Coachella Valley Weekly - January 18 to January 24, 2018 Vol. 6 No. 44

PHOTO BY ORLANDO WELSH

coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 18 to January 24, 2018 Vol. 6 No. 44

Ozzie Ausband Christian Hosoi Robert Vargas Armando Flores Kilos Cantina Cole Alexander Michael Bolton pg5

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

THE EL GATO CLASSIC RETURNS TO PALM SPRINGS

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Domingo Winstead, Elizabeth Westley Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Steve Brown, Kristen Elaine Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Denise Ortuno Neil, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Elizabeth Scarcella Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

El Gato Classic 2018 ............................. 3 Ozzie Ausband...................................... 5 Christian Hosoi..................................... 6 Robert Vargas....................................... 6 Brewtality *NEW COLUMN*................. 7 Local Musician Spotlight Armando "Mondo" Flores................. 7 Kilos Cantina......................................... 8 Morgan James ...................................... 8 PSIFF Wrap-Up...................................... 9 Valley Rhythms - Michael D'Angelo.... 9 Vai Academy at Hard Rock................ 10 Cole Alexander of Black Lips............ 10 Michael Bolton at Fantasy Springs... 11 Consider This - Cat Steven/Yusuf....... 12 Film - Strike A Pose............................. 13 Pet Place............................................. 14 The Vino Voice .................................... 15 Club Crawler Nightlife.................. 16-17 Good Grub - CJ's Stir It Up.................. 18 Screeners ........................................... 20 Book Review ....................................... 21 Safety Tips ...........................................21 Haddon Libby..................................... 23 Dale Gribow........................................ 23 Mary Pickford - D'Place..................... 24 Desert Beat-Amargosa Operahouse.. 25 Sports Scene...................................... 26 Ironman 70.3..................................... 26 Free Will Astrology............................. 27 Mind, Body & Spirit............................ 27 Cannabis Corner................................ 28 Life & Career Coach........................... 28 Cannabis Dispensary Directory........ 31

BY JASON HALL

JANUARY 26-27 AT THE PALM SPRINGS SKATE PARK AND HARD ROCK HOTEL

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he El Gato Classic is returning to Palm Springs on the weekend of January 26-27, 2018. Anybody living here who is a fan of skateboarding should already know about this amazing event put together by legendary bowl champion and local pastor, Eddie “El Gato” Elguera. This event features the legends of skateboarding skating in an expression session at The Palm Springs Skate Park, art exhibits by KC Armstrong and Robert Vargas, a book release for Back In The Day

by William Sharp and Ozzie Ausband, and a concert at The Hard Rock Palm Springs featuring Allen Losi’s band, One Less Zero and Tony Alva’s band, His Eyes Have Fangs.

Most of the art and music events will be held at The Hard Rock with all of the skating events to be held at the skate park in Palm Springs. The expression session always features legends from the early days of bowl riding including, El Gato, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero and Tony Hawk.

There is also a vert contest for some of the best amateurs in the world held just outside of the skate park. Friday, January 26 at 8 PM, the Hard Rock will host a free art exhibit. Saturday, January 27, Palm Springs Skate Park will host the legends expression session at 10 AM with Hard Rock hosting the Legends VIP meet and great at 7 PM and concert following at 8 PM. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Friday, January 26th 7pm - Art Exhibit FREE Event!!!

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs 150 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA Featuring the following artists: William Sharp “Back in the Day” Book Release With the recent release of William Sharp’s book “Back In The Day” which features hundreds of Sharps astounding photos from this early pioneering era of skateboarding.

Sharp will be displaying unseen photos that did not make the cut in the book, which the majority of these photos have never been seen before. You are not going to want to miss this. Books will be available for purchase.

Robert Vargas “Portraits of a Legend” Art Exhibit Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robert Vargas has played a central role in the

shaping of the revitalized DTLA art scene thanks to his omnipresence on the streets, where people line up to see his infamous drawing sessions.

Vargas has ventured out on his largest mural yet and can be seen working on the corner of Fifth and Hill Streets in LA on “Angelus,” which will be the largest mural in the world created by a single artist, according to Vargas.

Vargas will be displaying for the first time in one place his collection of legends portraits.

KC Armstrong “Portraits of a Legend” Photo Exhibit Armstrong is a Sports, Entertainment and Advertising photographer working out of Los Angeles and Toronto. He has produced award winning imagery for such brands as Canada Goose, Adidas, Hockey Night In Canada, ESPN, and more. He creates stylized images of athletes and celebrities for advertising and editorial clients. He will be displaying portraits of legends that he has photographed over the last few years.

Saturday, January 14th 10am - Legends’ Expression Session limited tickets available Palm Springs Skate Park 405 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs Sunrise Park, Sunrise and Ramon Road, Palm Springs 2pm - Generations Flow Bowl Skateboard Contest - limited tickets available The Generations Flow Bowl Skateboard Contest will feature the top Amateurs, Girls, Pros and Legends in the industry today.

Palm Springs Skate Park 405 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs

8pm - Concert - Tickets available Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs 150 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs CA Featuring the following bands: One Less Zero The Zero brings a fresh flavor to the music scene, with the beautiful and talented Sara Wright on vocals, legendary skateboarder Allen Losi on guitar, world renowned veteran tattoo artist Mike Spasbo on drums, the gifted stylings of Fender employee Luis Agulair on guitar and the back bone of many bands-master of all music Allen Buglione on bass. With their “we’re here to skate the session” attitude and Sara Wright’s natural charisma, the fun never stops!

His Eyes Have Fangs His Eyes Have Fangs Band with members Matthew Rainwater, legendary Dog Town skateboarder Tony Alva, Vulcho Bonev and Rachel Anne Rainwater Tickets are on sale now at www. elgatoclassic.com. continue to page 5

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EL GATO CLASSICcontinued from page 3 Sponsors of the El Gato Classic Legends Weekend include PS Resorts, Palm Springs Skatepark with the City of Palm Springs, The Rock Church, S1 Helmets, Vans and CV Weekly.

This year, we got to talk with Eddie “El Gato” Elguera himself, Ozzie Ausband, and legendary Christian Hosoi.

CVW: How did you get involved in skating?

Eddie ‘El Gato’ Elguera: “When I was 8 years old, we moved up to Lake Arrowhead.

My brothers surfed, but we couldn’t surf after the move, so they took up skating. I used to borrow their old boards with clay wheels and mess around. It wasn’t until later that I finally got my own board.”

CVW: What is it about skating that keeps you hooked?

El Gato: “I feel like it’s the freedom of learning and expression. It’s the freedom to challenge myself. It’s helped me with life. You know, you fall down a lot, but you always get back up. You want to conquer that trick. Life is like that. You just have to get back up. I see that in skaters a lot. They take the gnarliest slam and get right back up. If you do that in life, you’re going to succeed.”

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CVW: You’re the pastor at The Rock Church where in the Coachella Valley. Can you tell us a bit about your church as how you decided on the Coachella Valley?

El Gato: “I was the youth pastor at The Rock Church in San Bernardino for 14 years.

INTERVIEW WITH OZZIE AUSBAND

VW: What is it about skating that drives you to it?

Ozzie Ausband: “Well, I started in 1973 in Pennsylvania of all places. It was the one thing in my life I could do. My dad was a baseball star. He’d throw a ball at me and I didn’t know what to do. When I was young, people picked on me because I was small. I was in isolation in Pennsylvania. It was me against my skateboard. I could conquer it.

Nothing fulfills me like skateboarding does.

There’s something about the freedom of it. It helps you overcome a lot of things. It also helps in normal life. You’re used to overcoming obstacles in your pastime, so it’s easier in real life.”

CVW: What are the major differences you see dim then until now? What keeps you skating?

Ozzie: “In the beginning, it was being invented. It was like walking on the moon.

In the mid-70s people started riding pools.

They didn’t know what they could do.

The generation I came up with was the innovators. We didn’t know you could grind the coping. Eddie (El Gato) has this thing where he honors that generation of skaters and makes way for the new generation. This thing called skateboarding would never be in the Olympics if this new generation didn’t bring these older tricks to the forefront and improve upon them. Skating fulfills you. There’s always something new. Even with me being 54 I’m learning new things.

It’s difficult being this old and skating. A lot of us roll better than we walk. We haven’t stopped. That’s the key. Never stop doing it.”

CVW: You’ve become the historian for skating. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Ozzie: “There’s a place called Woodward Skateboard Camp. I was running it in the early 90’s. I was writing back then for magazines back then, but the magazines went a different direction. It was more about kids doing these crazy things and less about skating bowls. I started going around and filling drains and making pools rideable. A friend of mine told me I should start writing a blog. I had no idea what a blog was. She set it up for me. I called it Blue Tile Sessions. I rolled around with some great skaters and skate photographers.

We had access to pools nobody else did and we started gathering great photos and stories. I inadvertently became the source for old school history. It struck a chord with people.”

When it was time to launch a church on our own, my wife and I prayed about where to set up our church. We kept getting led to the Coachella Valley. When I was a professional skateboarder, I would come out here a lot with the guys. With helping discover the nude bowl and various other things, I sort of had roots here. This seemed like the perfect spot. It’s not your traditional church. We have a saying here... it’s our message. We ‘love people to life.’ A lot of people ask what that means, and really, a lot of Christians point fingers at non-Christians and judge a little bit. Jesus loved people no matter what. No matter what they were going through and no matter what their life style was. We want to continue that message.

We accept everybody that comes. We have contemporary upbeat music. We try to set an atmosphere that is very inviting.”

CVW: How do you keep the El Gato classic fresh?

El Gato: “Every year we want to do something new and different. We always wanted to include music, skateboarding and art. We started with the era of the beginning of bowl skating. This year is actually 40 years of bowl skating. It started in 1978 with the Hester Series. We always change up the music and art. This year we have Allen Losi’s

January 18 to January 24, 2018 band One Less Zero and Tony Alva’s band His Eyes Have Fangs. And with the art this year, we also have a book release: William Sharp and Ozzie Ausband’s “Back InThe Day.” It’s about 500 pages of unreleased photos and stories. We also have Robert Vargas. He’s always been a part of this. He’s painted a lot of the legends and he’ll be bringing some of those. KC Armstrong is an amazing photographer in our scene, and he’ll be a part of this. I try to make it unpredictable.

We bring people in from all over the world and different kinds of art and music.”

CVW: How do you get the skaters to come out to the classic?

El Gato: “There are so many legends from so many eras. I started bringing legends from The Hester Series to the Gold Cup Series. That was 78, 79, 80. A lot of the amateurs in the Gold Cup Series were skaters like Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi. I started inviting those guys too. It’s the grass roots of bowl and vert skating.”

CVW: What is the overall message of the El Gato Classic?

El Gato: “Our vision is to ‘honor the past and champion the future.’ That’s what life is all about. Everybody needs to honor their history and help bring in the new generation.“

BY JASON HALL CVW: You and William Sharp are responsible for Back In The Day. How did you guys come up with the idea?

Ozzie: “It stemmed from the blog.

(William) Sharp and I got together and he had photos and I had photos, and we decided we should do something with this. I started writing stories and realized all I needed was to write the chapter intros. The rest told itself. It took five years, but we documented an era of skateboarding. Everything else was an area. Like Dogtown. But there were dudes ripping all over the place because there were pools all over the place. That’s what’s great. It’s an overview of that era.

Banks, parks, and ditches... everything.”

CVW: How did you get involved with the El Gato Classic?

Ozzie: “The first year, I was writing about the nude bowl. There’s a guy Eddie knows who has original photos of the first time they skated it. I asked Eddie if we could write about the bowl because people with advertisers didn’t want to touch it. We wrote that story, then I asked if I could cover the El Gato Classic. The article got like 45,000 views. This year, we’re bringing photos not in the book and we’re bringing the book to sign. That first night at Hard Rock is free and we’re going to have the dudes who invented this sport there.”

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INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN HOSOI

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VW: How did you get started skating?

Christian Hosoi: “I grew up in LA. Born and raised. My parents were from Hawaii. My pops was a surfer. He immediately gave me a skateboard. My dad became the manager of Marina Del Rey skatepark. It became my backyard. That’s where the dog bowl was. Tony Alva, Jay Adams, George Lewis were the locals. They took me under their wing. I was becoming their protégé.”

CVW: What is it about skating that draws you to this day?

Hosoi: “Skateboarding is like a family.

It was about where you skated. What community you were a part of. It became a pride thing. You wanted to represent your skate park. Like Upland was a big deal.

We would battle it out. There was a lot of comradery. Skating is a lifestyle. After work, before work, during work, money or no money, we’re gonna do it no matter what.

Skating became part of my life. It’s like Bruce Lee and his martial arts. It’s everything to him. I wanted to be the Bruce Lee of skateboarding. I wanted to be the best.

The challenge to invent the maneuvers, like the Christ Air and Rocket Air; those are my maneuvers. I still love it at 50 years old. It’s kinda crazy that we’re still doing this. It’s

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I have teamed up to use all our gifts and talents and accolades as a platform to teach God’s love. Not in a religious way, but in an organic way. I think we’re showing people who haven’t grew up in church that you can go skate and have fun and on Sunday go to church and share our testimonies and people’s eyes will be opened and their hearts touched. Their pain will go away.

I can tell you. I was searching for love in skateboarding, money, girls, and partying.

Pretty soon the good stuff wasn’t working, so I started pushing the boundaries with the bad stuff like drugs. That didn’t satisfy me. I got into a situation where I was facing 10 years in prison and I finally looked up and prayed to God. I started realizing my nickname was Christ and I invented the Christ Air. I was like, ‘what’s going on?’ My wife who was my girlfriend at the time told me to go get a bible. I opened the Bible for the first time and immediately all the scales fell from my eyes and I knew I had a purpose.

I knew immediately God is real. He told me to shine the light of Jesus. Within 2 weeks, I had to tell the world how much God loves them. The moment I accepted Jesus into my heart, I felt a freedom. I spent 5 years in a prison cell studying the word of God. When I got out, I started telling everybody and have been doing it since.”

ROBERT VARGAS: ARTIST, MURALIST WILL SHOWCASE HIS “LEGEND SERIES” PORTRAITS AT EL GATO CLASSIC

os Angeles artist Robert Vargas will be visiting Palm Springs to attend the El Gato Classic skate event on January 26 and 27, created by Eddie “El Gato” Elguera.

Like in past years, Vargas will be doing live portraits of the skaters at the events but this year he will also be showcasing his “Legend Series” of some legendary skateboarders saying, “I wanted to wait for the right moment… I think that showing them at the classic is perfect because the audience would appreciate them.”

Vargas has done portraits of many notable skateboarders including Eddie Elguera, current Coachella Valley resident and founder of this event; Tony Hawk; Christian Hosoi; and Steve Caballero. “Eddie invited me to show some of those portraits that I’ve done and a good amount of those guys are going to be present, there at the classic. I’ll show maybe 12 to 20 portraits of some of the greatest skateboarders of all time that have sat for me,” Vargas says.

Vargas has done quite a few portraits of skateboarders both at previous years’ El Gato Classic and outside of it. “I’m the portrait artist for the skateboard hall of fame. When people get inducted, I do all the portraits… I love what Eddie’s doing for not only preserving the history of skateboarding through his classic but also showcasing the future with some of the up and coming talent,” he says. He also has had a personal interest in skateboarding since he was a kid,

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another challenge. It helps me help the new guys.”

CVW: You invented the Christ Air and Rocket Air. One of your nicknames is Christ.

You’re now a born again Christian. Is it crazy how it’s come full circle?

Hosoi: “It’s ironic that the rock star kid would be the one to get saved and dedicate his life. Now I’m a pastor at The Sanctuary church in Costa Mesa. This year I’ve been serving as a pastor for 13 years. Eddie and

BY JASON HALL

BY AVERY WOOD

PHOTO BY ORLANDO WELSH

saying, and “I used to have a halfpipe in my backyard and I used to do skate shows even going as far as selling tickets when I was like 12… forever a young entrepreneur. Painting was always my first love, but I always loved skateboarding... because it was something that I could just do on my own, I didn’t need to… gather a group of guys to play sports or whatever, it could just be me and my board. I kind of liken that a lot to my artwork; I’m able to kind of be self-contained. So fast forward now a few years to like being able to do my passion… and everyone else involved do their passion and we’re able to kind of cross pollinate and just be creative together in the same space, it’s pretty cool.”

