Coachella Valley Weekly - February 23 to March 1, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 49

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 23, to March 1, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 49

Spankshaft

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Pepper

pg 5

Spectrum Art

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PS Dance Festival

pg7

Greek Festival

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Big Pig

pg8

February 23 to March 1, 2017

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Coachella Valley Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

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Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Morgan James Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin, Avery Wood Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Janet Newcomb, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience..... 3 RWB Exp - Spankshaft......................... 4 RWB Exp - Pepper................................ 5 Spectrum Art Event............................. 5 Film - "The Assumptions".................... 6 Breaking the 4th Wall - "Evita"............ 6 Palm Springs Dance Festival............... 7 21st Greek Festival.............................. 7 Publisher's Pick - Local Music............. 7 Big Pig................................................... 8 Wrekless............................................... 8 CV Open Mic Competition .................. 9 Backstage Jazz - Grooves at Westin ....9 Consider This - Jonatha Brooke........ 10 Art Scene - LQ Arts Festival............... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Screeners............................................ 18 Book Review....................................... 19 Safety Tips.......................................... 19 Comic Con Palm Springs................... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene ...................................... 22 Ask The Doctor................................... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Dermatology Symposium ................ 23 Life & Career Coach ........................... 24 Cannabis Corner................................ 24

February 23 to March 1, 2017

SNOOP DOGG TO HEADLINE THE 6TH ANNUAL ALONG WITH PEPPER RHYTHM, WINE & BREWS EXPERIENCE AND THE EXPENDABLES

EXPERIENCE CRAFT BEER AND WINE TASTING FROM A HUGE SELECTION OF VENDORS, COLORFUL ART INSTALLATIONS AND LIVE MUSIC PERFORMED BY FIVE CROWD-PLEASING BANDS.

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he 6th Annual Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience returns to Empire Polo Club’s fields on Saturday, March 4th, 2017. Presented by Empire Music Ventures, the 2017 line-up includes Snoop Dogg, Pepper, The Expendables, Andy Frasco and Spankshaft along with more than 100 breweries, wineries and food trucks.

Craft breweries and wineries will serve tastes of regional beer and wine from 3 PM– 7 PM as guests enjoy performances by American blues artist Andy Frasco and skapunk band Spankshaft on the Tasting Stage.

Colorful and inventive art installations by day will transform into marvelously luminous arrangements at night. Cirque entertainers will mingle with attendees savoring the extensive selections served up in the craft beer and wine gardens.

Gourmet food trucks and regional restaurants will offer a variety of mouthwatering fare ranging from spicy tacos and savory pizzas to hot sausages, thick grilled cheese sandwiches and aromatic Mexican cuisine.

At 7 PM when the tasting portion of the event winds down, the main stage will explode starting with The Expendables. Second in line is Pepper and last, but definitely not least, the legendary Snoop Dogg will finish out yet another amazing Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience 2017.

Tickets & Event Information Tickets to the 2017 Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience can be purchased online at www.RWBEXP.com.

Event Information • Date: Saturday, March 4th, 2017 • Time: 4 PM – 11 PM (VIP ticket holders can enter at 3 PM) • Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA 92201 • General Admission Tickets (show only): $70 per person • General Admission Tickets (including free beer/wine tastings): $85 per person • VIP Admission Tickets: $150 per person • A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation to support pediatric kidney research • Food will be available for purchase • A large selection of breweries and wineries will offer tastings • Wine and beer tasting from 4 PM – 7 PM (VIP Tasting 3 PM – 7 PM)

Photo By Chris Miller

Photo By Chris Miller

• Main Stage and headline performances from 7 PM – 11 PM General Admission includes: • Entrance to the RWB Experience 4 PM – 11 PM • Unlimited tastes of beer or wine 4 PM – 7 PM • Souvenir tasting glass • Free parking VIP Pass includes: • Entrance to the RWB Experience 3 PM - 11 PM • Unlimited tastings of beer or wine 3 PM – 6:45 PM • Access to VIP Tasting Lounge 3 PM – 7 PM • Access to the Locale Magazine VIP Lounge and Bar • Souvenir tasting glass • VIP parking • Invitation to Friday night Bottle Share and Kick-off Party *VIP Admission includes access to VIP tasting area with specialty wine and beer not available in the general tasting area, and complementary food. VIP admission also includes access to a second Locale Magazine VIP Lounge with a full bar adjacent to the main stage.

RWBE Schedule: Gates Open 3 PM VIP 4 PM General Admission Wine & Beer Tasting 3 PM – 7 PM Tasting Garden Stage 4 – 7 PM Andy Frasco Spankshaft Main Stage 7 PM – Close The Expendables Pepper Snoop Dogg

Locale Magazine VIP Bottle Share & Kickoff Party On Friday, March 3rd, the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience will host the Locale Magazine VIP Bottle Share and Kick-off Party in the Hacienda del Toro garden at Empire Polo Club. This event is exclusively for VIP ticket holders, vendors, campers and media.

VIP guests each bring a bottle of a unique craft beer to share with the other VIP guests.

It’s a great opportunity to meet people and discover new craft beers while enjoying live music. For more details about the Locale Magazine VIP Bottle Share & Kick-off Party, visit www.rwbexp.com.

RV & Tent Camping On-site RV and tent camping will be available. Fees include two days of camping: Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th.

Visit www.rwbexp.com for more details about camping on-site.

Buy one night and get the second night FREE. • 10’x30’ Tent Campsites are $40 • RV Campsites are $125 Tickets can be purchased online at www.

RWBEXP.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free. Ticket holders must be 21 years of age or older and show a valid ID to taste beer and wine.

Directions to the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience at Empire Polo Club: From I-10 take the Monroe St. exit and head south on Monroe St. Follow the parking signs between Ave. 50 and 51 lots along Monroe St. Event Location Empire Polo Club 81-800 Ave. 51, Indio, CA 92201 Contact Information info@rwbexp.com www.rwbexp.com

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

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RHYTHM,WINE&BREWS

BY MORGAN JAMES

SPANKSHAFT PERFORMING AT THIS YEAR’S RHYTHM, WINE & BREWS EXPERIENCE

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pankshaft has become a common name in the Coachella Valley and high desert music scenes over the last eight years. With a distinct ska horn section, compelling lyrics, and catchy musical hooks, the members of Spankshaft have mastered the art of songwriting. With their energetic performances live on stage, the band has simultaneously mastered the art of crowd pleasing. It’s no wonder Spankshaft has been chosen to play at this year’s Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience alongside some heavy musical hitters including Snoop Dogg, Pepper, The Expendables, and Andy Frasco. This six piece group currently includes Brandon Simpson on lead guitar and lead vocals, Brent Simpson on bass and backing vocals, Russell Waldron on drums, Joel Daniel on Trombone, Jason Underwood on Saxophone, and Bill Barrett on Trumpet. I spoke with the band after practice about their new members, new music, and upcoming show.

MJ: With such an extensive career so far, tell me what Spankshaft has been up to as of late?

Russell: “Right now we have been training a few horn players and getting that section in shape while playing a few local gigs and festivals. We played the Balloon Festival in Cat City and just played at the Date Shed with Fishbone. Plus we are recording in the studio for the new album.”

MJ: Let’s hear from your new horn section. How do you guys feel about playing in Spankshaft?

Joel: “It has been a dream playing with these guys. About a year ago I was saying that all of my life’s problems would be solved and my world would be complete if I could just play in a ska band. Six months later they let me join them.”

Jason: “I am super stoked that these guys let me join. I have been playing for a long time and was in a ska band about 10 years ago. I have been working with Spankshaft for about 3 months now and this is a nice culmination of all of the work I have done over the years. I am super stoked about playing the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience coming up.”

MJ: Tell me about the new album that you are recording?

Brent: “Yeah we are really taking our time with the new recording to make it sound perfecto. We are reworking some old songs and perfecting some new songs.”

Brandon: “When we first started in 2009,

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2010 we had recorded some songs at home that didn’t make it onto the Great Job EP, so we are reworking these to put them on the new album. They are really turning in to something phenomenal.”

Russell: “We are in the process of recording the new songs. We are about three quarters of the way done with about 4 or 5 songs. We are recording with Paul Francis from Get Right Studios in Yucca Valley. We were hoping to get it out this last Fall, but we just have so much to add to it that it has taken quite a bit of time, but it is going to be really great, we are really happy with it.”

MJ: What inspired the writing on this new album?

Brandon: “We wrote a lot of songs about what has gone on with the band in the last few years. We had some friends come and some friends go and there was a time when everything was up in the air and we didn’t know what our sound was going to be. So the music is really about figuring all of that out.

Realizing that some people go the traditional route and get married and have kids and then some people just chase their dreams their whole lives. So that is really the premise for the album, which will be titled Beasts and Godesses.”

MJ: Tell me how you feel about playing at the upcoming Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience this March 4th?

Brandon: “It is the first time we are playing that gig and we are really excited about it.”

Brent: “It’s a trip because last year I was a lowly beer pourer there. At the time I thought ‘one day I will play on that stage’ but I can’t even believe that just the next year we are playing it and with Snoop Dogg no less.”

Russell: “Oh yeah, and we will have some freshies, new songs the audience will hear in the set, about four or five. We also hired a videographer specifically to film it for a music video so if you want to be in it you can run to the front of the stage and skank your butts off.

We will also be debuting our new t-shirts at the festival so get them there before anyone else. Then of course if any are left, we will have them at future gigs.”

And remember Spankshaft always says: “If you can’t skank with the one you love, love the skank you’re with.”

Spankshaft.com Instagram.com/Spankshaft Facebook.com/SpankshaftBand YouTube.com/SpankshaftBand

RHYTHM,WINE&BREWS

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

WITH DRUMMER YESOD WILLIAMS HAWAIIAN REGGAE ROCKERS PEPPER PERFORM AT RWBE INTERVIEW AND COMMENTS FROM RONNIE KING

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n March 4, 2017 at Empire Polo Fields in Indio, California there will be a hiphop and reggae spectacle to behold.

The Rhythm Wine Brews Experience, presented

by Empire Music Ventures, is back and reggae music is taking the forefront. Hawaiian reggaerockers Pepper, Kale Wassman on vocals and guitar, Bret Bollinger on vocals and bass guitar and Yesod Williams on drums, will be joining Snoop Dogg and The Expendables in satisfying the Coachella Valley’s ever-expanding musical appetite. Also on the roster of artists performing are Andy Frasco, Spankshaft and Macho Combo.

You can still purchase tickets at rwbexpo.com.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke to Williams on the phone as he and the band were preparing to “get down” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where the high is in the low 60s. Williams and the band are doing their best to stay toasty. “There’s white everywhere and it’s snowbound! We’re getting a little taste of winter for sure. We can’t wait to come back to Cali and the heat.”

RWBE 2017: “We can’t wait! It’s gonna be such a blast! It’s been a minute since we did a show with Snoop and our boys The Expendables. This will be our first time performing in the Coachella Valley.

The RWBE sounds like such a rad thing. We’ve had friends like 311 perform and we’ve heard nothing but great things,” shared Williams.

“We’re gonna be a well-oiled machine. We love coming to a festival at the end of a tour like this. We’ll be six weeks deep into our tour once we reach RWBE straight balls out rock shows every night. When we get there we’re gonna be like Muhammad Ali in his prime and just well trained. We’ve been doing a different set each night on this tour to give a different experience every night. You’re gonna hear a lot of new music from the Ohana album. You’re also gonna hear a little bit of everything from all our albums and maybe stuff you’ve never heard before.”

