh in the mid 1950s. Washington reprises the lead role of Troy Maxson, a garbage collector and former baseball player haunted by his glory days in the Negro leagues. It’s a role
Washington also performed on stage in the play’s 2010 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, alongside Viola Davis, who also returns to her role as Troy’s long-suffering, loyal wife, Rose. Much of the movie is set in the scrappy, cramped, grassless backyard of Troy and Rose’s modest brick home, in the shadows of the town’s smoke-belching factories, where Troy spends his weekends working on the construction of a wooden fence. It’s to separate his home from the eyesore of the abandoned house next door. And it’s obviously a metaphor for much more.
24 | Desert Entertainer | January 5 - 11, 2017
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis
Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Troy is a fiercely proud patriarch who crows about how much he loves Rose, how hard he works, how he deserves a promotion, and how much he’s done to provide for his family. He boasts about what a great baseball player he was (better than the new black players, even Jackie Robinson), and how he danced with death more than once and lived to tell the tale. But Troy is a jealous bully to his youngest son, Cory (Jovan Adepo), blocking his promising athletic path to college. He’s stingy and dismissive of his oldest son, Lyons (Russell Hornsby), whose easygoing musical ambition doesn’t seem like “real” work. And when his secretive philandering puts his marriage to the test, the world of which he so loudly proclaims himself to be the center begins to crumble. In a powerful performance, Washington makes Troy both sympathetic and pathetic, a tragic character of almost Shakespearian proportions grappling with fate, family responsibilities, work, racial injustice and carnal desires. You may not like him, or love him, but Washington makes Troy a force of nature you cannot ignore. And Davis, too, is formidable; she’s already won a Critic’s Choice award, and she’s all but certainly bound for an Oscar nomination. The emotional, confrontational scene where Rose stands up to Troy, and her wounded pride comes spilling out in a fierce spew of anger, hurt, betrayal, tears and snot, goes far
deeper than any of the holes Troy’s put in the yard for his fence posts. Familiar character actor Stephen Henderson does a great job in a supporting role as Troy’s longtime friend Bono, who serves as the moral compass Troy mostly ignores. Mykelti Williamson, best remembered as Bubba in Forrest Gump, gives a touching performance as Troy’s brother, Gabe, who came back from World War II with a metal plate in his head—and an otherworldly gift. Sometimes Fences betrays its roots as a Broadway play, with more words than action. But any stilted “staginess” is offset by its commanding performances—especially by Washington. As the star and director, he’s created a majestic movie with both gravity and grace that feels too big, and too significant, to be fenced in by anything.
Fences
Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis Directed by Denzel Washington 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.
www.desertentertainer.com