Vargas is well known in Los Angeles and around the world for both his portraits and his murals. “I have been part of the downtown

art cannon for the last 15 years and I grew up a mile from downtown LA, so this is home….

I just did a mural in Dubai… they’re all very site specific… I usually like to paint someone from the neighborhood,” he says. “There was no mural of The Doors, of all four members in Venice, believe it or not, before I did it. There was no mural of Tony Alva in Venice before I did it. There was no mural of Mike Muir from Suicidal Tendencies. Those people, I believe, are hugely important. It’s one thing to do something in memoriam but it’s another thing to paint someone when they’re alive so we can show how much we love them and appreciate them.”

Currently, Vargas is working on a mural which he says is the biggest mural in the world painted by a single artist. “The great thing about public mural work is that you’re

able to reach a much larger audience… people that don’t go to galleries, that don’t go to museums… or kids who don’t have access… if I have the right message then I feel like the right message then I feel like the right mural can transcend a location. The portraits are much more specific because that’s hanging in a home, that’s hanging in a gallery, only a specific audience gets to see that. However, those portraits I usually paint live,” he says.

He will also be painting live at the El Gato Classic, with skateboarders sitting for portraits between sessions in front of an audience saying, “They’re doing their thing on the spot in the moment, very organic, very raw. I’m doing my thing with no formula, very much in the moment, raw. Those drawings take about 10 to 15 minutes to create, I draw them very very fast… drawing live everyone gets to be a part of that.”

Vargas calls Elguera “the keeper of the flame” when it comes to passion for skateboarding and its history. “I look forward to it every year because I’m able to not only connect with the skateboard community but also with the desert community that comes out,” he says.

The El Gato Classic will take place on Friday, January 26 and Saturday January 27 in Palm Springs. Tickets and more information can be found on elgatoclassic.com.

BREWTALITY

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ver since 3,800 years ago when some ancient Sumerian wrote the “Hymn to Ninkasi” - a sprawling prose that was both an ode to the ancient goddess of beer AND a recipe for some pretty bangin’ Sumerian ale - music and beer have been inseparably linked in the minds and souls of humanity. The Sumerians weren’t the first to ferment grain into alcohol (shout out to the ancient Chinese for being the first hipsters and opening microbreweries 9,000 years ago); but they were the first to put sharp twig to wet clay, and actually write their recipe down so that people would stop asking, “Aye fam, how many pounds of tworow again? What about crystal malt, is that in this recipe? You know what bro, don’t get mad at me just cuz you don’t explain things right the first time.”

Drinking songs have been recorded ever since a band of 12th century European clergymen called the Goliards, went running around making up bawdy tavern songs for drunks to sing while slamming their tankards on tables. Today’s musicians aren’t writing drinking songs, they’re creating drink. By the 21st century, artists are creating their own beers for the public to consume. I scoured the local bottle shops to find the best band beers, and got wasted on ‘em. Here are the best brews that can be found around the Coachella Valley.

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HYMNS TO NINKASI

“The Trooper”- Iron Maiden Metal fans know “The Trooper” as the quintessential Iron Maiden song, so it’s only fitting that the 4.7% Extra Special Bitter has a bold flavor that leads with toasty malt flavor, earthy hop bitterness, and a citrusy, herbal finish. Casual fans of American lager may not appreciate the more fruity and complex characteristics of English ale. But, if you’re wanting something different that’s not too aggressive on the palate, pick this banger up.

Available at Total Wine in Palm Desert.

“A Tout Le Monde” - Megadeth Band leader Dave Mustaine says that he created this beer to be a characterful sipper, and he nailed it. A lemony, tart nose gives way to a spicy and oh-so-lightly funky flavor that is the hallmark of expertly crafted Saison. A Tout Le Monde is unfiltered, meaning you’ll see a cloudy appearance to this 4.5%, spiced

LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE

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his column is all about local musicians that play in more than one band concurrently. Each week we will focus on one of these super-humans that are able to divide their talents amongst several bands. This week’s champion is Armando “Mondo” Flores, who currently performs in the bands Blasting Echo, Courtney Chambers, 5th Town, and the SunDrug Project.

CVW: How old were you when you started playing music and what instrument did you start with bass or drums?

Flores: “Truth be told, I started on the trumpet in the 6th grade. Begged my parents to BUY me the trumpet (wisely, they didn’t), played it for about 3 months, totally sucked and gave up. I didn’t try to play another instrument until I was 18. My girlfriend at the time had an old, imitation Fender bass in her room and I wanted to be cool... so I picked it up. It’s been downhill ever since.”

CVW: What was your first band?

Flores: “1st band was Menhaden. It was me, Tim McMullen, and Chris Lawrence.

We didn’t even have a singer. We played a generator party out in the grape vineyards where Sun City Palm Desert is now. But it was cool, cuz we were in a band!”

CVW: Please list all the bands you have been in?

Flores: “Oi... let’s see: Lung Cookie, Ebin Barnett, The Barflys, Se7en4, B Movie Superstars, Rebecca Caldwell, Half Astro, The Pedestrians, Wyte Gye, Blasting Echo, Courtney Chambers, Machin, Kelley Derrickson, SunDrug, 5th Town. I’m sure

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BY AARON RAMSON

ale. The flavor is coriander and cereal on the backend, and much like “The Trooper”, can come across as either too much or not enough, depending on the tastes of the American drinker. Also available at Total Wine.

“Phantom Bride” - Deftones A truly phenomenal IPA, that represented the state of the art in 2017. Hazy and unfiltered, this is the modern version of an IPA with low bitterness, a tropical and juicy hop profile, and a phenomenally dank nose. With a taste much lighter than the 7.1% ABV would suggest, this is an IPA that will satisfy all but the most ardent lovers of the old school style.

Available at Whole Foods.

“40 oz. to Freedom” - Sublime Possibly my most favorite Mexican Lager in the land, this 5.2% thirst quencher tastes like fresh corn chips in a glass. Grainy and refreshing with a dominant maize flavor,

ARMANDO “MONDO” FLORES

there’s a couple I’ve forgotten, but these are the ones that really stand out.”

CVW: Which instrument do you prefer?

Flores: “Depends on my mood. Drums are good after you’ve had a bad day. Bass is good for sexy times.”

CVW: How do you juggle playing in so many bands?

Flores: “I think if you really love doing something, you’ll find the time. But it’s tough when you have a family. I’ve ruined more than one relationship playing in multiple bands.

Honestly, it’s a labor of love. I’m grateful to have a VERY understanding wife who supports me and my musical proclivities.”

CVW: Is there one band that’s your favorite?

Flores: “That’s like asking which of your kids is your favorite. They all have a special place in my heart and all are unique in their own way.”

PHOTO BY STEVEN YOUNG

CVW: You’ve been playing music for many years now. How do you feel the business has changed over the years for the better? For the worse?

Flores: “Truthfully, I never had a head for the ‘business’ end of music. I’ve definitely tried, but my few experiences were bittersweet. I learned a whole lot about what NOT to do, though. Nowadays, the internet and social media has made being a musician a bit more of a personal experience. There’s no real need to rely on the big labels. If you’re savvy enough and play your cards right, you can make a decent living being an artist while also being your own manager/producer.

Having good people in your corner doesn’t hurt.”

CVW: What has been your favorite performance moment of your career?

Flores: “The 1st Tachevah concert with The Pedestrians. We were well rehearsed, knew how to put on a show, and we came out swinging! I hate to say we may have

this beer was packaged in 40 oz. bottles to commemorate the seminal album of the same name, and is an example of how to create a beer that challenges expectations of a style. Out of stock at Bevmo.

“Punk In Drublic” – NOFX An Imperial Pale Lager (IPL) that keeps the bitterness subdued while giving a grassy, resiny hop finish. Medium bodied with biscuit flavors, this was enjoyed by friends Johnny Sugarbritches and Dan Wheat as well. “Hoppy but not bitter,” Johnny says, “It’s really smooth going down the gullet,” Dan chimed in, “It’s really good, my favorite along with the Sublime beer.” A moderate drinker at 5.8% ABV, this has proven to be one of the most successful collaborations between breweries and bands. Out of stock locally, but available if you’re willing to travel out of the valley for it.

There are numerous other bands putting out offerings on what seems like a daily basis.

Although distributing issues keep a lot of them from reaching our local shelves, some clever bottle trading can be done online to acquire beers from many other rock bands.

And if you’re able to get your hands on them, don’t be afraid to share with your new friend, me.

BY TRACY DIETLIN upstaged the next couple of acts... but I think we upstaged the next couple of acts. It was awesome!!!”

CVW: Favorite venue to play?

Flores: “Any venue where the sound man is competent.”

CVW: Have you toured outside CA? Flores: “Yeah. Lung Cookie was lucky enough to do a few weeks on the Vans Warped Tour in ‘99. It was a super cool experience and I got to see quite a bit of the States... learned a lot, too.”

CVW: Favorite bands growing up?

Flores: “James Brown, Queen, The Bee Gees, Billy Idol, The Police, Erik B & Rakim, Public Enemy, NWA, Depeche Mode, RHCP, Tool, Primus, Helmet, NIN... and a whole bunch more.”

CVW: Bands you listen to now?

Flores: “Pretty much the same shit, I’m an old dog. No new tricks. However, I’m really digging Zappa, Snarky Puppy, Royal Blood, and Vulfpeck these days.”

CVW: Favorite local bands?

Flores: “I feel like a dick for saying this, but I’m a BIG homebody and don’t get out too often. Honestly, I think it’s how I’m able to perform with so many acts. Cuz if I’m not playing or rehearsing, I’d better be home with the wife and kids... there must always be balance in the Force. But, I’ve always loved watching my little brother’s band, Se7en4, perform! When they’re on, they’re ON!!! I think they are playing in Feb at The Hood...

GO CHECK ‘EM OUT!!!” continue to page 8

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MONDO FLORES continued from page 7

CVW: Favorite major producer?

Flores: “I dunno. Some producers are good for certain things. If it was a rock act, I’d love to work with Rick Rubin.; R&B or funk, maybe Mark Ronson or George Clinton. The weird shit I’ve played with Rob Peterson in SunDrug, Steve Albini. Truth be told, just send someone who’s got talent, will challenge me as a musician, is genuine, has their heart into what I’m doing, and isn’t a dick. Don’t be a dick.”

CVW: Who is your bass hero?

Flores: “Conventional wisdom and everyone who knows me will say, Les Claypool. But Flea and Eric Avery were big influences on me, same with Steve Harris, and of course, James Jamerson. Gotta give props to Motown!”

CVW: Drum hero?

Flores: “In this category, there’s just too many. Most of my drum heroes are the

PHOTO BY MING BOB

guys I played bass with in the above bands.

I was able to learn a little something from their styles and nuances, and pick up a little something from each of them including, Tim

LOCAL BUSINESS

BY KRISTEN ELAINE

KILOS CANTINA: THERE’S A NEW CLUB IN TOWN

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ccomplished. A Master of One’s destiny.

Felipe Oros, at age 28 can be considered a man living the American dream. Felipe had a vision since his early 20’s to open a restaurant and nightclub. He began to plant the seeds to make his dream come true, and on February 24th, 2014 the doors to Mundo’s Mexican Grill (now Kilo’s Cantina) opened for the first time.

As we approach the 4yr anniversary to the grand opening of Kilo’s Cantina, Felipe looks back fondly to February 24th, 2014. After nearly 3yrs of going back and forth with the county to secure the proper permits, he was finally able to see the fruits of this labor. Friends and family gathered at Kilos Cantina to celebrate not only the grand opening, but Felipe’s birthday as well. In many ways Felipe was reborn that day. At 24yrs old he couldn’t be happier. “I was still so overwhelmed with the business side of things, but it was still a very exciting moment for me to see everyone there, having a good time, enjoying the space we worked so hard on. “Felipe continues, “All we ever wish for as business owners and entertainers is to have that base of friends that are there to come out and look at you do what you love to do. That was one of my happiest moments.”

For the first 3 1/2 years Kilo’s Cantina functioned only as Mundo’s Mexican Grill, serving great authentic Mexican food. After Felipe graciously provided me with a sample plater of tacos, I was convinced I was in heaven. “We’re really family based in the sense that my mom is one of the head cooks. There are some plates that can only be found here; special recipes that my mom has from Mendoza, Guanajuato; a small town in Mexico.” Felipe prides himself on the quality of food as “it may be the same plate but it definitely has its own flavor with momma’s homestyle cooking.”

On October 20, 2017, the nightclub debuted with the help of childhood friend and fellow rapper Carlos Cruz, known as 2Toxic. “He has been one of the people I’ve relied on in terms of networking with the night life. He’s a professional, much like myself.” Felipe credits their love of music for their continued friendship. “Now we’re older and are seeing the business side of what we love, hip hop and music.” Felipe continues to say, “None of this would have been possible without a strong team.

My brother Edmundo works hard behind the bar, busting 20 hour shifts right next to me and there’s

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my best friend Omar Ruiz; he’s been my right hand man, a great business partner, DJ, photographer and sound engineer. Omar and I run Sleepwalkers Ent., an entertainment company focused on producing outdoor festivals.”

Since the opening of Kilos, the nightclub has seen a steady increase of patrons making their way down for American music on Fridays and/or Banda nights on Saturdays. While this is a hip hop rooted nightclub you can still find rock, punk, EDM, corridos and more on Felipe’s stage. Kilos Cantina even has a green room located behind the stage for the entertainer’s privacy. With a variety of entertainment, prestige lighting and sound, like a fire, word is spreading about Kilos Cantina. You can expect to see some large acts come through the nightclub in the near future.

Felipe is now focused on remodeling the outside of the building hopefully by the years’ end.

With a background in Architecture and Carpentry, Felipe will be taking on the task of renovating the cantina. Felipe hopes to draw more attention to the building as it’s located on the outskirts of 1000 Palms. Much like you don’t want to judge a book by its cover, the outer appearance doesn’t do justice for what you’ll find on the inside. Love, friendship, family, soul, unity, hospitality, good food, drink specials and more can be found at 72390 Ramon Road 1000 Palms, Ca 92276. For Bottle Service and private event hosting, you can contact the cantina at 760-835-1363. And/or follow them on both Instagram and Facebook under “Kilos Cantina”.

McMullen, Rob Peterson, Steve Hall, Marcus Bush, Dominic Jimenez and Troy Whitford.

Each of these drummers has been a positive influence on me and contributed to how I approach the drums. And not one of them is a slouch... alright, maybe one or two.” (said with a chuckle) CVW: Who do you most respect in the music business?

Flores: “I respect any musician who can make their living making music.”

CVW: Who would you want to see in concert that you haven’t seen yet?

Flores: “Sad I never got to see James Brown in concert. Still kicking myself on that one!”

CVW: What band would you most like to open for?

Flores: “I think you mean, which band would I like to have open for me?”

CVW: What band do you listen to that people would be the most surprised to hear?

Flores: “If you missed it the 1st time, I’ll say it again, The Bee Gees. Catchy lyrics, deceptively hard bass lines, funky guitars, and really tight pants with very high voices!!! And giant teeth!!!”

CVW: What would people be the most surprised to know about you?

Flores: “Hmm... I guess that I’ve always wanted to be a producer. I know there will come that day when I will not be able to perform anymore. So naturally you’d want to still have your hands in the cookie jar. I’ve always loved working with a wide variety of artists who have different styles and I love being behind the board in a studio. ‘Ideas, ideas, ideas... try this, oops... that sucked, let’s try something else.’ Must be the nerd in me. Plus, I’ve had just enough formal music training to be dangerous, all while making your average music professor cringe in horror.

It’s a dream, really.”

KRISTEN ELAINE LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT BY

MORGAN JAMES OF THE SIEVE & THE SADDLE

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ome believe in destiny, some believe in fate, but I believe that happiness is something that we create.” -Anonymous, maybe, in fact it’s a little of all three. This certainly rings true for Morgan Alise James and Johnny Carmona from The Sieve & The Saddle. They’re a Blues/CountryRock duo from the Coachella Valley. Nearly 5yrs ago Johnny and Morgan’s stars aligned when Morgan was asked to do collaboration in a musical theater class. The founder soon decided to bring in another guitarist, so she called Johnny. They formed a little country band called James Town. Although, it was short lived, with only a few performances the seed for future success had been planted.