“Our friends at King Harbor Brewing Company will be pouring beer at RWBE. They’re making an exclusive Pepper beer especially for this event. It’s gonna be very Hawaiian influenced. We’re stoked!”

On OHANA: “Our most recent album, Ohana, was released in 2016.” Ohana means family in Hawaiian. The term, in an extended sense, includes blood-related, adoptive or intentional family members. “In Hawaii everything is based on respect. You have your elders as you’re growing up, even if they’re not your blood auntie and uncle, they’re still your auntie and uncle,” shared Williams. The concept emphasizes that families are bound together and members must cooperate and remember each other. “In June 2017, we’ll celebrate 20 years as a band. We realize we’re fortunate and blessed enough to do this because of the fans, which is our honor.

We wanted to make an album for them; our Ohana. We made it by going back to our roots in a sense. We got into our studio in Redondo Beach and we just started jamming - just started playing some songs. Kind of like the old school spirit of starting a band, let’s get in a room and jam. That was the approach we took and felt that was the best avenue to make a record for the Ohana. We’ve been a band so long we’ve gone in so many different directions and aspects that we felt like we’ve come full circle with this album.”

On Reggae: “There’s so much out there happening already on the major reggae levels. Transcending would be the main word because it’s getting so widespread. When it started it was such a cultural and regional thing as far as Jamaica goes.

Nowadays, you think about today and events like the One Love Cali Reggae Fest happening in Long Beach, it’s strictly reggae bands from around the world. Bands are creating subgenres. It all goes down to making good music which can rise above anything. Reggae speaks to people.”

“Reggae is also transforming the mainstream. You listen to the radio and you hear a ‘twenty one pilots’ song and there’s a ton of reggae all over it; the upstroke guitar and a bunch of other elements. Reggae is creeping its head everywhere. It’s one of the most positively conscious music movements.” wā e hiki mai manao: “We’ll be releasing an EP later this year and planning a big summer tour. We have our own label LAW Records. We’ve released music from bands like Katastro, Darenots and Kash’d Out. Keep making music, keep having fun and keep making people smile.” ike: “Patience is a huge thing. Have goals and set your sights big but also be realistic about the work that goes into making strides in this industry. It’s a lot of handwork with a little bit of luck. We feel so blessed and so lucky for the people we’ve met. Aligning yourself with the right people and surrounding yourself with the right people in this cut-throat industry.”

“Touring is the one thing that’s never gonna get replaced. I think all bands should concentrate. No amount of technology is gonna take the place of live music and touring. We always knew that when we moved from Hawaii we have to tour. We jumped in vans and we toured. Get out there and go see your fans face to face and always keep in touch with them.

Never take it for granted.”

Who is your favorite keyboard player in the world?

“I’ll give you my top three. It’s Ronnie King, Ronnie King and Ronnie King, ha ha! Make sure you give him the rundown of the drummer’s top three. I love it!” There are rumors that the Coachella Valley’s Musical Ambassador will be performing with Pepper on a couple of songs he played on Pepper albums. “Ronnie will be jamming with us on ‘Stone Love’ and ‘Stormtrooper.’ He always inhabits whenever we’re around. We always try to keep close contact whenever we’re in the vicinity.”

Ambassador King chimed in about Pepper’s first desert performance and the role he has taken upon himself as anchor of the desert

music world. “The Coachella Valley is abuzz! I love reggae. I first started playing with Pepper on their most hyped record, Kona Town and have played on every record since then. I’ve toured with them on the Pepper acoustic tour and performed with them on Jimmie Kimmel.

I’m excited to get on the stage with them in my hometown. Pepper is one of the only reggae bands I’ve made records with. I feel that’s special. I’m fired up to host both of my colleagues,” shared King proudly.

King has also performed and produced music

by Snoop Dogg. “I have over 2 million records sold with Snoop.” Don’t be surprised if King gets up and plays on “Bo$$ Playa” during Snoop’s set.

King is currently finishing up his book, ‘Punk N Thugs: RK Memoirs’ chronicling the era he reigned supreme producing West Coast hip-hop (Tupac Shakur) and punk rock (The Offspring) records. “I’ve done interviews with Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace. I’ll get Pepper and Snoop on there as well. I’ve been connecting with all my former producers and the guys I’ve made a lot of records with and we’re talking about my time making hip-hop records and punk rock records simultaneously.” rwbexp.com pepperlive.com lawrecords.tumblr.com ronniekingmusic.com kingharborbrewingcompany.com

EVENTS SPECTRUM INDIAN WELLS CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW RETURNS MARCH 16–19, 2017. 2ND ANNUAL FOUR-DAY ART EVENT WITH

CUTTING-EDGE ARTWORK, ENTERTAINMENT, AND SPECIAL EVENTS

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pectrum Indian Wells, with presenting sponsor UBS Financial Services, is a juried contemporary art show taking place in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley.

The show will run from Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19, 2017. Spectrum Indian Wells is a four-day fine art experience featuring top galleries, art publishers, and established studio artists from across the U.S. and around the world, along with art talks, special entertainment, and curated projects.

“We are excited to be back in the Coachella Valley for the second year. It was great to bring this type of show to the area last year and we can’t wait to build upon it to make it even better,” said Eric Smith, president and CEO of Redwood Media Group, which owns and operates Spectrum Indian Wells. “We are planning some really exciting elements and partnering with fantastic community organizations—I know that residents and visitors alike will experience something unique.”

Spectrum Indian Wells is where exceptional art meets an equally stunning backdrop— creatively fusing innovative art with a luxe venue and gorgeous desert surroundings. The show will take place at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, a lavish resort nestled against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.

Some exhibitors already confirmed include Renssen Art Gallery from the Netherlands, James Paterson Sculpture of Canada, New Mexico’s Inart Gallery, and New York’s JBIS Contemporary, with mediums ranging from painting and photography to sculpture, glassworks, and more.

Tickets for Spectrum Indian Wells’s Opening Night Preview Party are priced at $50 online and $60 at the door. General admission tickets are $20 online and $30 at the door. Free general admission will be granted to anyone with a ticket to the BNP Paribas Open. For more information on Spectrum Indian Wells, please visit spectrumindianwells.com.

SHOW HOURS: Opening Night Preview Thu. March 16, 2017 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Open Show Days: Fri. March 17, 2017 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat., March 18, 2017 | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sun. March 19, 2017 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

VENUE: Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa 44400 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210 ADMISSION COST: VIP Opening Night: $50 online | $60 at event VIP Opening Night plus 3 Day Pass: $75 online| $85 at event General Public: One-day pass $20 online | $30 at event Three-day pass $25 online | $35 at event Student/Senior: One-day pass $10 online | $15 at event Three-day pass $15 online | $20 at event Children (up to age 15): Free

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

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GINA CAREY’S “THE ASSUMPTIONS”

BY AVERY WOOD

PREMIERS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT CAMELOT THEATRES

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ocal film “The Assumptions” is set to premier Monday, February 27 at Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs.

The film tells the story of a boy named Moses, who is raised by a homeless woman after being abandoned by his mother.

The aim of “The Assumptions” is to “cause viewers to reexamine their thought processes on many common misconceptions,” according to a press release. Its writer; producer; and director, Gina Carey, says, “The Assumptions will challenge people’s assumptions by first causing people to think the best of someone before passing a quick judgement. I will challenge people to love, have compassion for others and be merciful. This movie will ultimately cause people to think about the fact that every assumption we make not based of solid facts can alter yours and another life. Think about it.”

The idea for this story came to her surrounding these messages and all of her films have strong Christian themes at the center of them. “Movie ideas come to me in the stillest times of my day, usually in the early morning hours when my eyes are closed. I will wake up with an idea. I believe they are ideas given to me from my Heavenly father. The Assumptions came to me in order to shine the light on many different issues that we all face in passing judgement

before really knowing the facts, making assumptions and how those misconceptions can ultimately alter the course of one’s life,” she says. Carey believes that the film will be successful in conveying these messages, saying “If I was the audience seeing this movie for the first time, I would leave out of the theaters thinking about what have I assumed in my life... I would leave in deep thought. Definitely a changed person.”

Viewers will recognize local places in the film since “most of the scenes were shot at The Fisherman’s Market in Palm Spring and their executive office,” according to Carey. Many local actors will also appear in the film, cast through The Coachella Valley Filmmakers & Actors Network, which Carey recently founded to further her filmmaking.

Carey is at the forefront of quite a few projects, already having premiered her award winning film “The Unexpected” at Camelot theatres last year and her documentary “Aspire to Inspire” at the Education Tolerance Center in Rancho Mirage, according to her website. She writes, produces and directs all of her films via her film production company Gina Carey Films.

She also writes, produces, and performs award winning music under her label Gico Records; has authored a book for “The Unexpected”; wrote, directed and produced

A STAGE REVIEW OF "EVITA"

“I have one thing that counts, and that is my heart; it burns in my soul, it aches in my flesh, and it ignites my nerves: that is my love for the people and Peron.” - Eva Peron istory is rarely reflected with complete accuracy and substance.

Tales and stories become distorted through individual experience and perspective, which are always subjective.

Eva Duarte Peron, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952 was an enigma wrapped in the veil of politics and viewed through the eyes of those who swore she straddled the fence between Sinner and Saint, often falling to one side or the other.

In celebration of their 20th Anniversary The Palm Canyon Theatre presents a top quality production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award winning musical, ‘Evita.’ The show depicts the life of the legendary Eva Peron and features the incomparable SE Layne in the lead role of Eva. Layne’s operatic voice is breathtaking as she belts out classics such as “I’ll Be Surprisingly Good for You,” and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” She owns the stage as she embodies the character in a role that she was destined to perform.

Webber and Rice’s lyrics and storyline of the musical are based on Mary Main’s biography, Evita; The Woman with the Whip, which drew heavily upon the accounts of anti-Perónist Argentines. This bias is

Christian plays; and was recognized as one of CV Weekly’s 12 most influential and interesting women in the Coachella Valley in 2016. All of these accomplishments were already in the works when she moved here.

“I was already an established independent recording artist, songwriter, producer and playwright when I relocated, so I had no intentions of stopping the momentum,”

BY DEE JAE COX

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she says. “I quickly found ways to continue pursuing my life’s goals within my current community.”

The premier will occur at Camelot Theaters on Monday, February 27 at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. Tickets can be purchased at ginacareyfilms.com, theassumptionsfilm.com or at Camelot Theaters.

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

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obvious in the script, which boils Peron’s life down to a poor girl using her feminine wiles in order to secure love and seduce her way to power. Whether she was a devil or an angel, even a casual look at Peron’s biography would reveal a seriously complex woman whose drive and courage allowed her to take on class and gender issues on a national scale. Peron fought for women’s suffrage and equal rights. She worked with labor unions to obtain fair wages and decent work hours for Argentine’s citizens and she aspired to be her country’s first female Vice President. As is frequently common with women’s political ambitions, her successes and failures were often used as weapons.

She was loved by the poor and hated by the rich and was rarely seen through an unobstructed lens, but she was so much more than a portrayal of a poor girl seducing her way to the top.

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Jake Samples, does an exceptional job in his performance as ‘Chi’, a fictional character who is the story’s narrator and a reflection of Peron’s opposition. In the midst of the adoring crowds, he gives the adversarial perspective and personifies the conflict that Peron faced. One of my favorite scenes was the duet “A Waltz for Eva and Chi.” Derik Shopinski’s choreography was perfectly synchronized with Michael Hadley’s direction and the visual of Peron and Chi engaged in a mirrored waltz without ever touching, was collaboration at its best.

Layne and Samples shared a chemistry in their portrayal of these characters that can most often only be glimpsed by true opposites who are in a battle for their own truth.

Megan Ramirez, as Juan Peron’s (Luke Rainey) mistress and her rendition of “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” brought

tears to my eyes. It was truly a standout performance and made me wish that I could hit the rewind button in order to enjoy it again.

Regardless of the production, The Palm Canyon Theatre always manages to pull together an amazing ensemble cast and ‘Evita’ is no exception. Professional dancers and singers with a capitol ‘P’ for pleasure and perfection. J.W. Layne’s lighting design was especially notable due to how much it enhanced this production. The shadows dancing against the walls of the set provided an element of depth that was subtle, yet impactful. The live musical accompaniment under the direction of Steven Smith weaved together the tapestry for a magical night of theater.

Evita, is targeted for a more mature audience. The subject is engaging and thought provoking and reminds the audience of what this collaborative art known as theater, is all about. ‘Evita’ is currently in production through March 5th, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For Reservations: Box Office: 760.323.5123 - palmcanyontheatre.org Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. californiawoman411.com and lawomenstheatreproject.org.

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

MUCH ANTICIPATED DANCE FESTIVAL EVENTS PUBLISHER’S PICK DEBUTS IN PALM SPRINGS LOCAL MUSIC

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eveloped by Michael NickersonRossi, of Nickerson-Rossi Dance, and Darcy Carozza, of Astonish Events, LLC, the Palm Springs Dance Festival begins in full force on Thursday, March 2, 2017 and runs through Saturday, March 4, 2017. The program is an outgrowth of a similar program produced last February which was very successful, however, it is an ambitious program; exponentially larger than its predecessor and the first of its kind in the Palm Springs area.

The festival will offer a plethora of opportunities to engage with dance, including three separate performances that range from emerging student talent, with family friendly ticket prices, to acclaimed professional works, with a more formal appeal. The festival also offers two dozen eclectic master dance classes over the three days at local studios: Step by Step Studio, CK Dance, and Dance with Miss Lindsay, as well as two classes on the Annenberg Theater performance stage!

Expect unique performance programs that range in style and complexity, vigor and emotion, each with a different focus.

Program names hint at what to expect: Dance Diversity Showcase; Emerging Talent/ Student Spotlight at the Helene Galen PAC; and Professional Concert Dance Gala at the Annenberg Theater/Palm Springs Art Museum. Reviews on the multiple award winning cast of professional performers serve to set expectations high. They include praises such as “highly kinetic, complex... visually exquisite”, “recognized as Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch breakout stars of 2015”, “hailed for complex intricacies and beautifully orchestrated mixtures of artistic movement and emotional freedom”, “International award winner, recognized as a boundary pusher” and “Named Male Rising Star by the

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Italian International Dance Festival”.

Seeking to develop dance appreciation through community outreach, programming includes an entire evening devoted to free public performance on an outdoor stage at Village Fest Palm Springs on March 2nd, from 6:15- 9:45pm and it’s not to be missed.

The Dance Fest offers astonishing educational opportunities by presenting a captivating collection of two dozen master class workshops with skillful, accomplished instructors poised to share invaluable experiences and insights at dance studios located within the village of Palm Springs.

Classes are open to the public and encourage involvement at many levels.

The faculty line-up and opportunity for learning is extraordinary, and the performance line-up is expansive and impressive.

Tickets for all of Palm Springs Dance Festival Programming are on sale now. A number of classes are already sold out, so make your purchase soon. Visit PalmSpringsDanceFest. com for more info, and visit the Palm Springs Dance Fest on Facebook and Instagram for titillating posts, pics and videos!

To learn more about this event, please contact Darcy Carozza - 760.406.1414 AstonishEventsDirector@Gmail.com

21ST GREEK FESTIVAL

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aint George Greek Orthodox Church has announced that their 2017 Greek Festival will take place on SATURDAY, FEB. 25 and SUNDAY, FEB. 26 on the church grounds at 74-109 Larrea Street in Palm Desert from 11 AM to 8 PM both days.

“Our goal is to provide our festival guests with a great experience”, said Festival Chairman George Argyros. “Our motto is “Be Greek For A Day” meaning, come to the festival, experience the delicious Greek food & pastries, learn about the unique culture and religion if you wish, join in the Greek dancing to live music, and be happy and carefree.”

The festival will be offering many of its same past amenities; in addition to the food and dancing, there is a children’s “Fun Zone,” Church tours, vendor booths and lots of shopping. And for the first time this year, the festival will have available two El Paseo Courtesy Carts for festival attendees pick up and drop off from various locations

BY TRACY DIETLIN

stretching from the church to the corner of El Paseo & San Pablo and back.

This new service will assist festival goers and will be operating continuously during festival hours. Saint George Greek Orthodox Church has been holding the Greek Festival for over 21 years and all food is prepared locally by church volunteers. This Greek Festival, unique to the Coachella Valley, is a must attend event.

t’s apparent that the CV Music scene is growing by leaps and bounds at a quick pace. I don’t remember a time, at least not in the last 25 years I’ve lived here, that there were so many opportunities for local musicians. Now more than ever, radio shows, TV shows, print publications and blogs like Visions & Vibez are supporting the local music scene. Non-profits like The Coachella Valley Art Scene are continually finding cool locations to host musicians and artists alike to perform and promote.

Let’s start with the current line-up of Battle of the Bands and Showcases. Tachevah recently announced the Top 10 bands that will be competing in there 2 Preliminary Showcases, with nine of the bands being local including: Elektric Lucie, a bi-lingual, alternative rock band from Indio and Mexicali, who garnered the most votes in the video round competition. They were followed by indie rock band The BrosQuitos who received the second most votes. Other local bands selected for Tachevah are Annabelle Asylum, a hard rock-rap band from Palm Desert; Arek Religa, a La Quinta solo guitar artist; Bridger, a punk rock band from Palm Desert; Daytime Moon, a psych-rock band from Joshua Tree; Generic, a hip-hop group from Shadow Hills in Indio; Kayves, an electro-rock group band from Cathedral City; Shawn Don, a hip-hop artist from Rancho Mirage who has already recorded with Snoop Dogg, and the only band not from the area is The Traveling Fools. The first show will take place at Pappy & Hariett’s on March 23 and the other at The Hood Bar & Pizza on March 30.

The Finals will be held in May and the winner will receive $3,000 in cash. Congratulations to all the bands that made it through!

Congratulations also go out to The BrosQuitos who won the Riverside County Fair’s Battle of the Bands last week, where they received a nice merchandise package.

Also in process is CV Weekly’s own CV Music Showcase with the next preliminary competition being held on Sunday, March 5 at The Hood Bar & Pizza, where Black Water Gospel, Porsia Camille, 5th Town and Avenida will compete, with the winner that night receiving $200.00 and the opportunity to move forward and compete in the Finals to be held Saturday, April 8, also at The Hood. The March winner will join other Finalists; Drop Mob, The Bermuda and Sunday Funeral. The winner of the Finals will receive $1500.00 cash, a merch package, and a one song recording session with award winning producer Ronnie King.

Last year’s CV Music Showcase winner was Bridger, who now will be competing in Tachevah.

This band also walks away with several CV Music Awards in several categories each year. Definitely

the band to watch!

And of course this year’s CV Music Awards will be held Sunday, June 4 where bands and artists will be awarded in 35 different categories of ALL music genres with 15 or more bands performing at the show and several surprise collaborations going down.

Music Showcases and competitions aside… let’s talk about the recent surge of acoustic music venues for artists to perform at. From one end of the valley to another new places are supporting the acoustic artist’s performance.

Several months back, producer, songwriter, performer, Esjay Jones started The Acoustic Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel in PS in the lounge on Friday nights. Because of its success they have expanded to Saturday nights where artists from all over get to perform at the Global Sessions.

This Friday is Rick Shelley and Hannah Mills and then on Saturday, David Macias and Alex Rosales perform.

On the other end of the valley in Indian Wells, the Miramonte Resort is now offering live acoustic music on Monday nights from 6-9 and Thursday nights from 5-8, also in their lounge, with both evenings having ½ price Happy Hour specials. This Thursday night is Courtney Chambers and next Monday is Mark Gregg.

Several other locations like Eureka, featuring Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement, Stuft Pizza at Westfield Mall featuring different performers each week on Thursdays, Tack room Tavern in Indio has Wednesday acoustic nights hosted by Lance Riebsomer and most recently The Agave Lounge at The Hyatt in Indian Wells started having live music with Eevaan Tre performing.

In Rancho Mirage is the River Music Series, curated by jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald from CV 104.3, with Rick Shelley taking the stage this Saturday night from 6-7:30pm.

And let’s not forget the breweries. Both CV Brewing and La Quinta Brewery host live music with the latter on a regular basis. Of course you can always check out our Club Crawler listings to get a weekly update of all the venues hosting music.

Next week we will talk about non acoustic music venues so stay tuned.

But for now, let’s all wish our very own head music writer, Lisa Morgan, a Happy Birthday as she will be performing at Big Rock Pub on Sunday, from 4-8pm at the Open Mic Birthday Bash Jam.

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

BIG PIG

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BY GILBERT WARD KANE

ig Pig is a duo from LA and the desert.

They are louder and fuller than most four piece bands, let alone trios. These young dudes come at you harder than any duo I’ve ever heard. Have you heard of Big Business? They’re bigger and louder. Have you heard of Flat Duo Jets? Yes, I mean the band that inspired Jack White. Well, these guys are more independent than them. They essentially have everything you should want from a duo, only better.

Maybe a lot of the desert isn’t familiar with who Big Pig is, but we should be. Their roots are deep in the desert. The band features Benny Macias and Dino Von Lalli. Dino’s last name may strike a chord with some of you die hard desert music fans. His dad is the founder of the infamous Rhythm & Brews in Indio, and also a founding member of Fatso Jetson and Yawning Man. Dino is also a touring member of Fatso Jetson.

Big Pig released their debut album, Grande Puerco, last year. It was an amazing and loud release which was praised by many critics, and one of my favorite albums of last year. You definitely need to take some time and listen to this release. Also, you will be able to catch them performing live in the near future.

I sat down with them to discuss their origins, future recording and touring plans, and inspirations.

Coachella Valley Weekly: Has music always been a part of your life?

Dino Von Lalli: “Yes, my grandparents were opera singers and my father and cousin are musicians. There was always noise happening in the house.”

Benny Macias: “Music has always been part of my life since I was little, my pops always showing me his LPs and exposing me to live music.”

CVW: When did you start performing music, and what was/is your instrument of choice?

DVL: “I started playing music seriously when I was 12 years old. My first and main instrument was the electric guitar. My first real live show was at “The Buccaneer” in Sierra Madre. I played 2 songs with Fatso Jetson (my dad and cousin’s band).”

BM: “I started to perform music when I was in middle school. I was in the school orchestra and in a small band at the time.”

CVW: How long have you two known each other and how did you meet?

DVL: “I’ve known Benny for about 7 years. His

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pops delivered food to my family’s restaurant every week and his dad and my mom decided to set up a day for me and Benny to meet up and jam. We’ve been in a band ever since.”

BM: “Yeah, it’s been about 7 years now. We met through our fathers. Dino’s dad owned a restaurant and my dad is a commercial truck driver whose company would deliver their product. And they started talking about music and eventually had us jam together.”

CVW: Who are your influences?