With a shared passion for Alternative Rock, Johnny and Morgan formed the Alternative band Pocket Yellow, which was considered to be a full cover band. You could find Pocket Yellow playing cover songs from band’s like The Black Keys, No Doubt, Cage the Elephant and Muse. Although, Pocket Yellow is still available for booking, the duo’s main focus is on their acoustic project-The Sieve & The Saddle.

About 6 months ago, after writing many original songs, the duo decided it was time to rebrand Pocket Yellow. The originals are Blues infused with Country Rock. Morgan credits Johnny for naming the band.

There’s a 1579 painting by Gorge Gower, “The Plimpton Sieve Portrait of Queen Elizabeth 1” with an inscription on it; “The good fall through, the bad remain in the saddle,” Morgan explains; “Our music is so heavily blues infused and woven with themes of good vs. evil and we just thought it fit. One of our popular songs “Big Bold Lie” has a line; ‘the devil’s claws are ripe and red, but my baby’s mouths are full and fed.’ For me personally becoming an adult and especially becoming a parent, you realize what’s important in life, the kids, friendships, and relationships. You may have to work 3 jobs to afford your home, but you do it. Life has ups and downs and that’s where having music to pour yourself into can be therapeutic.” The Sieve & The Saddle are so deeply rooted in Blues and it just seems to come out when they work together.

By the looks of Morgan today you wouldn’t know she’s only been singing since her and Johnny’s paths crossed. Johnny has played for a little longer.

They even started the CV Open Mic competition just to network and create opportunities for their band and other artists alike. The CV Open Mic Competition became a cherished past time for many

local musicians to go out and support one another.

Morgan did all the talking and the strong, but silent Johnny, ran the sound system. It took a little nudging from Steve Johns, a local promoter to get the duo to sign on as the hosts for the competition at The Tilted Kilt. Both Morgan and Johnny were worried about creating competitive behavior amongst artists, but found themselves pleasantly surprised at the nurturing environment that unfolded. Tracy Dietlin, the owner of CV Weekly, would sponsor the event and soon hired on Morgan as a journalist for the paper.

Even though they started the CV Mic competition at The Tilted Kilt, Morgan and Johnny claim it was really Jeannette Krehbiel, the owner of Plan B Entertainment in 1000 Palms, who gave them their real first opportunity to perform and showcase themselves. Plan B is known for opening its door to any and all inspiring artists, regardless of experience.

You’ll be welcomed with open arms, support, and a little sass from loveable Jeanette and her staff.

The Sieve and The Saddle are currently working on a brand new album with Producer Will Sturgeon from Brightener. As of now the group has recorded 3 songs towards an 8 or more song compilation. Their new single “Here Is Gone” can be found on ITunes.

They plan to release the new album by the end of the year and fans can follow The Sieve & The Saddle at Facebook.com/thesieveandthesaddle.com.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE STARS ALIGNED

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

PSIFF

January 18 to January 24, 2018

VALLEY RHYTHMS

BY LOLA ROSSI

MICHAEL D’ANGELO PERFORMS AT VENUS DE FIDO AND CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO RESTAURANT

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T

he 29th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival wrapped on Monday January 15th. For three amazing weeks, moviegoers enjoyed traveling to unique places, where they were introduced to fascinating people and entered exotic cultures.

This year, the festival had 180 films from 77 countries across the globe with 31 genres shown during 433 screenings in six different venues. Over 135,000 people came to relish world cinema and Palm Springs sunshine.

PSIFF is one of the largest and most respected film festivals in North America, and because of its proximity and close relationship to Hollywood, it attracts amazing star power.

RED CARPET REVIEW The list of Hollywood names that attended the Festival included those who are well-known in front and behind the camera.

Participants in the glam of the Gala were Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins, Writer/Director Guillermo Del Toro, Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Sam Rockwell, Timothée Charlamet, Saoirse Ronan, Allison Janney, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Willem Dafoe, Holly Hunter and Mary J. Blige.

Opening night began with a panel discussion featuring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg! Closing night’s panel was with Ariel Winter and director Adam Rifkin.

Other big names who attended were: Jon Hamm, Annette Bening, Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jacki Weaver, Andie MacDowell, Tatiana Maslany, Diane Kruger, producers Gale Anne Hurd, Amy Pascal, and Kristie Macosko Kreiger, Directors Paul Thomas Anderson, Jon Wright, and Maya Forbes -and Vice President Al Gore!

At many of the screenings, directors or producers were present to talk about their films. These special presentations brought a level of intimacy and understanding to audiences elevating the festival for those who want to more directly engage with the cinematic arts.

At a screening of “The Gold Seekers,” a movie from Paraguay, co-directors Juan Carlos and Tana Schémbori said through a translator, that in their country only 32 films have been made in its history and graciously added that it was a “miracle to be here in Palm Springs.”

AND THE PSIFF WINNERS ARE These winning films were determined by judges made up of international industry professionals.

Finding Your Feet (UK) directed by Richard Loncraine received Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

Skid Row Marathon (US) received Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature directed by Mark Hayes.

Félicité (Senegal) directed by Alain Gomis received FIPRESCI Prize; Nakhane Touré from The Wound (South Africa) and Daniela Vega from A Fantastic Woman (Chile) received FIPRESCI Acting Prizes.

The Charmer (Denmark) directed by Milad Alami received New Voices New Visions Award; Honorable Mention for Exceptional Direction: Léa Mysius for Ava (France).

Brimstone and Glory (US/Mexico), directed by Viktor Jakovleski received The John Schlesinger Award.

Killing Jesús (Colombia/Argentina), directed by Laura Mora received Cine Latino Award; Honorable Mention: A Fantastic Woman (Chile), directed by Sebastián Lelio.

The Insult received The HP Bridging The Borders Awards.

BEST OF FEST From around the world, these films were chosen by PSIFF audiences and screened the final day.

Ava (France); Ayla - The Daughter of War (Turkey); Borg vs. McEnroe (Sweden/ Denmark/Finland); Brimstone & Glory (US/ Mexico); The Charmer (Denmark); The China Hustle (US); Close-Knit (Japan); Django (France); The Divine Order (Switzerland); Félicité (Senegal); Finding Your Feet (UK); First They Killed My Father (Cambodia); Her Love Boils Bathwater (Japan), The Insult (Lebanon), Itzhak (US/Israel), Jane (US), Just to Be Sure (France/Belgium); Killing Jesús (Colombia/Argentina); Liyana (Swaziland/ US/Qatar); Love, Cecil (US); Maktub (Israel); Mankiller (US); Mr. Fish: Cartooning from the Deep End (US); The Party (UK); Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World (Canada); Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (US); Skid Row Marathon (US); Streaker (Switzerland); Stumped (US); A Taxi Driver (South Korea); This is Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo/US/Canada/Qatar); Tom of Finland (Finland/Sweden/Denmark/Germany/ Iceland); The Wound (South Africa).

The PSIFF delivers the world and the power of film right to our front door!

oin vocalist, Michael D’Angelo and Friends performing every Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. for Desert Dance Night with Dance Instructor Carl Davis in the Main Events Room at Venus De Fido, 73-600 Alessandro Drive in Palm Desert. They have a great venue with delicious food for every palate available for purchase from their Cafe. (760) 834-7070.

He is also appearing every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on Saturday, January 20 and 27, in the Picasso Lounge at Chef George’s Picasso Restaurant, 40-100 Washington Street, Suite 125 in Bermuda Dunes. (760) 200-1768.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, D’Angelo was one of nine children; two sisters and six brothers. “When I was growing up, my Father had a little combo and played percussion,” which may be part of his love for music. “I picked up a lot of my stuff from the streets of New York. I did a lot of Doo Wop with a bunch of guys on the street corners, where I learned my harmonies.” He started singing at the age of 9. “When I was 11, my Mom used to take me to the local radio stations to sing, for exposure. Some of the stations would be in Manhattan.”

When he was 14 years old, the entire family moved to El Soreno, Los Angeles, California. There, he played the trombone in High School, formed a singing group and entered local talent contests. He served in the Army for three years and utilized the G.I. Bill and attended the Los Angeles City College. He met others who shared his passion for music and formed the band, Mestizo, which means persons of mixed ancestry.

His band opened for many artists like Tierra, Willie BoBo and Poncho Sanchez, to name a few and performed at the same venue with Los Lobos, when they were first starting out. “At college, they actually opened for us.” The band was invited to perform at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for the Chicano Music Awards. They were honoring Cannibal and the Headhunters, who were one of the first Mexican-American groups to have a National Hit Record, “Land of a Thousand Dances,” and the opening act for The Beatles’ second American Tour.

“We performed in front of 3,000 people and received a standing ovation.”

He worked for The County of Los Angeles for over 33 years and after he retired, he and his beautiful and very supportive wife, Patti, made the move to the Coachella Valley. “We would visit Patti’s relatives every Easter, and we fell in love with The Desert and after I retired, we decided to move here in 2007.”

Being retired and enjoying the Desert Lifestyle, he would often go out with friends. “When I retired, I didn’t come

vout here to sing. One of my neighbors took us to see Frank DiSalvo at the Indian Wells Resort. We met and when he started singing “Unchained Melody,” I was singing along at our table and he walked over and handed me the microphone and I finished the song. It was great.” A few months later, D’Angelo returned to the resort and became friends with DiSalvo, who gave him a variety of music tracks to sing with, so he could perform while he was on vacation.

D’Angelo’s repertoire includes a blend of classic favorites from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, Doo Wop, Latin Rhythms and some current Top 40 favorites and he sings a few Italian and Spanish favorites, too. He loves to move to the music and his music makes you want to dance, which easily explains his partnering up with Dance Instructor, Carl Davis.

“This is the second venue we partnered up for,” said Davis. “I have been here for almost 10 years and taught in several Country Clubs and Nightclubs.” He moved here from San Diego and also offers private lessons at his home in Palm Desert. (760) 567-0690.

“Dancing is a fun way to not only socialize, but also improve bone health, flexibility and coordination. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in a regular schedule of dancing, have superior performance in sensory, motor and cognitive areas. I know that women would appreciate it so much if their boyfriends or husbands would just try to learn to dance.”

A great venue, good food and fantastic entertainment, what more can you ask for?

A new dance floor...and guess what? It’s coming at the end of the month...

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS & VAI ACADEMY! PHOTO BY ORLANDO WELSH

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couple weekends ago, The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs hosted guitar genius Steve Vai and his Vai Academy Guitar Camp. Featured this year were Vai, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Steve Morse and St. Vincent. In its fourth year, the academy allows students of all ages and levels to pay for packages that include 4 days and nights discovering the intricacy of the guitar while jamming the day away. Also included are workshops, nightly jam sessions and multiple jam rooms fully loaded with gear. This year’s theme was ‘Unlocking the Mystery of Music Theory & Technique.’ Campers also had an opportunity to jam with Steve Vai on stage. Where else can you do that?

Since the Hard Rock Hotel opened in 2013, many local residents who are also rock and roll fans expected the more traditional Hard Rock to set up shop. This event establishes the dedication the Palm Springs site has to match the entertainment of any of its sister hotels and casinos around the world. Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs is the desert’s international landing-place!

STEVE VAI - Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, visionary composer, and consummate producer who sculpts musical sound with infinite creativity and technical mastery. At 18 he began his professional musical career transcribing for, and then playing with, the legendary Frank Zappa.

More than three decades, Vai has proven himself, in his own right, one of music’s true originals. He boasts career sales of over 15 million records, 13 Grammy nominations, and three Grammy wins and has toured the world as a solo artist, as a member of G3, and with Frank Zappa and bands such as Alcatrazz, The David Lee Roth Band, and Whitesnake. As an accomplished audio producer, Vai has written, produced, and engineered all of his solo albums, released via Favored Nations, his own independent record label that has released over 70 albums by legendary musicians such as Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Lukather, Eric Johnson, Billy Sheehan, Larry Carlton and much more.

His career accomplishments have earned him honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute.

VAI ON STEVE MORSE - “Not enough can be said about Steve Morse. I knew of him long before he knew of me. In regards to technique, he was a bar-raiser of the highest order as early as the mid to-late seventies. His contribution to the fusion of country style guitar playing and progressive rock is historical and powerful. He has a completely melodic and inspired ear, and he’s just one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. It was an honor for him to have joined us!”

Steve Morse is a guitarist renowned for his intricate compositions and innovative techniques.

Having started playing guitar around the age of 11, he later on attended University of Miami’s School of Music, where he studied classical guitar and jazz.

A ‘guitarist’s guitarist,’ he was voted ‘Best Overall Guitarist’ in the Guitar Player Readers Poll for five consecutive years and being inducted into their Gallery of Greats. His work has received seven Grammy award nominations, and he has appeared on over 200 albums.

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MUSIC

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

Morse has established himself in a wide range of musical genres, beginning with bands such as the Dixie Dregs, the Steve Morse Band and Kansas.

In 1994, Morse joined Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Deep Purple, and is the band’s longest-serving guitarist.

VAI ON YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN - “I’ve known Yngwie since he came to America and I think that people are intimidated by his confidence. He’s so confident in what he does. I think to know Yngwie is to really, really like him. I know how intense he is.

Yngwie doesn‘t compromise. There are no excuses.

He plays the way he feels is appropriate for him.

He‘s got a lot of energy and a lot of passion. When you‘re going to work with someone like Yngwie you‘ve gotta know this and you‘ve gotta let them just cut loose and do his thing, you know?”

Yngwie Johann Malmsteen is a world-renowned guitarist from Stockholm, Sweden. As a young boy, Yngwie originally had no interest in music, but that all changed on September 18th, 1970 when he saw a TV special on the late Jimi Hendrix. Seven-yearold Yngwie watched in awe as Hendrix blasted the audience with torrents of feedback and sacrificed his guitar in flames. Yngwie’s career has spanned over 40 years with over twenty albums to his name. Drawing influence from classical composers such as Bach, Paganini, and Vivaldi, Yngwie is responsible for birthing the neoclassical genre to the world of rock.

VAI ON ST. VINCENT - “I first heard St. Vincent in my dreams perhaps before she was born. What I mean by that is, I instinctively felt that someday a person was going to come along and make the creation of music—utilizing the sonic diversity of the guitar and keyboards, quirky and pounding rhythmic grooves, unexpected and unique melodic harmonic atmospheres, fearless vocal and lyrical expressions—into deeply dimensional audio art.

When it showed up being delivered in a frame that emanated such a magnetic alien type beauty, it felt like the manifestation of the dream in a perfection that I personally couldn’t have dreamt of. She is completely and utterly something else. I’m floored by her.”

Musician and songwriter Annie Clark-aka St. Vincent-is one of the most distinctive artistic voices and arrestingly original guitarists of her generation.

Her recent album, the self-titled St. Vincent, won her ‘Album of the Year’ designations from the NME, the Guardian, and Entertainment Weekly and the Grammy for Best Alternative Album. An incredible live performer, Clark has been heralded as ‘the first truly 21st century guitar hero’ by Guitar World magazine, and is constantly pushing the boundaries of today’s musical landscape.

“In the end, Vai Academy is all about sharing.

We’re all in this together as musicians. I love that we all experience living life to its fullest by enjoying every moment alongside one another.”

The enthusiastic fellowship of the students was observable as they carried with them their respective guitars out of their cases all around the hotel. We hope Vai and company decide to return to the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs for year 5.0 and beyond! hrhpalmsprings.com – vaiacademy.com

HARD ROCK PALM SPRINGS HOSTS MUSIC NATIONAL BANDS TO RECORD AT THEIR

BY JASON HALL HOTEL INCLUDING BLACK LIPS AND CRUSH

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lack Lips are an indie band from Georgia. They got their start in 1999 and have been going strong since. They gained attention in 2006 with write ups in Spin Magazine and Rolling Stone. 2007 carried on their exposure with a performance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and in a New York Times’ write up on their dozen shows in 3 Days at SXSW in Austin.

Cole Alexander and Jared Swilley recently stayed at The Hard Rock Palm Springs and spent some time writing a song for their upcoming country album. The Hard Rock struck a chord with Cole. He made another trip out to Palm Springs with his girlfriend and Black Lips saxophonist, Zumi Rosow. Cole and Zumi have a side project they’re working on called Crush, and Hard Rock seemed to be a perfect place to ignite a creative spark with the duo.