DVL: “I’m strongly influenced by my dad’s eclectic musical groups. Melvins, Black Sabbath, Devo, ZZ Top, Queens of the Stone Age, Big Business, Pelican, Captain Beefheart.”

BM: “My biggest musical influences are Max Roach, Buddy Rich, Vince Guarldi and Neil Peart.”

CVW: Was the plan always to be a duo?

DVL: “It wasn’t always the plan but it’s what we did to continue to play together and it’s definitely proven to be a challenge.”

BM: “Yes always.”

CVW: Your debut album, Grande Puerco, was very well received. Have you started writing a follow up yet?

DVL: “I couldn’t be more proud of that record. We are continuing to write tunes, hopefully we’ll have some new stuff by the end of 2018!”

BM: “Yes we have a few songs already written for the next. We are super excited.”

CVW: Are there certain bands you love to play with?

DVL: “I love doing double duty with Fatso [Jetson]. I really think the two bands go together perfectly.”

BM: “There are too many bands, but to name a few, The Kidneys, Fatso Jetson, The Crudes, Knkles, Rumblepak.... too many to name honestly. Haha.”

CVW: Anybody you feel is a perfect match to tour with?

DVL: “I’d love to do some shows with the Melvins or Big Business or Sleep, but I have a feeling that those dreams won’t be coming true for a while haha.”

CVW: Any plans on touring in the near future?

DVL: “We are trying really hard to hit the road soon. But nothing is officially planned as of right now.”

BM: “Yes we are planning a tour. Hopefully it will happen soon. “ Follow Big Pig on Facebook.com/ pigstakeflight.

BY MORGAN JAMES

“WREKLESS” A.K.A . LUIS HERNANDEZ

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nique vocal stylings and catchy, in-your-face lyrics have made Luis Hernandez aka “Wrekless” a fan favorite at the CV Open Mic Competition at The Block Sports Bar & Grill as well as other popular Coachella Valley venues over the last couple of months, including The Village Pub in Palm Springs and Sol Sports Restaurant in Coachella. A seemingly natural performer while on stage, Wrekless surprisingly has only just begun performing his music live. With his positive energy and quick lyrical wit, this rapper is holding his own among more experienced performers, but also keeps a humble and supportive perspective to all he meets. I spoke with Wrekless about his music, influences, and where he is performing next!

MJ: Tell me how you got your start in music?

WL: “I started writing when I was in high school. It wasn’t full songs at the time though, it was more like poems that I would write. Eventually I turned to writing actual songs.”

MJ: What inspires you to write and what are your songs about? Can you explain your lyrical and rhythmic style?

WL: “My inspiration comes from everyday life situations that I have personally gone through, or somebody close to me has gone through. I consider my music raw and uncut with some love sprinkled on it. I try to write a little bit about everything.”

MJ: What other artists have influenced you?

WL: “I like a variety of artists such as Sam Cook, Bob Marley, Usher, Tupac, Biggie, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre... I can go on and on, plus I can’t forget Mary Jane!”

MJ: Since you are new to performing, tell me about your recent live shows?

WL: “We have been recently performing here locally in the valley at Sol Sports Restaurant in Coachella as well as the Village Pub in Palm Springs, plus I’ve been doing Open Mic at The Block every Wednesday for the last eight weeks.”

MJ: Why now? What makes you feel that you are ready to share your music?

WL: “I feel like I’m ready now. My mind is so much clearer. I quit drinking alcohol, which I believe was holding me back from achieving anything.”

MJ: Tell me about your team who creates music with you and supports you?

WL: “My team is a rap group called LowBudget. It’s created by Loc, H, Wrekless, Monch, Coke, Verzo Loco and Rip Youngster.

My stage name is Wrekless.”

MJ: Do you create your own beats? If not, who does? How would you describe the groove of your songs?

WL: “I do not create my own beats. Most beats I get off of the internet and some my boy Loc makes. Our groove is a mix of gangsta rap with RnB and Hip Hop.” MJ: What are your plans for recording?

Where can listeners find your music?

WL: “I plan to keep recording with my good friend Loc until we both come up and get up out of here (the desert). We don’t have an album out yet but we do have music on our YouTube channel “Lowbudget Music”.

MJ: Do you have any planned performances where fans can see you live?

WL: “Our future performances will be every Wednesday at the block for the CV Open Mic Competition and then also for the 420 Sessions coming up on April 20th 2017.”

MJ: Anything else you would like to mention to our readers?

WL: “Thanks to everybody who has shown love and support to Lowbudget.

We really appreciate it. Thank you and we are gonna keep bringing you that heat so subscribe Lowbudget Music on YouTube.”

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MORGAN JAMES

CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION AT THE BLOCK: NEW SESSION STARTS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

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ave you made it to the CV Open Mic Competition yet? If you love The Voice, American Idol, Live Music of all kinds... you will love this show! Each week contestants perform their best song for the crowd and interchanging weekly judges.

The top three are awarded prizes such as restaurant gift cards from Stuft Pizza and The Block Sports Bar & Grill, or movie tickets and more, with the first place winner moving on to the finals for a shot at incredible prizes!

Don’t miss this exciting event.

We begin our new session Feb 22nd with a chance to perform EVERY WEDNESDAY, so come out and join the fun! ALL ages. ALL genres. ALL experience levels.

GRAND PRIZES: *Music Video Production (Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Award Winning Director Chip Miller) *A trip to Las Vegas (Crater Lake Rye Whiskey) *Artist Development Session (Grammy Nominated Producer Ronnie King) *Promotional Photo Shoot (Celebrity Photographer, Rav Holly) *Merchandise Package incl logo design, t-shirts, stickers and more! (Brutal Bee Music Group) I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral City! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M.

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL

GROOVES AT THE WESTIN ERIC DARIUS, LA COLLECTIVE, EAST BAY SOUL

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t’s been awhile since I’ve been able to sit back, relax (key word) and just enjoy some amazing music. Karl and I attended the best concert I’ve seen in the desert last Saturday night. The Grooves at the Westin series produced by Michael Paulo and his wife Terri, (Apaulo Productions) along with his partner Jim Pedone, started off the series with a bang! I can’t believe I was lucky enough to get to see two of my favorites in one night.

Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Rye Whiskey, Rav Holly, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Brutal Bee Music Group, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. Show begins at 8pm.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS to cheer you on!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook. com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 6511911

February 23 to March 1, 2017

I’ve never seen Eric Darius before, but I will again. What an incredible sax player and performer. From his spiffy rhinestone studded sax strap to his classy white cocktail jacket he is every inch an entertainer. He wowed the crowd. He was accompanied

by LA Collective, a talented group of some

of the most stunning new artists in the industry. Adam Hawley is the guitarist who has his second single in the #2 position on Billboard right now (his first single from the same CD was #1 on Billboard for 5 weeks.)

I’ve had the pleasure of booking Adam on two different occasions and he is at the top of my list. I am literally blown away at his talent. He has a doctorate in music. His first tour was with Manhattan Transfer before being stolen away by Jennifer Lopez for her tour. The last two years he’s been opening for Barry Manilow with Dave Koz. With his solo career taking off like a rocket, I predict he will be the biggest baddest guitar player to ever hit the smooth jazz scene. Look out Peter White!

Greg Manning on keys is a star in his own right with the #1 song of the year in 2014 and his latest in the top 10. Darryl Williams is undeniably the #1 smooth jazz bass player and has his own CDs. He’s coming out with a new one this year. Tony Moore on drums rounds out the foursome laying down a funky groove as he does for the “A List” players in the industry.

Their finale was “Uptown Funk,” which rocked the room with such energy it was almost hard to handle. I was in heaven!

Next up was one of my very favorite bands Greg Adams and East Bay Soul. Greg is the original trumpet player/composer/ arranger for Tower of Power and brings that rich full, 10 piece band sound with new original music. I like them better then Tower of Power and I am a huge Tower of Power fan.

This tight band of seasoned pros didn’t disappoint. From vocalist Darryl Fitzgerald Walker to one of my favorites Greg Vail on sax, this was one great performance.

The series is normally outdoors under the stars, but with inclement weather they took it inside for this event. The VIP pre party was a great opportunity to see friends and artists. It was wonderful to sit and enjoy the event in its entirety.

This series is just beginning. Check out the list of performers: Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, and Peter White. For more info visit westinmissionhills.com/grooves.

(Photos by Jack Cohen Smooth Jazz Live) Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com 702-219-6777

9

February 23 to March 1, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“MIDNIGHT HALLELUJAH” DOG RECORDS) JONATHA BROOKE (BAD

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ack in the ‘90s, you couldn’t swing a dead cat without hitting some Female Alt. FolkSinger toting her guitar and unpacking her little black backpack full of angst. They railed about fellatio, mis-characterized irony, thanking India and saving souls. There was such a surfeit that Sarah McLachlan created the travelling distaff concert series, Lillith Fair. Jonatha Brooke was around during that era, but never seemed a part of that tribe.

Jonatha was born in 1964 and grew up primarily in Massachusetts. Both her parents were writers and already had two sons. Completely convinced she would be a boy, they slightly amended their chosen name, Jonathan to suit her surprising gender.

Originally, she planned to be a dancer. From the time she could walk she studied ballet, tap and modern styles. Before Jonatha mastered multiplication she was strapped into toe-shoes.

She endured the endless practice and self-sacrifice, dazzled by the grace and gravity of dance. At age 15 she had a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet.

Her family were committed Christian Scientists, something Jonatha grew up not quite understanding, but accepting. It taught selfreliance but also imposed rigid restrictions.

Music was an early escape. Luckily her parents loved music too, the soundtrack of her childhood included the Mamas And The Papas, Neil Young, the “Sound Of Music” and “Godspell,” as well as the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and a lot of Jethro Tull (courtesy her older brothers).

For her 12th Christmas, Jonatha received a guitar and managed to teach herself how to play the songs she heard in her family’s record collection. By the time she headed off to Amherst College she had become a budding songwriter.

Once at school she quickly teamed up with Jennifer Kimball and the pair played campus coffee houses and local venues as Jonatha And Jennifer.

The partnership lasted through graduation, then Jonatha was ready to begin her dance career and Jennifer went to work in publishing.

By the end of the ‘80s, the duo reconvened and recorded some demos, they changed their name to The Story and signed with the tiny Folk label, Green Linnet Records. Their debut, Grace And Gravity arrived in 1991.

Their sound seemed right in step with the introspection of Rickie Lee Jones and Suzanne Vega, the whimsy and sly humor of the Roches and symbiotic harmonies of Indigo Girls. Jonatha wrote all the songs and together they created their trademark dissonant blend. Rave reviews motivated Elektra Records to sign the Story. They partnered with Green Linnet and re-released the

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

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album in 1992.

A year later the Story followed up their sophomore effort, “Angel In The House.”

Produced by Tommy LiPuma (at this point, an Executive Vice President at Elektra), he was best known for Natalie Cole’s Grammy winning musical necrophilia, “Unforgettable.” Although he came from a Jazz background, he was primarily responsible for MOR hits from Barbra Streisand, Michael Franks and Anita Baker. “Angel...” scrubbed away the duo’s rough edges and added an incongruous Latin lilt to the songs. The album received a tepid response from critics and fans, and motivated Jonatha and Jennifer to go their separate ways.

Two years later Jonatha emerged as a solo artist and hasn’t looked back. She was signed to Blue Thumb, a boutique imprint of MCA Records.

Her debut, Plumb, rocked harder than expected, sometimes veering into Bonnie Raitt territory, but her songwriting was on always point, mixing introspection with surprising social commentary, framing it all with indelible melodies.