Cole invited us to his suite and discussed a ton of stuff from Black Lips to Crush.

CVW: When did you know music was it for you?

Cole Alexander: “Pretty early on, I was fantasizing about it. I didn’t really know how to play. I couldn’t execute it. It was a total fantasy from like 3rd grade until starting high school. The first band I had - it was actually with Jared from Black Lips- I only sang because I didn’t know how to play anything.

Jared played bass. I wanted to play guitar, but it wasn’t a super easy natural thing to me. Once I got it, it was all good.”

CVW: Who were your influences?

Alexander: “My first influence was probably Nirvana. They were the popular thing when I was a kid. Then I started getting into the Ramones and Link Wray.

He’s one of my favorite guitarists. Then I got into oldies. Like the roots of punk rock. The Beatles were another one. They were an easy band to find. I had to find what I could when I was younger. Like on the radio and MTV. I liked Sonic Youth a lot.”

CVW: Going off of The Beatles, you and Sean Lennon have become friends and worked together. How did that happen?

Alexander: “Black Lips recorded Arabia Mountain with Mark Ronson. He grew up with Sean Lennon. So Mark invited Sean

PHOTO BY ORLANDO WELSH

to the studio and we kind of made friends through that. He started recording a friend’s band, Fat White Family, and I got invited out for that. When I saw his studio in upstate New York, I thought it was pretty cool. We worked out him recording Black Lips as well.”

CVW: Did you and Zumi meet because of Black Lips?

Alexander: “I met her through her band the K-Holes which was with an ex member of Black Lips. It’s kind of confusing because Jack (Hines) was in our band, then he left to start K-Holes. Then he came back and Zumi joined with him when he returned. We kind of absorbed their band.”

CVW: Can you tell us a bit about your side project with Zumi?

Alexander: “It’s called Crush. We’ve been mainly playing around LA. We’ll get more serious when we get more time.

Black Lips are working on a country album right now. When we have time, Crush will probably start by releasing some 7”s. We’ll work in a full album down the road.”

CVW: You and Jared were here a few months back. What brought you guys to The Hard Rock?

Alexander: “I met this guy here at Pappy’s.” (Referring to Hard Rock Marketing Manager, Adam Levy) Adam Levy: “Yeah. I’m a fan of Black Lips and met Cole at a show at Pappy’s. I’m the Marketing Manager here at Hard Rock and I invited them to come check it out and maybe write something here. I’ve reached out to a few of my favorite bands. Senses Fail will be staying here. Under Oath will be staying here to write some stuff.”

Alexander: “It worked out good. Jared came here and we worked on music, now he’s coming back and we’re going to be working on music we wrote here. It’s been beneficial for our record. Sometimes you have to get away from your home base.

There are no distractions. I think maybe Adam even recorded some of it.”

Levy: “Yeah! We have some clips.”

Alexander: “This album has progressed because of the Hard Rock. We’ve pieced a bunch of it together thanks to these guys being cool enough to have us.”

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

MICHAEL BOLTON: GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST TO PERFORM AT FANTASY SPRINGS CASINO FRIDAY, JAN. 19

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ichael Bolton, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Singer, Songwriter and Social Activist, who has sold more than 65 million albums and singles worldwide, continues to tour the world every year, all while writing, recording and taping for a wide array of projects spanning music, film, television and branded entertainment. Bolton remains committed to humanitarian causes, especially through The Michael Bolton Charities as well as other philanthropic organizations.

In recognition of his artistic achievements, Michael won 2 Grammys for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance (nominated four times), 6 American Music Awards, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a songwriter, he has earned over 24 BMI & ASCAP Awards, including Songwriter of the Year, 9 Million-Air awards, and the Hitmakers Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

To date, Michael has seen 9 studio albums rank in the Top Ten, with 9 #1 singles. His most recent album Songs of Cinema, a selection of iconic film soundtrack songs, was released alongside an original Netflix production Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special, which ranked among the network’s best comedies upon debut. Michael currently stars in Bolt of Talent, a brand new music travel competition series produced with Fox Networks Group/ StarWorld in Asia.

Michael became a viral sensation in The Lonely Island’s Emmy nominated video, “Captain Jack Sparrow” that launched on Saturday Night Live and has racked up over 170 million views on YouTube. He earned another Emmy nod for his collaborations with the Screen Junkies channel popular “Honest Trailers”.

Bolton’s comedic appearances span several episodes of CBS’s hit series Two and a half Men, the hit Fox network show Glee, ABC’s hit comedy Fresh off the Boat, and HBO’s hit series Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

He has also partnered with Funny Or Die to release a spoof on the cult-classic Office Space and has produced original digital content with Buzzfeed’s Tasty channel, Vanity Fair, Wired, PitchFork, and has ongoing campaigns with American Greetings. In his recent autobiography, The Soul of it All, Bolton states he is just teeing off on the back nine of his career.

A diverse and prolific songwriter, Bolton has worked with some of the greatest songwriters and producers of our time, including Lady Gaga, Diane Warren, Desmond Child, David Foster, Walter Afanasieff, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, John “Mutt” Lange, Dann Huff, A.R. Rahman, Phil Ramone, and Ne Yo, among others. He is one of the very few artists to have co-written with the legendary Bob Dylan, resulting in the mega hit, “Steel Bars.” Michael has penned songs that have been recorded and performed by a diverse list of over 100 artists, ranging from country western legend Conway Twitty to hip hop superstar Kanye West featuring Jay Z and John Legend. Other greats who have performed Bolton’s songs include Mark Anthony, Wynonna Judd, Joe Cocker, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Rogers, and Patti LaBelle.

Michael has written #1 hit singles impacting the careers of artists such as Laura Branigan (“How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”), KISS (“Forever”), Barbra Streisand (“We’re Not Making Love Anymore”), Cher (“I Found Someone”), and Kenny G (“By the Time this Night is Over”).

Michael’s songs and performances have been featured in numerous television and film soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated theme song “Go the Distance” from Walt Disney’s blockbuster animated film Hercules and the recent Russell Crowe film Fathers & Daughters. He also executive produced the documentary Terror at Home addressing Domestic Violence in America, and was Emmynominated for writing the title song “Tears of The Angels”. Michael is currently completing a feature-length documentary, American Dream: Detroit about the 21st Century Renaissance of Detroit.

Bolton was first drawn to Detroit to explore Hitsville USA, the roots of his greatest musical influences, but what he realized there was so much more. Told through the eyes of Michael’s own discovery over the course of filming for 3 years, the film celebrates the golden age of Detroit - featuring its native entertainment legends like Francis Ford Coppola, Jerry Bruckheimer, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Alice Cooper and many more - and reveals the landscape of the new Detroit being built by entrepreneurial moguls Dan Gilbert, Michael Ilitch, Big 3 as well as young innovators across new industries. The comeback of Detroit is poised to be the greatest turnaround story of American history. This is the story of the American Dream.

For his dedication to social activism, Michael has been honored with several Humanitarian awards – including the Martin Luther King Award granted by the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.), the Lewis Hine Award from The National Child Labor Committee, the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, and the Frances Preston Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael is especially proud of the initiatives carried out by his own foundation, the The Michael Bolton Charities, now in its 24th Year of advocating on behalf of women and children at risk.

Bolton took some time out to talk to CV Weekly before his stop in the desert this Friday, January 19 where he will perform at Fantasy Springs Casino.

Many fans started following Bolton in the 80s & 90s when he became hugely successful, but some don¹t know that he had a rock band called Blackjack back in the 70s, making his career span 5 decades. I asked Bolton what he attributed the longevity of his career to, when many other musicians have either retired, faded away, died, or only continue to sing their old hits but not produce new music.

“I intend to never stop creating, it’s just in my blood and what defines me. A combination of good genetics, extreme discipline and a spiritual hunger are what keep me going, now approaching my 50th anniversary in the industry,” replied Bolton.

I asked him if he has a favorite song he likes

to perform and how he stays excited about singing the hits over and over.

“I can’t pick one album or song as my favorite. They all have different importance and meaning and reflect different chapters in my life which allowed me to collaborate with incredible talent and explore a wide variety of genres,” Bolton replied. “Every night is different, a different city, different crowd, and I approach each performance anew every night.”

With so many accolades under his belt I was curious at what point in his career he had his ‘wow!’ moment and realized he had made it.

“There were hints along the way but it was probably with the album Soul Provider that made me think, ‘wow this will really be a career for me,’” Bolton replied.

He went on to share what some of the highlights of his career have been: “There are so many, from singing with Luciano Pavarotti, to songwriting with Bob Dylan, to performing with BB King, to singing “Georgia” to Ray Charles, my hero, on stage, to performing “When a Man Loves a Woman” with Percy Sledge, to performing for the Presidents, it’s all very surreal looking back but each moment is indelibly marked in my mind.”

Along the way Bolton took a comedy turn, one that could’ve been a disaster and was quite risky as he pokes fun of himself in a few skits, but it ended up being hugely successful, garnering him new fans of a younger demographic. After appearing in several TV comedies as himself, he performed a SNL digital short that would solidify his comedic chops, as the character ‘Jack Sparrow.’ Bolton shared how the comedy gig started and how he came to work with the SNL team.

“I’ve always had a sense of humor and been a prankster, so those who know me well know it’s nothing new. But taking that

January 18 to January 24, 2018

EVENTS

BY TRACY DIETLIN

humor public and creating fun campaigns and shows around it has been so gratifying on so many levels, from the new fans to the talented writers and producers I get to work with in another industry, all while keeping music at the forefront,” shared Bolton.

“The album that I put out last February called Songs of Cinema was a companion to the Netflix ‘Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special’ and it was a celebration of the theme we started with The Lonely Island in our SNL digital short ‘Jack Sparrow’ which establishes me as a cinephile. So that album is an homage to all the movies I love and we played with most of the songs in the special.

The Lonely Island guys and I knew we needed our next collaboration after ‘Jack Sparrow’ to go all out, so that’s what we did. They were fans of my music and licensed a couple songs for some of their movies and next thing I know they wanted to create a digital video with me for SNL.” Bolton says that he absolutely has more comic performances coming up. “Most recently, I had a great time in the scripted comedy, Fresh off the Boat, but also have some fun game show cameos coming up to watch for.”

Bolton looks the same now as he did when I first met him in 1990. I asked what has kept him so young. “I try to get 8 hours sleep, and have maintained a vegetarian diet for 46 years now.

I exercise regularly and am very attuned to my body and believe in prevention.”

As for staying relevant in the ever changing music business Bolton says, “All of us know the music business is nothing like what it used to be, but with all the existing new platforms emerging and new ways to connect with your fans, it’s just about surrounding myself with the right team to make sure I am evolving.”

Bolton has written songs for many people but I asked who he might like to duet with that he hasn’t. “I love big female voices, so singing with Celine or Adele is definitely on that list.”

When asked what he could tell us about himself people would be surprised to know, he replied: “Contrary to urban legend, I never auditioned for Black Sabbath.”

Back in 2011, Bolton appeared on the Charlie Sheen roast. If they were going to do a roast of Michael Bolton what cast of characters would he pick to roast him?

“Some friends and collaborators, like The Lonely Island guys, Bob Saget, Richard Marx, David Foster, Jay Leno, maybe Oprah,” he replied.

I asked Bolton what we could expect from his Fantasy Springs show.

“I’m very conscious that life-long fans come to the show wanting to hear the greatest hits, which have been there for them during the hardest and greatest times of their lives. In addition to that, I sprinkle in some of the songs from the most recent albums, but I’m always reading the audience to see what they want and adjusting the set accordingly.”

Tickets for the 8pm Michael Bolton show on Friday, January 19, 2018 are on sale for $59, $49 and $29 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at 800-827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

LAUGHING APPLE” (CAT-O-LOG RECORDS/DECCA RECORDS) CAT STEVENS/YUSUF “THE

C

hances are if you hear the name Cat Stevens, you have warm musical memories of Folky, slightly spiritual songs performed by a beardy-but-handsome British guy. Conversely, if you hear the name Yusuf Islam, you might conjure up images of a religious radical intent on abolishing your American freedoms. Guess what, same guy.

Steven Demetre Georgiou was born in London in 1948. His father, Stavros was a Greek Cypriot, his mother, Ingrid, was Swedish. Along with older siblings Anita and David, the family operated a restaurant close to the Soho district, and they all lived above the business. Steven was an artistic kid, and considered making his living as a cartoonist. He was 15 when the Beatles’ music exploded in Great Britain.

Rather quickly, London became the epicenter for Rock N’ Roll. Mostly self-taught on piano and guitar, Steven began to pursue a music career. Realizing a lengthy, slightly un-pronounceable Greek name might hinder his chances, he initially began performing as Steve Adams. Playing coffee houses and Folk venues, he soaked up influences like Bob Dylan, Leadbelly and Nina Simone. Soon he was writing his own songs. By 1966, he changed his name again to Cat Stevens, acquired a manager and signed a contract with Deram, a subsidiary of Decca Records.

His debut, Matthew And Son arrived in early 1967, four singles, including “Here Comes My Baby,” (which had already been a hit for the Tremeloes), reached the Top 10. Less than a year later he released New Masters, which featured the minor hit, “The First Cut Is The Deepest.” A decade later, Rod Stewart took “The First Cut...” to #1 in 1977, even Sheryl Crow returned it to the top of the charts 15 years later. Cat had achieved minor celebrity as a teen idol when he contracted tuberculosis.

Months of recuperation gave him time to question his slightly decadent, swinging ‘60s lifestyle.

In 1970, Cat emerged with a beard and a more spiritual outlook. Newly signed to A&M, he released Mona Bone Jakon, a collection of heartfelt songs that showcased his husky vocals and deft acoustic guitar skills. It marked his first collaboration with producer, (and former Yardbirds member), Paul Samwell-Smith and guitarist Alun Davis. It was a rich association

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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that would continue for decades.

The album was a modest success, opening the door for the massive triumph of his fourth full-length, Tea For The Tillerman. Released just seven months after “Mona...” it featured Cat’s artwork on the cover and proved to be a world-wide sensation. In America, it hit #8 on the Billboard charts. Songs like “Wild World,” “Where Do The Children Play” and “On The Road To Find Out” became massive hits.

1971’s Teaser And The Firecat was even better. Songs like “Peace Train” and “Moonshadow” cemented his reputation as a thoughtful, and gently spiritual singersongwriter. He managed to display some Hellenic pride on the record. The song “Rubylove” featured traditional bouzoukis and a few verses sung in Greek.

Cat rode out the rest of the ‘70s at the top of the charts. A staple on AM and FM radio, his swarthy-but-unthreatening good looks had teen girls swooning. Several of his songs were used to great effect in the cult comedy film “Harold And Maude.”

Hit albums followed in swift succession; Catch Bull At Four, Foreigner, Buddha And The Chocolate Box, Numbers, Izitso and Back To Earth had cryptic titles but included surefire hits like “Sitting,” “The Hurt” “Oh Very Young” and “(Remember The Days Of The) Old School Yard.”

But fame and wealth proved inadequate. In the midst of nearly drowning off the coast of Malibu, he shouted out “Oh, God if you save me I will work for you!” A wave swept him to shore and safety. The experience prompted Cat to re-evaluate his priorities yet again. He embarked on a spiritual quest, delving into Buddhism, Judaism, I Ching, numerology and astrology. His brother David had converted to Judaism, and following a trip to Jerusalem gave him a Qur’an.

Taken by its teachings, studying the Arabic scriptures led him to embrace Islam and he fully converted in 1978. A year later he entered an arranged marriage and auctioned his guitars off for charity. Officially changing his name from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam, he quit playing secular music and dedicated his life to Allah.

Then he basically disappeared.

Yusuf maintained a low profile throughout the ‘80s, he and his wife became parents to one son and four daughters. He founded Islamic Primary and Secondary Schools in London, and chaired the Small Kindness charity which assisted famine victims and orphans.

In 1989 controversy erupted when he seemed to support the Fatwa that the Ayatollah of Iran had levied against novelist Salman Rushdie. Some radio stations briefly boycotted his music and the band 10,000 Maniacs went so far to remove their cover of “Peace Train” from future pressings of their 1988 record In My Tribe. (Conveniently forgetting that cover was the first song that got them mainstream radio airplay to begin with). In the ensuing years he has insisted his comments were taken out of context.