Her second album, 10 Cent Wings, doubled down on the winning formula of her debut, and her career was gaining momentum…until everything screeched to a halt. She was in the midst of a national tour when MCA dropped her.

Stunned, she still finished the tour, but rather than retreat, Jonatha roared back stronger than ever.

Taking a page from Ani DiFranco’s D.I.Y. playbook, she started her own label, Bad Dog Records. Then, at the end of the 20th century, she released Jonatha Brooke Live. Initially only available through mail-order, the album proved to be a great success, showcasing her excellent songcraft and wry wit. Despite limited distribution, it garnered positive notices in mainstream publications like “People” and “Billboard.”

The next couple of years were spent woodshedding. Jonatha had relocated to Los Angeles after marrying music manager, Patrick Rains. She played local venues like the Roxy and Largo, honing her latest batch of songs with her crack touring band. The result was her watershed third studio album, Steady Pull. Produced by Bob Clearmountain, (Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones), the melodies and instrumentation were crisp and inventive and the lyrics were witty, reflective and concise.

The album was a hit, relatively speaking, even the folks at Disney took notice and Jonatha was asked to write a song for their animated “Peter Pan” sequel, “Return To Neverland.” 2004 saw the release of the excellent Back In The Circus, and two years later she recorded a live CD/DVD collection, Live In New York.

After years of uniform excellence, there was bound to be a misstep; that came in the form of Jonatha’s seventh record, Careful What You Wish For. Big and bombastic, it sacrificed her trademark intimacy for unsubtle arrangements and boisterous melodies more suited to ‘80s era Heart or Pat Benatar.

But she was back on track with her next album, The Works. Much like the late ‘90s collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco, Norah Guthrie, Woody’s daughter, gave Jonatha access to her father’s previously unpublished lyrics. She matched them to her trenchant melodies. It was an ambitious effort that paid off and led to songwriting opportunities writing for Katy Perry, Courtyard Hounds and the Dixie Chicks. She also created music for Joss Whedon’s TV series, “Dollhouse.” But it was her next project that proved to be the most personal and cathartic.

Her mother struggled with dementia in the last years of her life and Jonatha was her

primary caregiver. When her mother passed away in 2012 she channeled her grief into the theatrical production “My Mother Has 4 Noses.”

An expressionistic one-woman musical memoir, she was sole creator, writing the book, music and lyrics. The show focused their tough but tender final years together. Poignant, humorous and heart-breaking the show played Off-Broadway and was recorded for a CD that came out in 2014.

Now she is back with a more conventional effort, her 10th solo album, Midnight Hallelujah.

The record opens with the one-two punch of “Put The Gun Down” and “Hashtag Lullaby,” each song makes the political personal. “…Gun” features sweet acoustic arpeggios layered over wiry electric riffs, plangent piano and snap-back snare drum/high hat rhythm. The lyrics have that ripped-from-the-headlines quality as Jonatha tries to talk down a narcissist with a gun, by trying to understand his issues; “Was your daddy mean, your mama couldn’t be saved/No one keeping you clean, or is it just attention that you crave?”

On “Hashtag...” skronky guitar and honking Jews-harp dovetail over tinkling piano and a rocksteady beat. The lyrics were inspired by Jill Leovy’s book, “Ghettoside,” which chronicled the work of L.A. detectives trying to solve drug murders, kid murders, and gang killings. A detective on the case explains his dedication by noting every criminal started as a baby. Jonatha expands on that thought with this cogent couplet: “Everybody was somebody’s baby, every baby’s got some kind of destiny/Who we once were is not who we may be, everybody is somebody’s baby.”

This album is suffused with joy and sorrow, but it’s obvious that the passing of her mom, Nancy Lee Stone, still cuts close to the bone. “Light Years” unfurls like a sonata of filial heartbreak. Rippling piano notes connects with a string section that swoops and soars as she parses her mother’s legacy. “In a blue folder addressed to me you left your final statement/All the despair and complicity, you finally said the things you really meant.” She breaks down the contradictions of grief, concluding we never really fully let go of a parent, even as they’ve slipped the temporal bonds of earth.

As slow as molasses, “I’ve Got Nothing” also (to paraphrase Mr. Mojo-Risin from the Doors), wallows in the mire. Hushed acoustic guitar feels so close, the fingers on frets is audible. Soon lush Hammond B3, whispery backing vocals and smoky harmonica chime in. Sparring with an ex, over their broken relationship, she holds her sadness close, like emotional armor. But a glimmer of hope escapes; “Someday I’ll turn this wreck around, I’ll wear bright colors make a joyful sound/I’ll call you ‘just because,’ sometime, we’ll reminisce and say it’s fine that I was yours and you were mine, won’t that be something.”

The tender lament of “Nothing Hurts Like Love Hurts” cloaks the melancholy in a wistful melody. Here she dissects the dichotomy of love over shimmery cello, lilting accordion and lowing

clarinet; “There’s not a day I don’t miss you, not a day I don’t hate you too/My toxic, exquisite, desperate mess it was always you.”

It’s clear that organized religion continues to confound and mystify Jonatha. On two songs, “Mean Looking Jesus” and “Midnight Hallelujah,” she juxtaposes humor and sensuality to underscore her ambivalence. “…. Jesus” is anchored by a jack-boot stomp, growly bass lines, bleating organ and blistering guitar. The melody is uncharacteristically flatfooted, but that serves to accentuate the black and white nature of blind faith, there’s really no room for gray areas. “In the darkness, in the end despair, everything you learned by rote will leave you hanging there/Yes he is mysterious he never saved you yet, why he is forsaking you is anybody’s guess/That’s a mean looking Jesus hanging on your wall…hanging from that marble cross, glaring down the hall.”

The title track is a little more playful, the opening notes of the pliant melody share some musical DNA with Sting’s “Shape Of My Heart.”

Over sprightly banjo, a wash of keys, Gospel-y backing vocals and a boomerang beat she equates carnality with spirituality. Sex=salvation, well almost, as she easily admits “I’m a tongue-tied Black-Belt sinner running with the saints.”

Two tracks here, “You & I” and “Too Much Happiness,” feel flat-out joyful. The former is sleek and propulsive, a wheezy accordion and tick-tock rhythm gives the song a loping Chanson quality.

As she revels in a yin-yang relationship, “you are my north wind, I am your south wind, you be my teardrop, I’ll be your cloud/You kiss my future I’ll kiss your past,” the tempo accelerates, gathering speed. It’s a giddy ride.

The latter is more bare bones, but still ethereal. Delicate acoustic guitar chords wrap around spiraling electric riffs and a walking bass line. A sweet encomium to her marriage, it seems almost too good to be true. “Life’s too short for this much love, so I’ll swear it on the stars, I’ll be here forever, wherever you are.”

Occasionally Jonatha will address a song to old (imaginary?) friends, a framing device Joni Mitchell used on “Song For Sharon.” On “10 Cent Wings” there was “Annie,” addressing an old friend who has fallen on hard times. With “Sally,” from the Back In The Circus album, she measures her artistic accomplishments with her friend’s more conventional arc, (“Sally you’ll have another sweet baby, and Sally I’ll write another 10 songs…”).

On “Alice” she addresses a friend’s struggle with addiction. Over a click-clack rhythm, supple guitar licks and a wash of keys she notes “the currency of your sweet will is lost behind a little pill.” Offering love and understanding, she ponders the nature of addiction; “And who do you blame, the moth or the flame, the gun or the shooter/The pill or the pain?” It’s a vicious circle.

The album closes with the airy, swinging shuffle of “Really Really Love.” A low-key charmer, the lyrics offer a frisky ode to her longtime marriage; “You’re my favorite flavor, you’re the taste I savor, you’re my missing puzzle piece.” Breezy and Beatlesque it blends Carnival keys, kaleidoscopic guitars and a jaunty whistle solo.

Midnight Hallelujah is particularly wonderful, joining a long line of stellar Jonatha Brooke albums.

Maybe it’s just as well that she was never part of the Lillith tribe, that ‘90s music seems weirdly calcified, too earnest and somewhat obsolete.

She may not be a household name, but 25 years after her Story debut, her music remains engaging, complex and true.

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LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY

MARCH 2-5, 2017

February 23 to March 1, 2017

ART SCENE

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he 35th Anniversary of the awardwinning La Quinta Arts Festival kicks off at the stunning La Quinta Civic Center Campus, Thursday through Sunday, March 2-5, 2017, 10am to 5pm each day.

You will be treated to the ultimate fine art and culture experience with 220 top artists arriving from 40 US States, Argentina, Canada, Czech Republic and Nicaragua to display their amazing original art on lush grass, surrounded by sparkling lakes with a majestic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Featured Artists - Signe & Genna Grushovenko! Partners in both life and art, Signe & Genna have been collaborating for nearly ten years. Based in Greenville South Carolina, they travel around the country, attending fine art festivals and working with galleries. They enjoy receiving feedback from viewers and discussing their work. In fact, they believe they have learned as much about their work from others as they have from actually participating in making it.

Genna begins their creative process by applying rich layers of pattern and tone to gessoed masonite or linen supports. Next, Signe selects an inspiration image from their extensive collection of collected vintage photos, mostly dated from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Signe then draws with oil pastel atop the abstract underlay using the photo for reference, and completes the image with

block ‘panes’ of oil color. The featured painting, “Defying Gravity” spurred the anniversary theme of “Make a Splash” with its cool, reminiscent vibe. Visit their booth #434 and discover your connection to the by-gone moments captured on canvas.

It’s Music To Your Ears! Art gazing will be complemented by fabulous live entertainment; Flamenco Guitar from Milton Merlos Jr., acoustic guitar and vocals by the divine Scott Carter, followed by headliners in the Amphitheater. Horace & the KG’s get in the groove on Friday and lively Mike Costley & Friends will croon jazz standards on Saturday. The Steve Madaio Band will close out the show on Sunday, featuring the famous jazz trumpeter who’s played with music legends like Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and the Rolling Stones.

IAMNOTADJ will spin eclectic mixes of dance, abstract down tempo, and even old classics in the Splash Lounge.

Yummy For Your Tummy! Art may feed the soul, but it takes great food and drink to satisfy the appetite. To this end, La Quinta Arts Festival has partnered with some of the top eateries to offer a primo casual dining experience. Restaurant Row will feature Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fisherman’s Market & Grill and Shanghai Reds. Relax in the Splash Lounge and try some So Delicious Dairy Free yogurt treats. Lighter fare will be available at Island Bar and Meadow Bar, along with well-known vendors E & E Pel’s Italian Ices and Brandini Toffee’s decadent sweets. Stella Artois, the official beer of La Quinta Arts Festival, available at all bar locations on site, will be served beside fine

wines, specialty coffees and other refreshing libations. A new partnership with So Delicious Dairy Free will bring opportunities to sample coconut and almond based dairy alternative, health forward treats! La Quinta High School Culinary Institute is creating a special cake to commemorate the 35th anniversary.

Tons of Fun! New this year – fun and unique experiences (community Yarn Bomb contest) and art installations in the Splash Lounge and throughout the event, presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation’s visual and performing art scholars. La Quinta Arts Foundation has awarded $1.23 million in college scholarships to 376 emerging art professionals from La Quinta Arts Festival proceeds.

Just For You! Celebrate this momentous occasion with us – and take home that unique piece of display or wearable art created just for you! The memories will last a lifetime!

The 35th Annual La Quinta Arts Festival is March 2-5, 2017, 10am to 5pm, at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico.