In 2001, after the 9/11 attack he released a statement condemning the attack, expressing his heartfelt horror and denouncing terrorism.

A few weeks later he appeared at the televised

Concert For New York event, singing an acapella version of “Peace Train.” It was his first public performance in over 20 years. Troubled by the backlash and prejudice that law abiding Muslims had begun to experience, he joined the Forum Against Islamophobia And Racism.

Three years later, he was flying from London to Washington to meet with Dolly Parton, who had recently recorded a version of “Peace Train.” Somehow his name appeared on a “No Fly List” from Customs. The plane was diverted to Bangor, Maine and he was detained by the TSA and Homeland Security. It took a couple of years to unravel bureaucratic red-tape, but it turned out a Yusseff (not Yusuf) Islam had donated to Hamas and was suspected of terrorism activities.

Slowly, he began dipping his toes back into the murky waters of Rock N’ Roll. He performed at high profile charity events like Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert and collaborated with people like Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Dolly Parton. Finally, in 2006 he recorded An Other Cup, his first record of secular music in over 30 years. In a nice bit of serendipity, the album reunited him with guitarist Alun Davies.

Featuring a telling cover of the Animals’ British Invasion hit, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” the album received positive reviews, entered the Billboard 200 at #52 and peaked at #8 on the British charts. It was ultimately certified Platinum. In 2009 he was back with his roadsinger album. Self-produced, the record included “Every Time I Dream,” a song inspired by the criticism he received during the Salman Rushdie controversy.

2014 saw the release of Tell “Em I’m Gone.

Teaming with superstar producer Rick Rubin, the record paid homage to the British Invasion and American R&B that originally inspired his musical path. The album was evenly split between new originals and favorite cover songs, and he followed the release with a short American tour, his first since 1976.

Now, 50 years after his debut record he has returned with his 15th secular album, The Laughing Apple. Not only does the album reunite him with producer Paul SammwellSmith and guitarist Alun Davies, but it revisits a few songs that first appeared in 1967. Pulsating keys dance through the speakers on the opener, “Blackness Of The Night.” The jaunty instrumentation and arrangement of the of the original has been supplanted by bare-bones acoustic guitar and Hammond B3 shadings that echo Bach, Procol Harum and a bit of Percy Sledge.

The title track and “Northern Wind (Death Of Billy The Kid),” were both featured on his second album New Masters. Back then the former split the difference between Greek Laiko, Baroque Pop and Spy caper theme music. Here, the tempo is slowed to a Modal waltz, accented by traditional instruments like oud and shanai, plus fluttery orchestration and a choir. Yusuf, (who’s tenor voice remains remarkably unchanged), spins a whimsical tale of a magic apple tree.

The latter swaps out “Home On The Range” harmonica and a martial fife and drum cadence for a more measured outlaw tale, accented by acoustic guitar, swooping strings. Yusuf’s mien feels haunted and portentous as he warns the errant gunslinger there is trouble ahead; “There’s a Northern wind blowing up a Southern change.”

Ever since “Peace Train,” Yusuf has worn his pacifist beliefs on his sleeve, that advocacy remains unchanged. “Mighty Peace” is powered by sun-dappled acoustic guitar, sparkly synths and plinky piano. Here the lyrics yearn for simpler times; “How I’d love to be a child, with friends spread all around me playing games and running wild.”

“Don’t Blame Them” starts as a quiescent lullaby that champions tolerance by focusing on our similarities instead of our differences.

The lyrics connect Biblical parables to Qur’an revelations as he cautions “Understand the one you hate, anger will abate, love will moderate.”

As the song gathers speed it shapeshifts from a slightly Prog Rock-y Beethoven-esque serenade, to a handclap-y sing-a-long.

The best tracks here include the winsome “See What Love Did To Me,” “Grandsons” and “You Can Do Whatever.” “See What…” blends chiming guitars, swirly keys, spiraling African woodwinds and a propulsive rhythm.

The melody feels slightly cannibalized from his classic “Harold And Maude” cuts “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out,” and a more rapid-fire “On The Road To Find Out.” The lyrics offer genuine genuflection to a higher power; “I was a blindfolded bumble bee and now I see what God did for me, he made me see life flowery.”

“Grandsons” eschews the angst and anger displayed on Cat’s “Father And Son,” locking into a sweet, Folk-flavored encomium to the younger generation. Meanwhile, “You Can Do...” is a stompy sing-a-long that is fueled by filigreed fret-work, lapping percussion and a rippling tambourine shake. Sunshiny homilies like “you can treat the world like a piece of dust or a pot of gold” are treacly, but effective.

Other interesting tracks include the gentle spiritual “Olive Hill” and the guileless “Mary And The Little Lamb, which drafts off the old nursery rhyme. The album closes with the gently soporific “I’m Sleepy.”

As with An Other Cup and roadsinger, this new record offers pleasant, Folk-ified melodies and amiable life lessons. Laughing Apple is almost interchangeable with his vintage ‘70s music. Whether he’s known as Steven Gergiou, Cat Stevens or Yusuf Islam, his talent transcends religious affiliations and endures.

FILM

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 18 to January 24, 2018

BY ANGELA ROMEO

STRIKE A POSE – THE WORLD OF FILM AND THE EYE OF SOCIETY

W

e are all still in the movie phase as the Palm Springs International Film Festival closes. But film lives on in the Coachella Valley every day of the year.

Paul Belsito and Steven Roche founded The Filmmakers’ Gallery - Palm Springs.

This Facebook Group was created to bring together film and television lovers and the creators who make the Hollywood magic happen to one place. “This means anything happening in or around the Palm Springs area is relevant to this Group,” noted Paul.

“We want to engage this group of creative people through special events, special appearances & speakers, Q&A’s, tributes, book-signings, fundraisers, film festivals, private screenings and other film and television related happenings.”

In keeping with that The Filmmaker’s Gallery is hosting the documentary Strike A Pose. The screening will be on Tuesday, January 30, starting at 6 pm, at the Camelot Theater, Palm Springs. Following the screening there will be a question and answer period with two of the film’s subjects, Kevin Stea and Carlton Wilborn.

George Sinatra of Desert AIDS Project will moderate.

STRIKE A POSE is a Belgian-Dutch documentary film that premiered at the 2016 Berlinale. Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan direct the film. It follows several male dancers that performed with Madonna on her Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990. The tour also produced the 1991 documentary Truth or Dare. That film is famous for many things – Warren Beatty, Antonio Banderas, Madonna’s love for Sean Penn – and the game of Truth or Dare? with Madonna, her dancers and others.

The film also followed seven of male dancers. The dancers for the tour, many of whom were gay, were encouraged by Madonna to be and “express themselves” during the filming. For some viewers the openness of these men was seen as an inspiration to be true to themselves. But for

others, specifically, three of the dancers, Oliver Crumes, Kevin Stea, and Gabriel Trupin, that enthusiasm of others was initially not shared by them. They filed a lawsuit against Madonna alleging invasion of privacy fraud and deceit, intentional misrepresentation, suppression of fact, and intentional infliction of emotional distress for displaying the men’s private lives in the documentary. The parties reached a settlement in 1994.

Strike A Pose picks up the story of these men 25 years after Truth or Dare.

What became of these dancers? Did they realize how their words would impact a generation? As Kevin Stea, aka rogue Romeo, noted, “Only now, in the past seven years or so and from social media, have I actually seen the impact this movie had on pop and gay culture. I constantly receive messages from people recalling how this movie — this bigger-than-life glimpse into a world beyond shame-filled communities, closeted lives, and disapproving families — changed their lives.”

With a larger than life personality Carlton Wilborn, the young bare naked dancer that jumped into the Truth or Dare bed, noted “I was acting all grand, but inside I was feeling f**g small.” Today he is the creator of Danceformation, a program, which combines life coaching with the power of dance.

The eye of the lens is the eye of the filmmaker. But a documentary filmmaker becomes the mirror of a society in a moment in time. The importance of both films cannot be understated. Raw and honest the importance of being true to oneself is more important today than ever.

A portion of ticket sales benefit Desert Aids Project. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com (Search for Filmmaker's Gallery Strike A Pose) For more information on Strike A Pose visit www. strikeaposefilm.com. For more information on the Filmmaker’s Gallery visit www. facebook.com/thefilmmakersgallery.

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

PET PLACE

SPARKY LIGHTS UP THEIR LIVES

R

ebecca Pikus spotted this tiny Terrier puppy on Facebook on a San Bernardino City Shelter networker’s page. She contacted Loving All Animals with an offer to foster him if we would rescue him. When someone offers to be part of the solution to save an animal’s life through fostering, we spring into action. Rebecca recalls, “I fell in love with the Facebook photo showing his scruffy adorable little locks, and his intense incredible hazel colored eyes.”

This pup was a 7-pound package of fun and frolic the moment he exited his kennel cage.

His tiny size belied his mega bigger-than-life personality. When I delivered him to the Pikus’ lovely artist studio home, the confident dog pranced around happily as if he’d never lived anywhere else. I was surprised when Rebecca advised me her husband Mario did not know they were getting a foster dog. She assured me she knew her husband well, and this was the best way to proceed. Guess who was the first to fall in love with the new dog?

Within a couple of days Mario sealed the deal to adopt declaring, “There is no way he is going anywhere. He is my dog.”

The couple named the dog Sparky because he’s like a sparkplug full of energy. Sparky was an instant hit with the Pikus’ other two rescue

MEET CHAPPIE This sweet 2-yr-old “Chap” waits to meet you at Petco on Hwy 111, Palm Desert.

A handsome orange Tabby, he was rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org, call (760) 335-6767.

MEET PEGGY SUE Can you believe someone abandoned precious 1-yr-old Peggy Sue by the side of the road? Come meet this adorable little Chug (Chihuahua/Pug) at The Pet Rescue Center coachellapetrescuecenter.org, (760) 398-7722.

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dogs, Shadow and Whitecloud. Mario Pikus is an award winning painter and sculptor, and Sparky loves his colorful, love filled, art filled life at their home.

A month later, Mario and Rebecca learned of a teacup Chihuahua puppy abandoned in the desert and offered to foster her as well. Sparky was overjoyed with the arrival of another canine, and the two twirling joyous animals were the subject of dozens of entertaining videos. Leila Blue, the adorable teacup, had new horizons awaiting her.

Rebecca’s son, an artist living in Germany, recently lost his dog. His mom, who was

BY JANET McAFEE planning a trip to Berlin for his birthday, decided to include Leila Blue as a present.

This pup is now the toast of Berlin.

Back in California, spunky Sparky quickly got over his grief at Leila’s departure. He has a beautiful half acre estate on which to run around chasing his brother pups. The trio chase after the birds that flock to the grounds in the early morning, and run after tennis balls during their afternoon outing. They run with abandonment and joy, circling around the trees and around Mario’s sculptures that dot the landscape.

On November 18, 2017, Sparky’s humans were recipients of a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars for their activism, humanitarianism, and promotion of the arts.

If he could, Sparky would surely put his paw print in the cement proclaiming that Mario and Rebecca also deserve an award for their networking and support of homeless animals.

Meanwhile, the dedicated team of volunteer networkers at the San Bernardino City Shelter, continue to photograph, videotape, and post animals like Sparky on Facebook and other social media sites. Social media has changed the world of shelter animals. Once hidden away from public eye, sequestered in shelters in industrial areas, their sweet, pleading faces are now easily viewed on phones and computer screens by potential adopters.

Loving All Animals hopes that more folks will see adoptable animals on shelter websites, including the Coachella Valley Animal Campus (www.rcdas.org), and offer to foster or adopt them. You can view the animals at the San Bernardino City Shelter at www.petharbor. com and type in “San Bernardino” as the city. Won’t you open your heart and home and foster a sweet dog like Sparky? Contact Loving All Animals at (760)834-7000 if you would like to save a life through fostering. We don’t mind if you become “foster failures” like Mario and Rebecca Pikus.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

January 18 to January 24, 2018

BY RICK RIOZZA

PROMISES…PROMISES: THE WINE GAME 2018

Y

ou recognize this line already: “Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends—we’re so glad you could attend . . .” The 2018 game of wine is presently afoot. Most of us have both feet in and ready for another turn. So what’s ahead in one of our great minor pastimes of enjoying the fruit of the vine?

Last year, the wine world took some hits.

A couple events so close to our vino hearts unfortunately included the October wildfires that rapidly burned and spread in Northern California’s Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino counties affecting thousands. A total of 44 people were killed, 245,000 acres were burned and around 9,000 buildings destroyed; at least 11 wineries reported significant damage.

Sonoma grape grower and wine producer, Tom Gore, will catch us up on the successful efforts taking place in the wine country, later this month in this column.

On a different scale, the 2017 growing season was not easy for many vintners in California, Chile, and especially in Europe.

What some said was the worst frost in 25 years hit winegrowing areas in France and Italy. Some of the world’s most famous regions were slammed with destructive frosts: south Left-Bank Bordeaux, major Right-Bank Bordeaux (Pomerol & St. Emilion), Champagne & Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Beaujolais, and parts of northern Italy.

As usual, the strange fortuitous outcome from the European frost is that the small crop size generally produces well- defined and often exciting wines. For instance, in Beaujolais, the Gamay fruit produced an excellent vintage— even the 2017 Beaujolais Nouveau is a tasty table wine with its dark berry and spice flavors.

No “nouveau” haters allowed this year!—go back to start or lose one turn.

The game of wine is always fueled at this time with “what’s trending” or what’s new on the wine horizon. Is it all that important to be abreast of foretelling wine news?! You guessed it… doesn’t matter. The game is within you and without you.

So cozy up—as we’re prone to do when playing, and, enjoy a nice glass of vino as we check out the scene: Many a wine columnist or marketer-at-large will wish to claim the most likely wine to be the bomb. French-style rosés—those “blush” wines, no longer sweet but dry and showing excellent fruit complexities, have been at the top of the heap for a while now (they are great food-pairing wines). If you’re a betting person, chances are still good you’d win big by picking yet another rosé. Probably a Pinot Noir rosé from California—especially from Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands, where their pinots continue to score the highest in the State.

Most wineries everywhere now produce dry rosés. My tip: Enjoy a “retro-style” rosé from Anjou (Rosé d’Anjou) from the Loire. Even Thomas Jefferson played-on back in the day and searched after this Gamay rosé that’s just a “touch” off-dry, keeping all generations happy.

Here in the desert with our quick winters and the evanescent spring times, I’m going to suggest that our savvy wine bars and wine clientele embrace glasses of those chill-able, light, juicy reds that include Beaujolais, Loire’s Chinon (Cab Franc) and Sicily’s Frappato. These wines are low on alcohol, high on red fruit flavors and adore a quick chill.

You’re probably quite familiar with the fresh garden flavors Beaujolais; and, the Cab Franc from the Loire Valley is always fun for California red wine aficionados who aren’t afraid to push the game up a notch. Frappato, on the other hand, is probably one of Sicily’s tastiest sippers that no one has heard of—allora!

My wine of 2018 is—just kidding. A nice glass to relax and reminisce on Sicily is the Frappato.

This is the fruit-forward Italian masterpiece portraying cranberry sauce, strawberries, raspberries and candied oranges wrapped up in soft leather; its low tannins make for easy drinking. Right out of the gate, I’m thinking a bacon burger with that baby. I’ll say this—it may well be one of this year’s sexiest pours for gatherings and parties Okay—some fast topics: Canned Wine Can! Thanks to the successful packaging of craft beer, cans are cool with Millennials and now cool with the wine crowd remaining. Big and small brands alike are investing in cans ranging in all sizes and in all varietals. Even more convenient than boxes, cans can go everywhere.

And by the way, “vintage” box wines are surging and tasting better and better. I’ve

recently been enjoying the Spanish brand Intruso imported by The Organic Cellar in Laguna Beach. Produced from the Monastrell grape ( known as Mouvèdre in France and is the “M” in the GSM blends of California ), it’s from the 2011 vintage and quite delicious. This box also register with the Organic/Natural wine buzz that is trending big time. Bravo to the brave new world of wine!

Speaking of Spain, in the wine world, it’s a hot spot. More and more shelves at the stores are displaying Spanish with Tempranillo (Rioja), Garnacha, aka Grenache, and Cariñena, aka Carignan. Perhaps you don’t know Cariñena.

The taste profile includes sweet dried cranberries, a touch cinnamon, and a note of Kielbasa sausage. A savory wine certainly, bold red fruit driven and gamey. And most of these winning wines are way underpriced!