Tickets: $17 Single Day, $22 Multi-Day, Children 12 and under are free. Avoid the lines, buy tickets in advance at www.LQAF. com. Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self parking options.

La Quinta Arts Festival is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta and Corporate Sponsor Rabobank.

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

DOG NAPPING, A RISING CRIME

I

noticed a beautiful Bluenose pit bull dog tied up to a post outside Trader Joe’s in Palm Desert while shopping there recently. Assuming the owner was inside, I waited by the animal for someone to return. The young man was polite when I told him about the danger of pet theft, and we discussed how this particular breed would be on the desired list of many thieves. He naively believed his dog was safe because he was in an “economically advantaged” area.

The American Kennel Club reports a 70% increase in dog theft in recent years. One woman in New Mexico was arrested and charged with stealing over 50 neighborhood dogs. With so many homeless animals available, why would anyone want to steal one? What are some of the things you can do to protect your pets from this crime? Here are some of the ways dogs are stolen.

1. DOGS LEFT IN CARS There are many reasons not to leave your dog alone in a car, including death from heat stroke. A Coachella Valley resident dashed inside to pick up fast food one afternoon, leaving her automobile running with her two small dogs inside. A thief stole her car with the two dogs inside. Through good detective work, the dogs were recovered. It only takes a second for a thief to force down a partially open car window, or smash a window. A dog can be stolen from a

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locked car in about 20 seconds, less time than it takes you to run that quick errand.

2. HIGHLY PRIZED BREEDS Pure breed dogs attract more thieves because they can be resold for a large amount of cash. The most targeted breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians and Boston Terriers. Sadly, pit bulls may be stolen by criminals seeking to engage in dog fighting.

3. DOGS IN BACKYARDS Keep an eye on them when your dog is in the back yard, especially if you have a doggie door. If you are away from home, it is important to keep your pets inside. If your dog is friendly, a thief can steal him in about 30 seconds from your yard.

4. PETS TIED UP IN FRONT OF BUSINESSES You pop into Starbucks and tie Benji up to a table outside. Thieves assume these animals have a gentle nature and are easy prey. No one even notices when a stranger takes him by the leash and casually walks away. Rather than risk your dog being stolen, risk the ire of the shop manager and take your dog inside when you run errands. Many businesses will not object to your bringing a well behaved dog inside.

5. STRANGERS AND WORKMEN Any person coming into your home or neighborhood can be a thief surveying your property and the pets living there.

Drug addicts, always in need of quick cash, check out the valuable tools in your garage and make a note of your cute Shih Tzu peering out the side fence. They are not concerned about how stealing a pet could break your heart. They view the animal as an easy $100 bill.

WHY DO THIEVES STEAL DOGS? Your worst nightmare when Benji goes missing is to never know his fate. Your beloved dog could end up as bait in a

dog fighting ring, or sold to a laboratory for experimental testing. Drug addicts and petty thieves view your animals as a source of quick cash. Other people may feel justified in stealing your dog if they believe it is not well cared for or running loose in the neighborhood. Other times, taking someone’s pet is an act of revenge.

Keep your pet micro chipped and tagged with identification to facilitate his return if he goes missing or is stolen. Have a good photograph of your pet to use for flyers and Facebook postings in case he goes missing for any reason. Be safe, be vigilant, and treasure your precious pet!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

MEET CHAPS This loveable 20-lb Border Terrier fellow adores his humans, but does best as an only pup in your home. Loving All Animals rescued 1-yr-old Chaps from the shelter.

Contact (760) 834-7000 or lovingallanimals.org.

MEET PERRI This handsome Himlayan fellow seeks a home where he gets lots of loving companionship. 9-yrold Perri was rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org, contact (760) 335-6767

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THE VINO VOICE

February 23 to March 1, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA

A ROMANTIC NIGHT OF WINE

W

ithout a lot of fanfare and planning, last week we decided to enjoy a romantic dinner in, namely grilled NY steak, baked potato, asparagus, and of course some wine. It was the perfect time to open some bottles that have been patient and quietly awaiting their time to shine. Indeed that was the case.

St. Valentines as the theme of the evening, I decided to go all out with two newsworthy rosé wines, the world class bubbly, Moet & Chandon Brut Impèrial Rosè and a world famous still wine, Rosé d’Anjou by Bougrier. And the lucky red wine to grace our dinner table would be a delicious Bordeaux Red Blend from Napa Valley, California: Miner Family Wines, The Oracle 2011 If you recall, I just wrote for Valentine’s Day, the latest Moët releases, the two limited-edition bottlings of the House’s iconic Rosé Imperial, a spontaneous, radiant pink bubbly that seduce the senses: the Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial Emoji Bottle ($49.99) and the Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial Emoji Gift Box ($49.99).

The Brut Impèrial Rosè is a blend of the three wine varieties, with an emphasis on Pinot Noir, embodying a fruity and daring character. A rosè with shades of copper and good intensity. This Champagne displayed lively, expressive, aromas dominated by the scent of wild strawberries. It was fullbodied, with zestful, assertive fruitiness.

Of course, as we expect, this brut rosé Champagne sparkler wonderfully works and succeeds as the apero, as an accompaniment to dinner itself, and as a nice dessert wine.

For you long time wine enthusiasts who’ve yet to experience the Rose D’Anjou from the Loire Valley, we’ll keep that between us. Yes, this is the historic rosé wine that Thomas Jefferson himself sought out on his travels to France. Back then, this was the ultimate rosé.

What makes this wine so notable is that instead of using Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, or Pinot Noir—the predominant red grape varieties in the Loire Valley, Rosé D’Anjou

is produced with the Gamay grape!; your favorite grape that produces Beaujolais down nearby the Burgundy region. Dare we say a Rosé D’Anjou can be considered a type of “Beaujolais Rosé?”

It’s fresh, zesty with strawberries, dry but with just a touch of sweetness. It worked great as a cleanser between dishes and meals.

And now, the The Oracle. The winery writes: “The Oracle is an exceptionally balanced, full-bodied red blend made from grapes grown at Stagecoach Vineyard in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. In Greek mythology, the oracle was a source of inspiration and revelation. We hope that you will find the answers to life’s most compelling questions while enjoying The Oracle with friends and family.”

I also read, “The Oracle is always a unique, never repeated blend of Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec), meticulously constructed by Miner head winemaker Stacy Vogel and her small group of blenders and tasters. It’s this annual air of mystery, among other things, that places Miner Family Winery on Napa Valley ‘must lists.’”

I was in touch with Stacy Vogel for a bit a few months ago to do a write-up on her for our Women in Wine series. She was very kind and invited me up to the winery.

I did get up to Northern California but it was raining big time and couldn’t get there.

Please stay tuned in the up-coming months for my anticipated interview with her— assuming I don’t get lost again.

More notes from the winery: “The 2011 vintage was Merlot-driven, with Cabernet Sauvignon in close second, this Bordeaux-style blend was silky, reserved and supremely balanced.” As to the wine’s description, “Lush aromatics of raspberry and dark cherry with a hint of eucalyptus, it was decadent, but with finesse. Earthiness and layers of dried flowers and cocoa integrate harmoniously into a finely

balanced marriage between tannin and acid, providing fantastic structure.” Ditto that! I couldn’t have said it better.

By the way, the term “structure” in the context of wine, describes the components that form the foundation, or backbone, of a wine. Acidity, tannins, alcohol content and residual sugars are the main elements that contribute to a wine’s structure. Structure itself doesn’t describe the flavor, but it’ll give you some clue as to how the flavors of a wine will age: wines with good structure are more likely to age well.

This wine is one of the best Napa Bordeaux blends I’ve ever tasted. I had a feeling to decant and aerate the wine for a couple of hours, and by doing so, the wine absolutely bloomed. It was such a joy to savor; it brought our meal to world class dining. The pairing with the steak was magnificent.

We’re told that 2011 vintage, due to coldness and rain, was a real “winemaker’s vintage/year”. Special care, attention and winemaking techniques were required to make a wine consistent with the Miner standards. But nothing new here; the Miner brand and their wines continue to set the bar as to excellence.

Check out their great wines and winery operations: minerwines.com. Cheers!

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

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THUR FEBRUARY 23

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 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 Symara Stone 6:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Karaoke 7pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 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 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 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 MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Courtney Chambers 5-8pm 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 Smoky Knights 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Sunday Funeral and Hundred Forms 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Gutter Candy 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 STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live 6pm 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 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

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FRI FEBRUARY 24 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Cej 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Soft Leather 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mark Kahny and Francesca Amari 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Cakes & Brains Album Release Party w/ Sun-Baked, Humor Me, Not/Normal, The Flusters and The CMF’s 9pm BEER HUNTER; LQ; 760-564-7442 Dude Jones 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Bohemio 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm 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 CATHEDRAL CANYON GOLF CLUB;C.C.; 760328-6571 Coachella Valley All Stars 6-9pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Guzman Jr. 7pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DATE SHED; IND; Hardlee Ent. Presents: Whyel ft. Koyote and Tempest 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 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/ Rick Shelley and Hannah Mills 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Reggae Night ft. Irie Junctions 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Peter (Lucky) Johanson 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7pm

LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Champagne Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm 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 CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Chris Houchin 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Lisa & The Gents 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Cody Canada and The Departed 8:30pm 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 Dick Taylor Presents: Tommy Tune Tonight 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM Agave Bluesmasters 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 212 Band 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6-9pm 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 Carmens 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 Reggae Night 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm

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VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 5-8:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 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 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Champagne Band 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 88829 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev 999-1995 Off Da Cuff 9pm & Bill 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Val Fleury NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 11am poolside, DJ Aquarium Drunkard 10pm 8-1:15am AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm 4080 Dude Jones ft. Misty Howell 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Super 345-0222 Roadrunners 6:30pm Sonido w/ Alf Alpha and The Pleyboyz 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, I See Hawks in LA BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Laurie and Bart Ludwig’s Amperband 8pm Morvan Band 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7757:30pm 5566 DJ 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar 6-10pm Karaoke 9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick Taylor PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am Presents: Tommy Tune Tonight 8pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Drum Hall and Tuzzolino 5:30pm Throw the Goat 9pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 7-10pm Guzman Jr. 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The 8pm Bill Baker Show 6pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Blues 8-11pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 8-11pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo Jack Ruvio 6pm 9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-365- SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 6633 Dana Larson & Friends 6-9pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron 8:30pm James 6pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm Music 10pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3419676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Lounge 3560 TBA 6pm Sessions w/ David Macias and Alex Rosales 8pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Ocho Ojos, Nelson’s Bday Bash 9pm Chola Orange and Daydream Time Machine THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

SAT FEBRUARY 25

February 23 to March 1, 2017

TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 TBA 7-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ Bigster 9pm

SUN FEBRUARY 26

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Trish Hatley 11am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Latin Night w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Open Mic Birthday Bash Jam 4-8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm 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 &Friends 5-8pm continue to page 20

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 253

MY OSCAR PICKS ©

I

am not an Academy member, although some of my friends are and have shared with me their favorites -- which always results in a lively discussion. However, I have seen almost all the nominated films except for some of the Animated and Live Action short films.

This column is not a prediction of how I think the Academy will vote. This year I have no strong favorites, and must confess I was disappointed in the widely favored front runners, “LA LA LAND” in particular, which – although pretentious and superficial -- will probably sweep the awards since Academy members have traditionally favored movies about “Hollywood” and film making in particular.