Not that my recent article titled, “My Sherry Amour” caused anything, but, it seems Sherry wine is the sip on this year’s lips. We know Sherry’s dessert qualities, but who would have thunk so many of us like the very dry “Fino” version of Sherry that tastes of musky seawater. For those who haven’t had, try it and try it again later. You tell me.

And finally, the Millennials (who now purchase more wine than any other age group— especially the women) have been drinking “red blends” and are now moving more upscale to Cabs and Pinots. But progressive wine appreciation always happens—and cheers to that! Game On!

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THUR JANUARY 18

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Big Up Thursday w/ Irie Junctions, DJ Journee and Dash Eye 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Derek Jordan Gregg 8-10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Barry, Bob and Riz 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm

JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm LA QUINTA OLDTOWN TAPROOM; LQ; Manuel the Band 8-11pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ South 65 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Jessica Lynn, Duyn and Wagner 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Mic hosted by Rob Lawrence 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Worden 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Tony Patler Project 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 Linda Peterson 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI JANUARY 19

16

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Alex Santana 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Stevenson Ranch Davidians 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Carmens Duo 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Seven/Six Presents: Slay Squad, Thr3 Strykes, Cash Rules, Tony T, Human, Million w/ DJs Mick Mac and Cozy Queso 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Manuel the Band 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm

CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Gutter Candy and Frank Eats the Floor 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The CMFs, Right On Right On and Town Troubles 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 5-7pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Cumbia Fest w/ J Patron, Los Geminis, Adrian Crush and the Elab Band and Ocho Ojos 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 TBA 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; TBA 7-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Gennine Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Flesheaters, Sean Wheeler and the Reluctant Messangers 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Sharon McNight 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Chalice 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm

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THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUS DE FIDO; PD; 760-834-7070 Michael D’Angelo 6-9pm, Carl Davis Dance Lesson 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Live Music 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT JANUARY 20

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 11am poolside, Wheels of Steel: Paradise Road After Party w/ DJs Rose Knows and Tamarack 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 New Wave Cholas Presents: Viva Las Locas w/ Los Valleros, Giselle Woo, Bien Buena, Vida Loca and Sad Boy 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Laurie Morvan 8:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; TBA 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Jack Ruvio 6pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 5-8pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/

David Macias and Israel Maldonaldo 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 DJ Shurper Fuzz 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Fresh 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6-9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Rad Co. (Bad Co. Tribute Band) 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 212 Band 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, The Evangenitals 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Jasmine Tommaso Trio 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Vortex 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 TBA 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6pm

January 18 to January 24, 2018

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Live Music 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Chris Lomeli 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN JANUARY 21

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ 11am poolside, TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Rose Mallett 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bartland w/ DJ LF and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Lori Yeary 6-9pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 6-9pm

continue to page 22

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

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GOOD GRUB

BY DENISE ORTUNO

FILL UP WITH ALL YOU CAN EAT, AT CJ’S STIR IT UP MONGOLIAN GRILL & SUSHI BAR

H

ungry diners can fill up with delicious dishes at CJ’s Stir It Up Mongolian Grill & Sushi Bar all you can eat in Indio.

If you have a big appetite, and looking for a unique dining experience that just so happens to offer all you can eat, then CJ’s is for you. The popular Indio restaurant has been serving up their out of the ordinary food concept for many years. Owners Chris and Jackie Oppenheimer first had their restaurant location in La Quinta, and then opened the Indio spot two years ago, which is now the couples only location after closing La Quinta. The Indio area for their restaurant has proven to be a successful decision and is thriving.

First time guests do benefit from some light instruction as to how dining at CJ’s works, as I found out on my trip there, kindly explained by our server Justine. Here is how it goes. Upon entering, you are seated at a table, and then after ordering drinks, your server presents you with an empty bowl.

You then take the bowl and go up to the line where there are a myriad of items to fill your bowl with. Everything from meats, to veggies, noodles and sauces are available to stack up your bowl. After your bowl is filled, hand it over to the stir fry master along with your table number, where he sautés the contents

be absolutely delicious, served steaming hot directly off the grill. There are seemingly an endless amount of combinations that guests can make up, making each round of all you can eat different every time.

About seven months ago, CJ’s brought another element to their Asian fusion dining experience, adding sushi to the menu….with of course, an all you can eat option. All you can eat sushi is $24.95 for lunch until 3pm and $31.95 for dinner served until 8pm.

Guests can also order sushi a-la-carte. For

added meal enhancement, CJ’s provides beer, wine and sake.

CJ’s Stir It Up Mongolian Grill & Sushi Bar is a fun unique dining experience, perfect for families or just satisfying your hunger with savory Asian fusion fare.

CJ’s Stir It Up Mongolian Grill & Sushi Bar is located at 42-150 Jackson Street Bldg E, Indio Ca, 92203. For more information visit www.cjsgrillandsushi.com.

of the bowl together on a huge round top grill heated between 500 and 600 degrees to lock in the flavors of all of the ingredients.

For an additional cost, guests can add eggs or shrimp to their bowl creations. Then just eat and enjoy, and do it all over again!

As if all that wasn’t enough, all bowls come with Miso or Egg Drop soup, white or brown rice and crunchy noodles to munch on. Quite the deal for only $13.95. A $10.95 single bowl option is offered from 11am to 3pm, for those who don’t want to indulge in all you can eat, which is the road that I took. I filled my bowl with pork, mushrooms, onions, peppers, broccoli, carrots, jalapenos, water chestnuts, cilantro, noodles and about three different sauces. My bowl creation proved to

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

19

January 18 to January 24, 2018

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 300

ON A DANGEROUS TRACK NOW PLAYING: THE COMMUTER

deliberate, deadly skills of the star. Director Jaume Collet-Serra squeezes everything he can out of the workman-like screenplay from Byron Willinger, Phil de Blasi and Ryan Engle. See if you can identify the hidden villain before Michael. It’s not that hard.

Fun and satisfying in spite of its B-movie provenance.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: BLADE RUNNER 2049

We meet insurance agent Michael (Liam Neeson) on his regular commute home, which -- after being contacted by a mysterious stranger -- suddenly becomes

anything but normal. New circumstances force Michael is to uncover the identity of an unknown passenger on the train before the last stop. As he works against a ticking clock and speeding train to solve the puzzle, it slowly dawns on him that a dangerous plan is unfolding! Michael quickly realizes he’s unwilling pawn trapped in a criminal conspiracy that hangs like a guillotine blade over everyone on the train – including himself.

This reasonably diverting Liam Neeson action thriller plays with all the tropes – think: “Taken” on a Train -- of the genre as well as the actor’s trademark, calm and Some reputable critic called this latest cinematic iteration based on elements of Philip K. Dick’s iconic story “Do Androids Dream Electric Sheep?” and Ridley Scott’s three -decades-old film adaptation the “best movie of the year.” That accolade is not shared by many serious movie buffs – not just sci-fi fans.

What made Scott’s 1979 movie – specifically the final cut – so remarkable and timeless and universally praised is that it created a new mythology that explored the fundamental question of what it means to have a human experience. I missed the continued examination and dramatization of that central question in director Denis Villeneuve’s visually rich update.

Basically a sci-fi thriller, the new blade runner has LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling)

20

discovering a long forgotten secret that could plunge the remnants of mid-2st century society into chaos. K’s quest to find answers leads him to original blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) who has been missing for 30 years.

If the blade runner world, movies and mythos is of special interest, this new state-of-the art transfer is loaded with a bounty of nicely crafted, relevant, fascinating and informative featurettes, including: “Designing the World of Blade Runner 2049,” “To Be Human – Casting Blade Runner 2049,” “Prologue 2036: Nexus Dawn,” “Prologues 2048 – Nowhere to Run,” “Prologues 2022 – Black Out,” “Blade Runner 101 – Blade Runners, The Replicant Revolution, The Rise of Wallace Corp, Welcome to 2049, Joi and Within the Skies.”) This film is intended as a standalone title that does not require having seen the original, although it certainly helps.

However, if you are new to the dystopian future looming on our LA horizon, the bonus material is as thorough refresher on the issues that matter most in Dick’s dark vision (both on the page and screen).

I can’t think of a more appropriate movie to experience on ULTRA HD 4K + 3D. What perfect match of home video technology and subject matter! Is there anything that can be imagined Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

-----------------------------------------------------

“THE GIRL WHO TAKES AN EYE FOR AN EYE”

BY DAVID LAGERCRANTZ FICTION

----------------------------------------------------ho can forget The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo? Protagonist Lisbeth Salander, the petit, genius, Goth-hacker chick bent on justice, became one of contemporary literature’s favorite characters created by Swedish author Stieg Larsson.

After Larsson’s untimely death in 2004, problems regarding the rights to his characters, his trilogy “Millennium” series and an unpublished manuscript became an issue in Sweden between Larsson’s long-time, live-in girlfriend and Larsson’s family members. However, it seems they have worked that out because the series continues with gusto.

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz – translated by George Goulding – (Alfred Knopf, 351 pages) is the fifth in the Salander franchise. After the trilogy came The Girl in the Spider’s Web which was also written by Lagercrantz.

In this fifth installment, Salander is locked-up in a secure yet failing women’s prison, run not by the authorities, but by inmates and their gang affiliates on the outside.

W

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DRAGON’S VENGEANCE

As is Salander’s nature, she hates injustice and when a Muslim girl is regularly abused by Benito, a notorious inmate, Salander must step in. Benito is twice Salander’s height and three times her weight, but nonetheless, Salander brings the monster abuser down.

At the same time, Salander has set her helpers -- her attorney, caseworkers and journalist pal Mikael Blomkvist, to assist the Muslim girl who was wrongfully convicted, and also find the people responsible for Salander’s troubled childhood.

Once Benito is crushed – literally-- and sent out of the prison, Salander finds she is the target of Benito’s criminal network.

Unfazed by the threats, Salander is much more interested in uncovering the facts of the horrible children’s adoption program she was forced into as an orphan by government officials. She wants the mastermind of the “Registry” aka Project 9, where they separated twins to determine the effects of nurture versus nature.

Like no one else can, Salander, along with assistance from her pals, hacks and tracks those responsible for dividing families and then seeks her revenge.

While discovering those who her hurt most, Salander is also able to restore the Muslim girl’s freedom after proving the girl’s brothers guilty of murder.

I have always liked the kick-ass nature of Lisbeth Salander. Smart and tough, she can take a beating and get up and still do damage

January 18 to January 24, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

– if not physically then electronically.

Salander is released from prison on her own reconnaissance for reasons that are not clear. But, it hardly matters because, one, certainly she was unfairly convicted, and two, she needs to get her hands –literally-on those horrible people who destroyed the lives of so many children. And that is exactly what Salander does. She hunts down the menacing, evil villain doctor Rakel Greitz.

The entire story takes place over ten days. The narrative is well-constructed and is engaging. For new readers in this series it is not necessary to know the returning characters from previous books. However, as in any serial series, it is fun to revisit the many quirky characters, get re-acquainted, and see what they are up to now. In fact, the author includes a “Continuing Characters in the Millennium Series” index in the books opening pages.

There is a revelation about Salander’s magnificent dragon tattoo, which was a nice surprise. I appreciated Salander’s point of

view as she described the first time she saw the statue of Saint George killing the dragon in a Stockholm cathedral. She identified with the dragon as it struggled to live under the sword.

I was most caught-up with the monozygotic mirror twins Leo and Dan who were separated at birth and placed in socioeconomically opposite family environments yet still had significant matching talents and personality traits!

The whole issue and debate about nature versus nurture is a fascinating subject that helps drive the narrative. The story makes references to studies done in Europe and the United States, as scientist made efforts to determine if the way children grew up made a difference.

What readers have learned in the Millennial series through the life of Salander is that both nurture and nature indeed does impact kids. But, of course if Salander had grown up in a more suitable environment with the right parents and opportunities there would be no series.

I wonder how many people, Salander included (if she were a living breathing person), would want to change who they are today by reconstructing their past. Maybe some, maybe many or maybe none. Would you?

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

NO FLU FOR YOU!

N

ot you again? I seem to see you everywhere. At the bank, the gym, the receptionist...you were the one disgustingly sneezing, coughing and hacking without covering your mouth. Like a driver texting, you’re placing everyone else at risk.

Is it just ignorance or arrogance?

Flu activity peaks between December and March resulting in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths each year, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

What you should have done once symptoms came on is stay at home and avoided contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or arm when coughing or sneezing. If you are really ill contact your doctor. Most importantly refrain from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings until feeling better. Please demonstrate some common sense!

How to avoid getting sick? Avoid touching your eyes, nose, ears or mouth. Drink fluids even when you feel well. Wash your hands often and clean surfaces shared with others such as keyboards, telephones, exercise

equipment, TV, remotes etc. Eat right and exercise.

And to the food server, please don’t cough on my food when waiting on me. Your Tip: Stay home!

For additional Flu Facts and Prevention visit: webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/ cold-flu-prevention-tips Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17

JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Michael Nesmith and the First National Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Mic 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Gennine Francis 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Live Music 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey and Friends 6:30pm

MON JANUARY 22

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm

AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Goolagoon, Humor Me, Panzram and Not/ Normal 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Courtney Chambers and Friends 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 Motown Mondays 6:30pm

TUE JANUARY 23

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bill and Bob Duo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Gilmore and Bryan 6:30pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

760-404-6325

22

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Strictly Vinyl w/ DJ Richie Rich and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm

SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Trio 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED JANUARY 24

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Nina Tarr DJ Set 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 On Wednesday We Wear Black w/ DJ Sugarfree 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:30-8pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm

CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Cinch 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barbara Morrison Piano 4:30-6pm, Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-2300188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

A

ccording to the National Retail Association, this holiday season saw the strongest retail sales growth since 2011, up 5.5%. Online sales were up 11% while traditional brick and mortar sales were up 5%.

Sarah Quinlan of MasterCard states that most people continued to avoid conspicuous consumption while opting to spend on their homes.

According to First Data, grocery stores saw the greatest year-over-year increases in sales in December, up 6.3%. Shoes came in second, up 4.5% while discounters, luxury goods and electronics all saw sales growth. Meanwhile, clothiers were down 1% with department stores off a worrisome 6.6%.

Amongst brick and mortar stores, Kohl’s posted some of the strongest results with sales up nearly 7%. What makes this particularly interesting is that Kohl’s has eschewed indoor shopping malls for standalone buildings.

Other brick and mortar retailers that had strong holiday seasons included Target, Lululemon and American Eagle.

Target saw store sales increase 3.5% while their online business was up 25%. Meanwhile, Walmart saw store sales up 1.8% while their online business increased by over 30%.

JC Penney posted a 3.4% increase due to strength in fine jewelry (who knew that they had such things), home decorations and

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE STATE OF RETAIL

shoes.

Struggling retailer, Macy’s touted 1% sales growth as evidence that their demise is anything but inevitable. At the same time, they announced the sale of their landmark building in Union Square in San Francisco.

Zombie stores, Sears and Kmart, saw sales decline by 16%. It is estimated that Sears will lose between $200 and $320 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.

Toys R Us, which filed for bankruptcy protection last September, saw sales decline 4.4%.

In addition to Toys R Us, a number of well-known retailers filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017 including The Limited, Radio Shack, Vitamin World, Perfumania, Gymboree, Rue21, Payless Shoes, BCBG, Wet Seal, Aerosoles, True Religion and Papaya (the store, not the fruit).

For comparison, at the height of the Great Recession of 2008, one in six of retail or apparel companies were considered to be at risk of default on their debts. At the end of 2017, the situation was worse with nearly one in five retailers at significant risk of bankruptcy.

Among those in trouble are Neiman Marcus due to $6 billion of debt place on the company in 2013 when a hedge fund and a Canadian public pension fund bought the company.

The company has hired a ‘strategic advisor’ to

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

F

or those of a certain age we remember public phone booths where the caller would put a dime into the receptacle and a call could be made without anyone knowing who made it. When an informant wanted to make an anonymous call to the police they would “Drop a Dime!”

Last week I discussed “snowbirds and DUI’s”. Here are 10 reasons they will probably lose their holiday DUI. The back of my business card warns: Upon advice of my attorney, Dale Gribow, I exercise my Right to Remain Silent until you contact him at 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

My attorney has advised me the VOLUNTARY Field Sobriety & Breath Tests, at the scene, are OPTIONAL (unless one is on probation). Thus I elect not to take them. I want to cooperate and am happy to take a BLOOD TEST. Unfortunately, you are probably the reason you lost or will lose your DUI case by not doing the following.

1. Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver. No matter what you say the police are not going to let you go. Unfortunately it is not only what you say BUT what the officer THOUGHT HE HEARD YOU SAY. Remember the officer does not prepare the report until he goes back to the station and thus they often forget things.

2. Don’t hire a DUI lawyer from out of town.

Though competent, they will not know the local Judges, DA’s and court personnel (clerks and bailiffs) and procedures. Most cases do not go to trial so it is important to know and be

January 18 to January 24, 2018

determine what to do next suggesting that the company will be sold, if possible.

While some luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus are struggling, so too are the 99 Cent Only stores. Like Neiman Marcus, this company was bought by a hedge fund and Canadian private pension fund in 2012. Over the last five years, the company has had five CEOs and five CFOs. Between the debt and a lack of effective management, the company is struggling to survive.

While Vitamin World has already filed for bankruptcy, their largest competitor, GNC, struggled under a hefty debt load, shrinking

profit margins and too many physical locations.

Guitar Center is another well-known brand at risk of failure as they have 18 months to refinance nearly $1 billion in debt while fighting coping with declining sales volumes.

Other retailers at risk of failure include J. Crew, TOMS Shoes, Nine West, David’s Bridal, Claire’s, Eddie Bauer, Cole Haan and the previously mentioned Sears, Kmart and JC Penney.

While Amazon may be considered ‘The Death Star’ to many customer-facing businesses, Amazon alone is not the reason why many of these companies are struggling.

Consumer tastes are fickle and retailers must continue to reinvent themselves every day.

When ownership groups place too much debt on their businesses, it should be no surprise that those businesses are unable to effectively compete in a rapidly changing consumer marketplace.

Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

DROPPING A DIME

respected by the local court.

3. Take down your Social Media/Facebook until the case is over. Social media is the biggest advance for DA’s, who no longer have to leave the office to investigate to find your friends.

4. You or your attorney must call DMV within 10 days to save your license, which would otherwise be suspended 30 days after your arrest.

5. Request a STAY, which freezes the suspension after 30 days.

6. There are issues of constitutional rights at most hearings if you completed a chemical test. If you refused a test, that will be used to prove guilt. You must explain refusals to win.

Do not try this alone as hearing officers are both judge and prosecutor and are trained to cross examine you.

7. Remember the DA has the burden of proof to prevail on all issues or refusal matters.

If the DA meets the burden of proof on only part of the issues, you win as set forth by the law.

8. You must know a DUI creates 2 separate proceedings- court and DMV. The outcome of one does not necessarily affect the other.

9. At a DMV hearing there are only 3 issues after you completed a Blood or Breath test.

They are set forth on the back of the DMV paper you received. The main issue is whether the officer had probable cause to stop or contact you and whether the chemical test is beatable.

The DMV hearing is a PER SE Hearing and if you have a .08 or higher you are per se guilty in their eyes. The burden of proof then, in

essence, reverts to the driver to prove they were not guilty.

We normally do not want our client at the DMV hearing, though they have a right to be there. Most DMV hearings are arguments over evidence, not facts. If the driver is present the hearing officer can call them to testify under oath, over our objection. The hearing is taped so the driver’s statements can be used against them in a court trial. Pleading to the hearing officer because you have never been arrested before or because you are a wealthy philanthropist, who has never had a ticket, will do no good. The hearing officer may pity you but they will still take your license. Hearing officer have no authority to “plea bargain” or deviate from the statutory penalties.

10. The DMV hearing is an Administrative hearing and thus does not follow the same rules that we follow in the courtroom. DMV usually wins over 90% of the hearings.

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.....IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME.....SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER! Suggestions for future articles? Contact dale@dalegribowlaw.com or call 760-8377500.

DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life-(DUI)-2010-18 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating [National College for DUI Defense][National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers] [California DUI Lawyers Association]

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

TWO TO SEE AT PICKFORD’S D’PLACE

H

ow nice it is for movie lovers to have the opportunity to see two current, critically praised films in what must be the most comfortable venue in the CV. Not only is the theater fully renovated with new restrooms, reclining seats, wide aisles, a café with custom sandwiches, wine, beer, gourmet ice cream, classic home-made popcorn and a variety of favorite movie drinks and snacks, but it is the perfect place indeed to while away an afternoon and catchup on the most talked-about movies of the day. Consider these two titles that have been lauded for numerous award considerations.

THE PHANTOM THREAD There’s much to praise in Paul Thomas Anderson’s eighth film (second with DayLewis).

The precision and unrelenting focus of the main character’s work and style is matched by the filmmaker’s craft, especially his eye for

24

detail and telling compositions.

This hauntingly sublime drama makes real an engaging narrative filled with humor, wit and breathtaking romantic tension held together by yet another obsessively informed performance from Daniel Day-Lewis who, by the way, says he plans on retiring from the acting profession.

Set in 1950’s London where famous dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) are the locus of British couture with their House of Woodcock’s distinct, in-demand style.

Woodcock has many women friends who eagerly off inspiration and companionship to the confirmed bachelor – that is, until he meets unbending and determined Alma who becomes attached to Woodcock as both muse and lover – disrupting his carefully tailored life.

Big recommendation for this coolly beautiful movie that explores, examines and celebrates the creative journey of an artist’s life -- and the fascinating women who keep his mojo percolating. A huge plus is Johnny Greenwood’s lush, seductive score.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Luca Guadagnino’s melancholic, sensual and emotional film is a poignant look at the intoxicating feeling of falling in love in a beautiful place.

Timotheé Chalamet and Armie Hammer

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

star in this adaptation of André Aciman’s internationally acclaimed romantic novel set in the north of Italy during the pivotal prewar summer of 1938.

Elio Perlman (Chalamet) is an articulate and gifted 17 year-old who spends his days at the family’s 17th century villa. He indulges his love for classical music, reading and flirting with his pretty friend Marzia (Esther Garrel). He has a good relationship with his dad (Michael Stuhlbarg) a classics professor.

His mom Annella (Amira Casar) is a translator who lavishes on her son the gifts of culture.

One day Elio meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charismatic American seven years his senior working on his doctorate as a summer intern for Elio’s dad.

Elio’s sophistication and intelligence make it clear he is no longer a kid, but already a full-fledged adult, yet there’s a much that remains innocent about Elio, especially regarding matters of the heart.

FILM

In the sun-dappled beauty of the physical location, Elio and Oliver discover the heady feelings of young love that will impact their lives forever.

One day, Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming American scholar working on his doctorate, arrives as the annual summer intern tasked with helping Elio’s father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of the setting, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.

This is much more a story about “pure love” than a “gay movie” as one fan described it. This is a universal story of the most natural of all God-given human instincts as opposed to one of just discovering sexual identity.

Who cannot relate to those first stirrings of longing and desire?

The stunning locations and Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s exquisite cinematography are almost reason enough to see this movie.

Even more impressive is the hard-to-believe fact much of the movie was shot (with one lens) during a record-breaking summer rainstorm!

See both these acclaimed films on one of the big screens at Mary Pickford’s D’Place.

Get tickets online and show the e-receipt on your smartphone when you walk in. Easy does it. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

DESERT BEAT

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY STEVE BROWN

CELEBRATING MARTA BECKET AND HER LEGENDARY AMARGOSA OPERA HOUSE

O

ne of the Mojave Desert’s greatest cultural treasures is Marta Becket and her Amargosa Opera House in the “town” of Death Valley Junction. An artist and performer from New York, Becket chanced upon an old mining company auditorium near Death Valley when on tour in 1967, and she transformed the dusty hall with its leaky roof into an internationally beloved cultural center.

Becket was an inspiring (and inspired) artistic force in the desert up until her death almost a year ago. Originally performing in the auditorium, sometimes to no audience at all, she made the decision to transform the hall into a Renaissance opera house, replete with king and queen, courtiers, church hierarchy, and the high society of the time all caught in the act of attending the opera.

It took her four years to paint the walls, with another two years to complete the ceiling. It is a magical creation that has to be seen to be appreciated.

The Amargosa Opera House saw Becket perform regularly from 1967 until 2012, followed by sporadic performances. Becket, who had turned ownership of the entire town of Death Valley Junction to a non-profit organization, did not have an easy time during her later years. The town had a hotel and cafe in addition to the opera house, as well as a herd of wild mustangs that regularly called for treats from Becket.

Being elderly and the town’s lone resident, she was preyed upon by grifters and opportunists who took advantage of her isolation to bilk her organization of funds, while squatters moved into the hotel, and Becket allegedly became the victim of elder abuse. Finally, the organization’s board rallied and order was restored to Death Valley Junction, but the damage had been done – at nearly the same date that Becket died, a letter arrived from the state of California informing the organization their charitable status was going to be terminated for lack of payment of registration fees and filing of required paperwork.

Luckily, the Board of Directors for Amargosa Opera House, led by Fred Conboy, brought the state paperwork up to date and paid the fees and fines owed to bring operations current. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Marta’s first performance at

the Amargosa Opera House on February 10, 1968, there is a special celebration planned for February 10 in Death Valley Junction.

The program includes highlights from performances over the years, a remembrance of Marta Becket’s years with Radio City Music Hall, Sandra Scheller’s live performances inspired by Becket, a performance of Marta Becket classics by Hilda Vazquez, and a champagne reception and toast.

“There is something so special and magical about performing on the stage at the Amargosa Opera House,” Scheller said.

She performed at the opera house for a time while Becket was recuperating from hip surgery and a broken collar bone. “The light is unlike any other and seeing the wonderful walls again is truly a blessing. I was so fortunate to have Marta as a roommate for a short time while she was staying in the hotel and during the middle of the night we would whisper softly about her dancing and painting days.

“As the caregivers took more control of Marta I was fortunate to sleep in the Opera House when I performed. I felt so safe there closing and locking the doors behind me and staring at the glorious ceiling,” Scheller continued. “Right after each show I saw Marta to say good night and before each show got her blessing.”

Another special moment in the 50th anniversary program will be Red Skelton’s widow, Lothian Skelton’s remembrances and tribute to Marta Becket.

“Marta was such a visionary, so determined with dauntless effort and sacrifice, so prolific and multi-talented as well as extraordinarily talented and inspired to create an opera house in a long deserted historic ghost town ... little by little ... step by step,” Skelton noted. “The vision from mounds of dust and devastation she saw the rebirth of a beautiful opera house where she could dance and sing, compose and write to her heart’s content, creating a renaissance of centuries past. The humor and pathos was, and is, so amazing, taking her audiences into a world beyond their imagination as well as writing scenarios based on the local characters who had never met the likes of such an eccentric visionary artist.”

Skelton said she and her husband first met Becket as the result of a note, and an invitation to meet her at “Becket Junction.”

“We just could not believe our eyes and ears,” Skelton continued. “This creative genius, elegant ballerina, wild animal caregiver and loving human being just captivated our hearts. We loved Marta ...She was elegance in sight and sound personified.”

For those who knew Becket, or who have been captivated by the magic of her creation, this will be an event to cherish. For those who never met Becket or enjoyed a performance in the legendary Amargosa Opera House, this will be an extraordinary opportunity to spend a night surrounded by the people and performers who loved her, and to experience for yourself the magic Becket created. It is guaranteed to be an inspiring evening in a 16th century opera house, in a one-woman town, in the middle of nowhere.

“I feel that Marta is just next door taking a nap and that she is still with us,” Scheller noted, inspired herself by her time with Becket in Death Valley Junction. “Her presence is very strong and she reminds me to never take anything for granted, keep painting, dancing and writing.”

MARTA BECKET 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - 7 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018. Amargosa Opera House, Death Valley Junction PROGRAM Fred Conboy – Welcome and Introduction Tom Munoz – “To Dance on Sands” (original song) Aina Balgalvis – Marta Becket: Her Life

and Art in photographs Ramon Caballero – Marta Becket: Amargosa Opera House Performance Highlights (commemorative video) Myrna Galle Van Buren – Remembrances of Marta Becket, Radio City Music Hall (19491951) INTERMISSION Lizette Elaine Bumbesti – Aerial Marionette Dance (video) Sandy Scheller, “Gypsy” (live performance) – “Life is a 3-Ring Circus” (song) Lothian Skelton – Remembrances and Tribute, Marta Becket (followed by Q & A) Marta “Homage” and Wilget Tribute (video) Hilda Vazquez – Marta Becket classics: Kewpie Doll, Slavonic Dance Champagne Reception – 50th Anniversary Toast (Amargosa Hotel) Tickets for this event are $25 and can be purchased by calling (760)852-4441.

For more information visit: www. amargosa-opera-house.com.

If you go...

Lodging is available at the Amargosa Opera House & Hotel in Death Valley Junction. If the hotel is sold out, try the Longstreet Inn Casino & RV Resort, just across the Nevada border (longstreetcasino.com). Accommodations at the Amargosa Opera House & Hotel are basic, but on site for the festivities.

Plan for about a five hour drive from the Coachella Valley to get to Death Valley Junction. Our preferred route is north on Highway 62 to Yucca Valley; from Yucca Valley to Barstow on Highway 247; From Barstow to Baker on Interstate 15 (fill up the tank in Baker); then north to Death Valley Junction on Highway 127.

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

SPORTS SCENE

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BY FLINT WHEELER

NFL’S FINAL FOUR HAS THREE SURPRISES..

F

our teams are left in the NFL playoffs, and only one boasts a toptier quarterback.

The NFC Championship Game will feature a pair of journeyman passers in Nick Foles and Case Keenum. And instead of facing Ben Roethlisberger in a highly anticipated rematch for the AFC title, Tom Brady will be squaring off against Blake Bortles.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.

Pedigree should have won out, right?

Keenum has played well this season after stepping in for an injured Sam Bradford, compiling a 11-3 record and leading the Vikings to the postseason. But beating out future Hall of Famer Drew Brees? He did it, connecting with Stefon Diggs for 61-yard touchdown pass with no time left – the first such walk-off in NFL postseason history.

Bortles is often regarded as one of the worst starters in the league. But he looked nothing like that Sunday as he made several key throws in the Jaguars’ 45-42 victory

over Roethlisberger and the Steelers.

And Foles, thrust into the starting role when Carson Wentz tore his anterior cruciate ligament, passed for more yards than reigning MVP Matt Ryan (246 to 210) in a solid 24-for-30, interception-free performance. He then let his defense stifle Ryan and the Falcons in the closing seconds of the Eagles’ 15-10 win.

If the remaining quarterback picture was a March Madness bracket, you’d have a Final Four of Duke alongside Valparaiso, Middle Tennessee State University and Fresno St. How, in this pass-happy league did these three teams manage to reach this point with average-to-subpar quarterback outlooks?

There’s a common thread or two here.

The first has to do with the other side of the ball.

The Vikings, Jaguars and Eagles all boast defenses capable of producing gamechanging plays. In both yards and points allowed, Minnesota ranks first in the NFL,

Jacksonville second and Philadelphia fourth.

The Jaguars and Eagles both rank among the top four in takeaways as well. On third downs, the Vikings, Eagles and Jaguars rank first, third and fourth.

That kind of support is huge for any offense.

Rookie running back Leonard Fournette ran for 109 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries against Pittsburgh to pace the league’s top-ranked rushing attack. That kind of performance not only helps establish the line of scrimmage and keeps the defense from teeing off on the quarterback, but it also creates opportunities for the passing game.

Bortles was most effective on playaction passes Sunday. As defenders bit on the run, his primary targets came free for easier completions. A comparable dose of the run game created the same benefits for Foles and Keenum as well.

This approach wasn’t new for either team. All season long, the Jaguars and Vikings have relied heavily on the run to

IRONMAN 70.3 COMES TO INDIAN WELLS & LA QUINTA

I

RONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta to take place on December 9, 2018; general registration to open January 18, 2018. The inaugural event is set to take place on Sunday, December 9, 2018 with general registration opening January 18, 2018. This new event will be co-hosted by the cities of Indian Wells and La Quinta.