Here then for what it’s worth are my picks -- not that you asked -- of exceptionally creative work in the film industry that deserves attention. This list may not be of any value in the office pool, so please don’t take it out on me if you lose $$.

BEST PICTURE “Hidden Figures.”

BEST DIRECTOR Mel Gibson “Hacksaw Ridge” BEST ACTOR Casey Affleck “Manchester by the Sea”

BEST ACTRESS Isabelle Huppert “Elle” BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Jeff Bridges “Hell or high Water”

BEST SUPPPORTING ACTRESS Octavia Spencer “Hidden Figures” BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Barry Jenkins “Moonlight” BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Efthymis and Yprgos Lanthimos “”The Lobster” BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Rodrigo Prieto “Silence”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE “Fire at Sea” BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURE “Toni Erdmann”

BEST SOUND EDITING “Hacksaw Ridge” BEST SOUND MIXING “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” BEST ORIGINAL SCORE “Jackie” Mica Levi BEST ORIGINAL SONG “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them”

18

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS “Kubo and the Two Strings”

BEST MAKEUP and HAIR STYLING “Suicide Squad” BEST COSTUME DESIGN “Florence Foster Jenkins” BEST FILM EDITING “Hacksaw Ridge” BEST ANIMATED FILM “Kubo and the Two Strings”

I have a lot to say about each of these films and why they are – for the most part -- worthy of attention. But above all, please remember this. Movies matter. They are far more than a mindless diversion from our ordinary and often mundane lives. Great movies help us consider anew who we are and what we’re capable of -- both good and bad. Further, movies help us define our relationships to each other and the planet.

Films are the common pond from which we all drink. Without stories – movies and books -- I fear we should perish. A wise teacher once said to me, “human being crave story above almost everything but sustenance.” Actually he said, “We crave story above everything including sustenance.” Now that I’m older, I have come to believe that’s true. Without a common, shared narrative, how do we know who we are? When we get together, enjoy and talk about movies, we are more often than not sharing parts of our personal experience as it relates to the movie under discussion. Movies can inspire and warn in the most profound and personal ways and that’s a very good thing. For me, it’s the collective experience of movie-going itself that’s the big draw.

When we laugh as an audience at a comedy or scream together during a horror movie, we are reminded that we are not alone. The theater is the secular church where we come to terms with life.

As a point of reference, a movie like Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge” suggests that we are capable of great compassion and heroics in the midst of bloody warfare without firing a weapon. Movies can remind us that we are one tribe on a small planet and if we dare ignore our fellow man we are all doomed.

I may be naïve, but that seems to me like a good thing.

Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

MISFITS AND ODDBALLS -----------------------------------------------------

“HOMESICK FOR ANOTHER WORLD”

BY OTTESSA MOSHFEGH STORIES

----------------------------------------------------s there any doubt that human beings are complicated creatures? A collection of 14 short stories, Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh (Penguin Press, 304 pages), men and women struggle to coexist and live their dreams.

The first story, “Bettering Myself,” finds a young high school teacher sleeping in the back of her basement classroom at a private Catholic school so she can recover from her nightly hangovers during breaks. Nuns don’t mind her puking in the bathroom in the mornings since they too have peculiar morning rituals.

Her students are poor, ignorant and stupid yet admire their teacher. They confess their problems, but she only listens without offering advice or correcting their misinformation. Also, the teacher changes her student’s written answers so they get decent scores on the SATs and state exams.

One day she decides to resign in order to move on to something better.

“Mr. Wu” has a secret crush on a woman

I

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS who runs an Internet café. He is ugly, but she is even uglier. This gives Mr. Wu hope that the two can make a romantic connection.

When he finally gets up the nerve to ask her out, she decides he is too ugly to date.

A young couple in “The Weirdos,” get their room for free as managers of a rundown Los Angeles apartment complex. The girl hates her boyfriend and hopes he never comes home. In the meantime, she shows an empty apartment to a strange mixmatched couple who pay for the entire year in cash upfront. She pockets the money and decides maybe she should move on.

“Slumming” tells the story of a woman who bought a little house for cheap in a poor, run-down community. She spends her summers there and believes they think of her as a “rich bitch.” Her handyman takes care of the house when she’s not there.

He also shows her where to by drugs. She likes to walk into town to get a sandwich and heroine. She thinks the people are fairly nice, but gross. However, she doesn’t mind exploiting their cheap labor and services.

“An Honest Woman,” a creepy, old neighbor thinks he can get the young woman living next door to have sex with him. The man believes he has come up with the perfect plan to get her to come over and into his bedroom. But the girl confronts him.

A couple return after an island vacation in “The Beach Boy.” Celebrating their 29th

wedding anniversary, the wife suddenly drops dead and her husband believes their perfect marriage may not have been so perfect.

A handsome young man decides he wants to be an actor after two high school plays in “Nothing Ever Happens Here.”

When he gets to Hollywood, his eccentric landlady becomes his surrogate mother, friend -- and agent.

“The Surrogate” is about a beautiful woman with deformed genitalia who gets a job working for a Chinese businessman as his surrogate Chief Executive Officer. For a while, her life is very special and she almost finds perfect happiness.

“A Better Place” tells the story of two young children who believe if they kill the

SAFETY TIPS

AND THE WINNER IS?

T

hank you Tracy Dietlin for allowing me to attend the Grooves at the Westin this last Saturday night. Certainly an Academy Award winning performance assembled by Michael Paulo and sponsored by the CV Weekly. The music

by LA Collective with Eric Darius as well as Greg Adams and the East Bay Soul receive an Oscar with the impressive performance that moved us and reminded us of the importance of being kind during these tumultuous times. Something we easily forget, and need to remember right now! Contact the Westin as more fantastic shows are lined up in the next several weeks.

With the Academy Awards approaching, stars will walk down the red carpet and then, a lucky few will have the honor of taking home an Oscar. Each year we honor these actors for their impressive performances—their ability to move us, to bring characters to life on the screen, to communicate something profound.

What does this have to do with you? We have opportunities to put on our best performances every day – it’s a choice. But there’s one thing we routinely do in which our power to communicate is truly profound: being kind and considerate.

As a country and to one another we need to pull it back together and get back on track. Being angry and unhappy comes to your health risk.

Start out with some humility. Be confident but stay humble. We all dislike those people who are so full of themselves. Empty your tank a little and become a little ‘less full of yourself.’

Admit when you’re wrong and just say “I’m sorry.” Is that so hard or is your tank still too full of yourself?

Maintain self-control and discipline. When you place less importance on yourself, you exhibit higher self-control. Humble people tend to know their limits.

Kill Them With Kindness before it kills you.

right person, they will go to a better world.

If there is one common denominator in Homesick for Another World it is that each character is desperate to find his or her place in the universe. Misfits and oddballs struggle to interact with their fellow human beings, rarely recognizing their missteps and misery.

Author Moshfegh brilliantly crafts complete worlds and complex characters.

There are no clichés and she boldly delves into the dark and painful reality of those who are heartbroken by other human beings and frustrated by life.

Sometimes intense and sometimes funny, Moshfegh is not afraid to visit the dangerous and frail side of humanity. Don’t look for plot or fairytale endings. These human beings have rich pathologies that no magic will change. They have accepted their fate and its inexorable path.

These stories feel like the author shed blood on the page. Like a big, bold painting that fills a wall, these stories are works of art that confront our sensibilities.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA Kindness often gets overlooked as a sign of weakness, and to an extent, it can be when it is inauthentic (phony). A little kindness goes a long way! Kindness makes you happier, lowers you blood pressure and stress. When a person performs an act of kindness the brain produces dopamine, associated with positive thinking.

Remain calm and composed. Remaining calm in tough/tense situations can be a challenge, but balanced can be beneficial. Mastering the art of how to stay calm will, for obvious reasons, makes your life a lot more enjoyable.

Stress can lead to heart problems and other diseases. Learn to detach yourself: If you can physically move away from the situation or the place that will be the best, but you can also mentally detach yourself from what›s going on.

Reach out. No matter how much of a selfdependent person you are, at the end of the day you should always have a friend(s) and family you can go back to with your problems. You will be surprised how therapeutic just talking it out feels.

It’s YOUR party cry if you want to: Irrespective of your sex, if you want to cry, just let it out. Crying helps to release that bottled-up feeling and clears the mind as well. You can›t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you handle situations in a way that will have people gravitate toward you.

So extend your hand in kindness and offer help to those who need it. They just might extend their hand back to help you get where you want to go.

Admit you›re wrong when you are and find a way to believe that other people might be better than you at something.

To sum it up, relax and loosen up. Be kinder, more patient and walk away this year with an Oscar, not an Oscar Meyer. It’s a choice!

Now get over to the Westin in the next few weeks and enjoy some good music. It’s good for the soul!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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MON FEBRUARY 27

COMIC CON P.S.

BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm-2am BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Valentine’s Day w/ Eevaan Tre 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm 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 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm

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WED MARCH 1 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Jimmy Street 6pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm, Drag Queen Bingo 9pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, 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 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Acoustic Sessions 7pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm

BY THOMAS NOVAK

MARVEL’S CHAMPIONS: THE SUPERHERO TEAM THE WORLD NEEDS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

I

n the face of the adversity, Marvel Comics has done it once again. They’ve offered diverse cast of characters who deal with both far-fetched and realistic problems in “Champions”!

Written by Mark Waid and featuring art

by Humberto Ramos, the monthly comic title not only features fan-favorite characters like the new Spider-man, Miles Morales, and Kamala Khan (the new Ms. Marvel), but also challenges the entire cast beyond the standard “super hero status quo”.

Picking up after the events of Marvel’s last big company crossover “Civil War II,” Ms. Marvel, Spider-Man, and Nova quit the Avengers to make a real difference; they’re sick of just getting in fights with super villains and then letting someone else clean up the mess afterwards. Rounding out the cast is the new Hulk, Amadeus Cho, Viv Vision (the “daughter” of Vision, the Avenger’s resident android), and a time-displaced younger version of the X-Men’s Cyclops.

What makes this book great is how easy it is for fans to identify with the characters and the conflicts they face, because they mirror what the reader might deal with. Yeah they get in battles with super villains and the standard comic book drama, but they also face real-world problems.

For example, Ms. Marvel is a young Muslim teenager with inhuman powers, living

20

with her family in a post 9-11 America. Spiderman is a black-Hispanic teen, dealing with growing up and trying to find his own voice, on top of living in the shadow of the first (and still alive in his own title) Spider-Man. Nova comes from a home where his father (who claims to have also been a superhero of the same name) is an alcoholic currently working as a janitor. As for Viv Vision, she’s trying to find her identity. She wasn’t born; she was made, and is trying to figure out her purpose in the world. Cyclops is living in the shadow of the man people expect him to be…which is himself. I know it sounds weird, but this younger version of Scott Summers is trying to not repeat the mistakes that the older, more radical version of himself made (like killing Charles Xavier). He is in the process of trying to start his life over. Lastly the Hulk, Amadeus Cho, is a young man of Asian descent. He also happens to be one of the smartest people on the planet, and is out to prove to the public that just because he’s called “the Hulk” doesn’t mean he can’t make a positive difference in the world.

So those looking for a title that not only offers characters which readers of all walks of life can identify with, but also features great art, make sure to pick up an issue of “Champions” today!

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FAKE NEWS

I

s the news that we receive real, fake or in liberal use of alternate truths aka lies? We know (or should know) that most of the news that we receive is biased toward the opinion of the news outlets’ ownership, management or talent.