“We are excited to expand our offering of events in California,” said Beth Atnip, Head of Operations, North America. “Partnering with Indian Wells and La Quinta allows us to showcase this amazing landscape while also expanding the North American triathlon season later in the year for our athletes.”

The IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta triathlon will begin with a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Cahuilla. The 56-mile singleloop bike course route will then take athletes on rural roads past palm tree farms before returning through the city of La Quinta and into Indian Wells. The flat course provides gorgeous views of the Santa Rosa Mountains but is below sea level. Athletes transition from the bike to the run adjacent to the iconic Indian Wells Tennis Gardens stadium. The two-

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ease pressure on their quarterbacks. Then, their coaches find ways to help them get into a rhythm in the passing game.

Even the Wentz-led Eagles used the run to help establish the offense. But this element became even more significant once Foles took over.

Keenum has served as the poster child this season for what a strong defense, smart offensive coordinator and quality supporting cast can do for a quarterback.

He was deemed ineffective in his run with the Rams and was considered simply a backup when he signed with Minnesota.

But now, as he has found comfort with the Vikings he has gone from game manager to legitimate threat as a passer.

Keenum now will be tasked with replacing that kind of output on the road against Foles and the Eagles, who boast their own strong defense and rushing attack.

Bortles faces the toughest task of the three in proving he can put together back-to-back quality games on the road while trying to keep pace with Brady. The Patriots will try to jump on the Jaguars early and force Bortles to play from behind.

Abandoning the run and expecting the fourth-year quarterback to thrive in that situation might be too much to ask. But did anyone expect that he’d even get to this point in the first place?

BY DeANN LUBELL

loop run course traverses from the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens over to the Indian Wells Golf Resort. The course design also allows for fantastic spectator viewing along the course.

“La Quinta is an active lifestyle city that attracts world class athletes in many sports,” said Linda Evans, Mayor of La Quinta. “We are thrilled to host triathletes of the IRONMAN 70.3 and share the energy of La Quinta with them.”

The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta event will offer 30

EVENTS

slots to the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship taking place on September 8 and 9 in Nice, France as well as a professional prize purse of USD $25,000.

For more information please call Marcie Graham, City of La Quinta’s Manager’s Office, at 760-777-7032 or go to www.ironman.com.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of January 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many American women did not have the right to vote until August 18, 1920. On that day, the Tennessee General Assembly became the 36th state legislature to approve the Nineteenth Amendment, thus sealing the legal requirements to change the U.S. Constitution and ensure women’s suffrage. The ballot in Tennessee was close. At the last minute, 24-year-old legislator Harry T. Burns changed his mind from no to yes, thanks to a letter from his mother, who asked him to “be a good boy” and vote in favor. I suspect that in the coming weeks, Aries, you will be in a pivotal position not unlike Burns’. Your decision could affect more people than you know. Be a good boy or good girl.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the coming weeks, Destiny will be calling you and calling you and calling you, inviting you to answer its summons. If you do indeed answer, it will provide you with clear instructions about what you will need to do expedite your ass in the direction of the future. If on the other hand you refuse to listen to Destiny’s call, or hear it and refuse to respond, then Destiny will take a different tack. It won’t provide any instructions, but will simply yank your ass in the direction of the future.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Looks like the Season of a Thousand and One Emotions hasn’t drained and frazzled you. Yes, there may be a pool of tears next to your bed. Your altar might be filled with heaps of ashes, marking your burnt offerings. But you have somehow managed to extract a host of useful lessons from your tests and trials. You have surprised yourself with the resilience and resourcefulness you’ve been able to summon. And so the energy you’ve gained through these gritty triumphs is well worth the price you’ve had to pay.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Every relationship is unique. The way you connect with another person -- whether it’s through friendship, romance, family, or collaborative projects -- should be free to find the distinctive identity that best suits its special chemistry. Therefore, it’s a mistake to compare any of your alliances to some supposedly perfect ideal.

Luckily, you’re in an astrological period when you have extra savvy about cultivating unique models of togetherness. So I recommend that you devote the coming weeks to deepening and refining your most important bonds.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): During recent weeks, your main tasks have centered around themes often associated with strain and struggle: repair, workaround, reassessment, jury-rigging, adjustment, compromise. Amazingly, Leo, you have kept your suffering to a minimum as you have smartly done your hard work. In some cases you have even thrived. Congratulations on being so industrious and steadfast! Beginning soon, you will glide into a smoother stage of your cycle. Be alert for the inviting signs. Don’t assume you’ve got to keep grunting and grinding.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944) created four versions of his iconic artwork The Scream. Each depicts a person who seems terribly upset, holding his head in his hands and opening his mouth wide as if unleashing a loud shriek. In 2012, one of these images of despair was sold for almost $120 million. The money went to the son of a man who had been Munch’s friend and patron. Can you think of a way that you and yours might also be able to extract value or get benefits from a negative emotion or a difficult experience?

The coming weeks will be a favorable time to do just that.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I think I like my brain best in a bar fight with my heart,” says poet Clementine von Radics. While I appreciate that perspective, I advise you to do the opposite in the coming weeks. This will be a phase of your astrological cycle when you should definitely support your heart over your brain in bar fights, wrestling matches, shadow boxing contests, tugs of war, battles of wits, and messy arguments. Here’s one of the most important reasons why I say this: Your brain would be

© Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

inclined to keep the conflict going until one party or the other suffers ignominious defeat, whereas your heart is much more likely to work toward a win-win conclusion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When he was 24 years old, Scorpio-born Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) was a novice monk with little money who had just learned to read and write. He had spent years as a wandering beggar. By the time he was 40 years old, he was the emperor of China and founder of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years. What happened in between? That’s a long story. Zhu’s adventurousness was a key asset, and so was his ability as an audacious and crafty tactician. His masterful devotion to detailed practical matters was also indispensable. If you are ever in your life going to begin an ascent even remotely comparable to Zhu’s, Scorpio, it will be in the coming ten months. Being brave and enterprising won’t be enough. You must be disciplined and dogged, as well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1892, the influential Atlantic Monthly magazine criticized Sagittarian poet Emily Dickinson, saying she “possessed an extremely unconventional and grotesque fancy.” It dismissed her poetry as incoherent, and declared that an “eccentric, dreamy, half-educated recluse” like her “cannot with impunity set at defiance the laws of gravitation and grammar.”

This dire diss turned out to be laughably wrong.

Dickinson is now regarded as one of the most original American poets. I offer this story up as a pep talk for you, Sagittarius. In the coming months, I suspect you’ll be reinventing yourself. You’ll be researching new approaches to living your life. In the course of these experiments, others may see you as being in the grip of unconventional or grotesque fantasy. They may consider you dreamy and eccentric. I hope you won’t allow their misunderstandings to interfere with your playful yet serious work.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bubble gum is more elastic and less sticky than regular chewing gum.

That’s why you can blow bubbles with it. A Capricorn accountant named Walter Diemer invented it in 1928 while working for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company.

At the time he finally perfected the recipe, the only food dye he had on hand was pink. His early batches were all that color, and a tradition was born. That’s why even today, most bubble gum is pink. I suspect a similar theme may unfold soon in your life. The conditions present at the beginning of a new project may deeply imprint the future evolution of the project. So try to make sure those are conditions you like!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “When one door closes, another opens,” said inventor Alexander Graham Bell. “But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened.” Heed his advice, Aquarius. Take the time you need to mourn the lost opportunity. But don’t take MORE than the time you need. The replacement or alternative to what’s gone will show up sooner than you think.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gilbert Stuart painted the most famous portrait of America’s first president, George Washington. It’s the image on the U.S. one-dollar bill. And yet Stuart never finished the masterpiece. Begun in 1796, it was still a work-inprogress when Stuart died in 1828. Leonardo da Vinci had a similar type of success. His incomplete painting The Virgin and Child with St. Anne hangs in the Louvre in Paris, and his unfinished The Adoration of the Magi has been in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery since 1671. I propose that Stuart and da Vinci serve as your role models in the coming weeks. Maybe it’s not merely OK if a certain project of yours remains unfinished; maybe that’s actually the preferred outcome.

Homework: Report your favorite graffiti from a bathroom wall. Go to Freewillastrology.com and click on “Email Rob.” Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

January 18 to January 24, 2018

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

TRUST

P

BY BRONWYN ISON

lacing your trust in another person is exceptionally valuable. I’m certain you’ve had your own lessons in life. When we trust another person we wholeheartedly give of ourselves. We may trust a person, people, an organization or group. In the event you’ve had a poor experience, it’s likely you’ve been hurt. You may be forgiving and trust them again or you may decide to move on with your life.

In my personal experience it’s always been best that I move on after the trust has been broken. Of course, I’ve been very forgiving, allowed a person back into my life, only to be disappointed because he/she simply cannot control their poor behavior. It may sound as though my feelings have been recently hurt… by all means… not at all. However, I’ve had to learn some tough lessons. I’m thankful I know how to move forward.

This leads me to share some valuable characteristics a trustworthy will likely possess.

Authenticity. They are true to who they are and honest with you.

Consistency. They do what they say and say what they mean.

Integrity. They do good even when nobody is watching.

Compassionate. They place themselves in

another’s shoes and consider their feelings.

Kindness. They show kindness when a friend truly needs their help.

Resourceful. They simply figure it out.

They love too learn. They love to inspire others.

Connect with Others. They align themselves with like-minded people. They appreciate the knowledge of others.

Humble. They are willing to help others before helping themselves.

Available. They are there for people.

Love to help. They will go out of their way to help.

You may struggle because you have a low propensity to trusting others, you have unrealistic expectations or past hurts hold you back from trusting people.

Trust me… it takes a lot valuable lessons to reach the other side. You’ll learn if you haven’t already) to place your trust in the people who value you as a person.

Be mindful, be alert, be selective… it’s ok… because you don’t owe anyone an explanation. It’s your feelings that are on the line. However, I trust you’ll make the right decisions for you.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga and www.bronwynison.com 760-564YOGA(9642).

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

STICKER SHOCK WITH 2018 CANNABIS

R

ecreational cannabis is legal. The regulations being implemented are slow to materialize and in some cases too onerous for dispensaries, cultivators and distributors. Many are closing or going underground due to the prohibitive cost. Seniors on fixed incomes will utilize these noncompliant places because prices have doubled since January 1st, 2018.

Can we make any sense out of the confusion? Do I need my medical recommendation? The regulations say to get a 9% exemption from state tax, a county recommendation is needed. The 25% city tax is still there.

How will the workforce be affected when drug tested? The self-testing kits will be flying off the pharmacy shelves. It is still ok to work with hydrocodone or alcohol in the system but not CBD even though CBD has no mind-altering effects. Read Marijuana is Safer so why are we Driving People to Drink

by Steve Fox, Paul Armentano, and Mason Tvert.

What is cannabis doing other than leading to a mental high? The myths keep being drilled into the public by the media, the government and uneducated people.

They do not know how to get out of the 60’s. The following are some experiences with medical cannabis. How about the relief from migraines with 2mg of THC? Or free of pain from fibromyalgia one hour after taking 10mg of CBD. Or less hand tremors from 5mg of THC. Or a blood sedimentation rate that is reduced leading to a reduction in prednisone from taking THCa. None of these clients are high.

For me there is no more peaceful feeling than lying in bed wide awake trying for ninety minutes to go to sleep and realizing that my restless legs are calm. My body is sinking into the mattress without jerking around and kicking my bedmate. It has taken me nine months to achieve that peaceful feeling. Why has it taken nine months?

Well treating back pain is the most difficult problem to treat.

Everyone has a unique metabolism, we differ in our response, in our ability to breakdown the components of CBD and THC, or terpenes. Some terpenes cause allergies.

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If a product causes the eyes to itch or the nose to drain, maybe it is the terpenes.

Terpenes are in many supplements. The European Union is the only country in the world to test and regulate supplements.

It is hard to find medical cannabis that is purely CBD or purely THC. Every dispensary wants to sell CBD:THC in ratios of: 18:1, 10:1, 5:1, 2:1, 1:1. While 2.5mg of THC is a starting dose. If you do not want to get the mind altering feeling of THC do not take a product that has a ratio less than 10:1 CBD:THC. Adjusting the dose is hard when the products vary in ratios. Therefore I, along with many doctors who teach patients to self-adjust, recommend utilizing one bottle of CBD with one drop being 1mg of CBD along with a second bottle of THC that also delivers 1mg of THC with one drop. This is called microdosing.

Look up Dr. Sulak, from Maine. He has a website called Healer.com which demonstrates with videos how to adjust cannabis and eliminate opioids. If a local dispensary does not have these products, ask for them or purchase them on line made in CA, as some are not legally sold across state lines. Utilizing a cannabis coach is the most effective way to replace opiates, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and insomnia pharmaceuticals.

One final personal note. I would like to share a poem about my ordeal in using cannabis.

Ode to cannabis your spindly leaves grow towards me evoking confusion and curiosity some label you a scourge on humanity lawmakers besmirch you I savor your perfumed oil under my tongue awaiting the unfamiliar state of receding restlessness leaving pain an orphan Request an evaluation from Ruth Hill at hilruth@gmail.com.

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

WHAT INTERVIEWS AND FIRST DATES HAVE IN COMMON

M

y new client Kate, was overly concerned about the results of an job interview she had several days prior. When I asked why she wanted an offer from that particular company, Kate surprised me by saying she had some doubts about succeeding in the position thinking it might not be the challenge she wanted. I raised my eyebrows. Had I heard correctly? There was definitely a red flag on the field.

As our conversation progressed, I realized this millennial needed tutoring on the interview process. Launching into a lesson I started with rule number one: Interviewing is a two way street. An applicant’s job during an interview is to assess the position, the hiring manager and the company culture making sure it’s a good fit. Never be shy about asking questions on managerial style, what a typical day is like in the department and inquire why he or she likes working there.

I explained to Kate it might be helpful to think about the interviewing process as a first date then I watched for a light bulb moment in her expression. Yep, there it was. She got it. The initial encounter with a prospective new mate means finding out more about the individual and testing compatibility. Asking and answering questions to see if there is a match is the same process she should use in

a job interview.

Next I encouraged Kate to do her homework before and after the interview. Prior, study the job description. Is this the type of work you’d feel comfortable doing? Is it challenging enough? When you arrive at the company, check out the physical environment. Would you like working in a large bullpen, or do you perform best in a quiet cubicle setting? During the interview, do your best to impress, but be realistic. Answer the questions honestly so the manager can test compatibility. When it’s your turn, pull out your list of questions and don’t be afraid to take notes.

After you exit the interview, go to a quiet area and do some serious soul searching. An offer may be extended. Make sure if you say yes, it’s for all the right reasons. At this point, Kate smiled and said, “Wow, kinda like getting married.” I nodded, “Yep, or at least a long term romance.”

By the time she left my office, Kate acknowledged she needed additional information about the job. If she makes the short list, she’ll have an opportunity to ask pertinent questions. I know she’ll make the right decision.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com.

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: LIST OF CV DISPENSARIES SELLING MEDICINAL AND ADULT USE MARIJUANA

CATHEDRAL CITY Iguana Collective - Medical & Adult Use The OG Collective - Medical & Adult Use No Wait Meds - Medical & Adult Use Cathedral City Releaf Inc - Medical & Adult Use Remedy, Inc - Medical & Adult Use H.O.T.N. Club - Medical & Adult Use West Coast Cannabis Club - Medical & Adult Use Mother’s Earth Farmacy - Medical & Adult Use Green Cross Pharma - Medical & Adult Use Atomic Budz - Medical & Adult Use DESERT HOT SPRINGS Green Leaf Wellness - Medical & Adult Use Brown Dog - Medical & Adult Use SunGrow - Medical Use only Deseret’s Finest - Medical & Adult Use Green Pearl - Medical & Adult Use All About Bud - Medical Use, Adult Use pending DHS Collective - Medical Use, Adult Use pending IVTHC - Medical & Adult Use

PALM SPRINGS Organic Solutions of the Desert Medical & Adult Use CAPS - Medical only PSA Organica - Medical & Adult Use Palm Springs Safe Access - Medical & Adult Use Joy of Life Wellness Center - Medical Use, Adult use pending Desert Organic Solutions - Medical & Adult Use THOUSAND PALMS CCI - Medical & Adult Use Desert Cann Wellness Center - Medical & Adult Use To find out more about your neighborhood dispensary check online.

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January 18 to January 24, 2018

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