This week, let’s take a test to assess your ability to spot the true news story versus the fake or alternative truth one: 1) CNN reported that Senator John McCain slammed President Trump’s attacks on the media and said that dictators “get started by suppressing free press.”

2) Fox News reported that Senator Rand Paul stated that the United States “is lucky John McCain’s not in charge.”

3) The Washington Post reported that the State Department’s “entire senior management team just resigned” and was “part of an ongoing mass exodus…who don’t want to stick around for the Trump era.”

4) CNN reported that all politically appointed officers of the State Department were asked by the Trump administration to resign.

5) The New York Times published an article stating that the Trump Administration had “purged” climate change references

from the White House website.

6) Time magazine reported that President Trump removed a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Oval Office.

7) The Associated Press reported that President Trump had talked to Mexico’s President Pena Nieto about sending in troops to deal with Mexico’s “bad hombre” problem.

8) TMZ and BET reported that the Trump Administration was renaming Black History Month to National African American History Month.

9) CNN reported that Nancy Sinatra was “not happy” that the President’s inaugural dance was to her fathers’ “My Way”.

10) The Associated Press, CNBC, CNN and the Washington Post reported that the GOP was rolling back background check rules on gun ownership.

So how did you do? The answer key is at the bottom of this article. Three of these

reports were accurate while the rest were fabricated.

As shown here, consistently objective, unbiased journalism by the national news outlets seems to be a thing of the past as each outlet fights to get the highest ratings possible in order to justify their ad rates.

The best thing that we can do to end this move toward sensationalism and untruths in news is to turn them off. Do not watch.

Pretend that they do not exist. Do not repost sensational news stories on Facebook as there is a pretty reasonable chance that it is untrue. Our best way to resist this movement away from accurate, unbiased news is to pretend that it is not there. Even if their reports make you feel good about your opinions, much of what they report is wrong and only fuels the great polarization happening amongst all of us. Without our attention, their ratings will go down and, hopefully, they will change their approach.

When we look at total average television viewership throughout the day, Fox News

February 23 to March 1, 2017

leads with 1.8 million viewers followed by CNN at 887,000 and MSNBC at 786,000.

The coveted 25-54 year old demographic represented 40% of viewers. In a country of 330 million people, that is not a lot.

During the 8pm to 11pm time period that is the most lucrative for networks, Fox News’ ratings rise to 3 million viewers, MSNBC has 1.4 million and CNN 1.3 million with 35% of all viewers between 25 and 54 years of age. Collectively, less than one in fifty Americans watch these biased cable news networks.

The major network nightly newscasts do much better. ABC averages 9.1 million viewers followed closely by NBC with 9 million and CBS at 7.4 million meaning that 7.5% of all Americans watch these outlets.

Only 17% of these viewers are under 55 years of age.

Answers: 1) True; 2) True; 3) False; 4) True; 5) False; 6) False; 7) False; 8) False (Obama did); 9) False; 10) False.

Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

DOES LA LA LAND RAIN CAUSE MORE ACCIDENTS?

O

f course it does! Any inclement weather can lead to both accidents DUI’s, thus causing our phones to ring off the hook. Though we get very little rain in Southern California, if it does rain it is in LA not PS. Last week it rained like crazy in LA and this time in PS too.

The first rain is often the most dangerous because the oil from the road rises with the rain creating slippery roads.

Last week’s abnormal rain was dangerous for drivers.........especially those that have little experience driving in the rain. As I explained to my daughter when she drove in from LA this weekend, it is not just your driving I worry about. I worry about the car next or behind you that is driving faster and less carefully than road conditions allow.

That car then slams into you because they can’t stop in time.

Furthermore, the greater PS area has more elderly drivers whose reflexes are often slower than when they were in their 20’s. Many of these drivers are used to driving from their home to their clubhouse or market in their golf cart, and not in their car in traffic. Certainly “locals” are not used to the challenges of driving in the rain.

They do not realize they should be

driving slower and leaving more room between them and the car in front because of the slippery roads. They, or the car behind them, may be driving to fast for wet road conditions and following to close for safety.

If an accident happens, my recommendation is to find the best and most experienced PI lawyer possible AND one who has been the victim of an accident him/herself. Until I was rear-ended I did not fully understand the pain and suffering my clients endured. Not only was their neck and back sore but they often developed a fear of driving.

Personally, every time I would hear brakes screech, I would fear another accident and tighten my neck and shoulder muscles. Like me, they might constantly look in the rear and side view mirror when they came to a stop to be sure they were not hit again or when they hear brakes screech.

After an accident their lives are turned upside down and unless you too have been an accident victim you do not realize the impact of an accident. They are constantly in pain. They cannot find a comfortable position to sleep or sit in a chair. They are constantly in a bad mood because of their

discomfort and thus often abrupt with their significant other causing breaks in relationships.

If they have a small child, when they come home the kid puts his/her hands in the air to be picked up........now comes the dilemma. The doctor advised “not to lift anything over 10 lbs” and their kid is clearly more. They fear if they do not lift the baby it will cause psychological issues to the kid who would think the parent does not love them. If they do lift the kid they realize it will probably put their recovery back or cause further injury.

Because you can’t lift any weight you are unable to do your share around the house.

This includes taking out the garbage; lifting

luggage for a planned trip; lifting shopping bags etc. Furthermore your regular golf or tennis game is a no no. Now you worry if you do not play, that the group will find someone to replace you in their weekly game.

Let’s say you have been in an accident... what do you do now?

Call the police and gather info at the scene; contact a lawyer; don’t talk to anyone; go to the hospital or doctor your lawyer suggests and don’t give any statements. The latest admonition is to take down your social media. The insurance company can get free info on you by going to your facebook page and seeing you brag about your tennis or golf game.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life(Accidents) 2010-17 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov., 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

SPORTSBOOKS: BEHIND THE LINES IN 2016

B

efore even looking at the data on sports betting in Nevada, we know that it’s been growing over the years. Unlike the best steak or beer, sports betting can be quantified with financial information and casinos and sportsbook operators have to report this data to the government every month.

Since the info is available for public consumption, let’s take look at sports wagering totals in Nevada over the last 32 years.

There were 52 locations to place a sports bet in Nevada in 1984. That number gradually increased over the years peaking at 196 locations in 2015 and dipping slightly to 192 in 2016.

The amount of money wagered on sports in Nevada in 1984 was $894,564,000 and in 2016 sports bettors put up a whopping $4,509,753,000.

At face value, seems pretty drastic.

However, the increase in how much money was wagered isn’t quite as drastic when you adjust for inflation. The $894,564,000 wagered in 1984 is equal to $2,066,425,620.29 in 2016 when adjusted for inflation. That’s still a big increase, but not nothing that would make the lights on the strip burn out.

In 1984, the sportsbooks won $20,899,000 from wagers compared to $219,174,000 in 2016 and, once again, the increase isn’t quite as drastic when you adjust for inflation. That $20,899,000 would have been $48,276,287.71 based on a cumulative rate of inflation of 130%.

Blah blah, people bet on sports and sportsbooks win a lot. The sport which the books make the most money from is probably more useful.

Here is the percentage of total betting handle (customer wagers) represented by each sport in 2016.

Football - 41.63% Basketball - 30.40% Baseball - 14.69% It should be noted that 2016 was a bad

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year for the sportsbooks when it came to parlays at only winning 4.75% of their total betting handle coming from multiple games on a single ticket. This number has been decreasing drastically in recent years and, based on what I hear from sportsbook staffers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some kind of changes to parlay and teaser payouts in time for next football season.

The next batch of numbers we’ll look at is the percent of the total amount wagered that casinos were able to keep from each sport in 2016. This is specifically how much sportsbook operators in Nevada won from each sport.

Football - 5.39% Basketball - 4.75% Baseball - 3.08% As you can see, the more money taken in by the sportsbooks on a particular sport, the more money the sportsbooks win in the end.

In 2016, books won 17.28% of the parlays placed. That may seem like a lot relative to individual wagers, but the sportsbooks won 36.83% of the parlays placed just two years ago in 2014.

Not only are people wagering more money overall but they’re losing more than ever. This can mean only one of two things, betters are getting dumber, or the books are getting sharper. My moneys on the latter as more and more of these larger books are hiring PHD’s in mathematics and statistics to better gauge an opening line and now becoming more important, the likely hood that the public perception will take the number in one direction over the other.

My confidence in that there is not to many PHD’s in math deliberating the over under in the next Knicks game leads me to believe the sportsbooks winning ways won’t come to an end anytime soon. Be smart out there, the odds are stacked against us.

ASK THE DOCTOR

BY DR PETER KADILE

Dr. Peter M. Kadile is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has an integrative, osteopathic medical practice and is also known as the local, house call doctor; Desert House Call Physician. He is on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and medical director for Serenity Hospice. His office is located in beautiful Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main Street, Suite 207, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 777-7439. DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. deserthousecalldoc.com.

CANCER SCREENING

P

reventive medicine is something that I practice almost every day.

The guidelines for screening for cancer can change and are often confusing for everyone. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a panel of experts in primary care and preventive medicine that reviews the evidence and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services. I’d like to mention some of the screening guidelines that they currently recommend for prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

Prostate Cancer Screening PSA or prostate specific antigen is a blood test that has been used in the past to screen for prostate cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)based screening for prostate cancer. The benefits of screening with PSA do not outweigh the potential harms. The USPSTF does not make any recommendations on the use of the digital rectal exam (DRE) in the detection of prostate cancer. The USPSTF recommendations do not mean I won’t perform a PSA or DRE on a male patient but that screening considerations can be individualized based on a patient’s family history of prostate cancer and if the

patient is having any symptoms. In general, asymptomatic men do not need to have a PSA checked.

Breast Cancer Screening Mammograms have been used to screen for any abnormal masses in the breast. The USPSTF recommends screening mammography every two years for women age 50-74 years. Screening prior to age 50 is an individual one and consideration of abnormal physical findings and/or family history of breast cancer is important. The USPSTF states that there isn’t enough evidence for the benefit or harm for mammograms after the age of 75.

Colon Cancer Screening The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colon cancer starting at age 50 and continuing until age 75. The USPTF found convincing evidence that screening for colon cancer between the ages of 50-75 reduces the rate of death from colon cancer.

A non-invasive method for screening for colon cancer is checking a patient’s stool for blood. The invasive method would be a colonoscopy. Family history of colon cancer and a person’s symptoms would guide which test should be performed.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of February 23

ARIES (March 21-April 19): My astrological radar suggests there’s a space-time anomaly looming just ahead of you. Is it a fun and exotic limbo where the rules are flexible and everything’s an experiment?

That might be cool. Or is it more like an alien labyrinth where nothing is as it seems, you can hear howling in the distance, and you barely recognize yourself? That might be weird. What do you think? Is it worth the gamble? If so, full speed ahead. If not, I suggest a course correction.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Someone on Reddit. com asked readers to respond to the question, “What is the most liberating thought you’ve ever had?” Among the replies were the following six: 1.

“If new evidence presents itself, it’s okay to change my beliefs.” 2. “I get to choose who’s in my life and who isn’t.” 3. “I am not my history.” 4. “You can’t change something that has already happened, so stop worrying about it.” 5. “I am not, nor will I ever be, conventionally beautiful.” 6. “I don’t have to respond to people when they say stupid s--- to me.” I hope these testimonies inspire you to come up with several of your own, Taurus. It’s a perfect time to formulate liberating intentions.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It has been a while since I told you that I love you. So I’m doing it now.

I LOVE YOU. More than you could ever imagine. And that’s why I continue to offer these horoscopes to you free of charge, with no strings attached. That’s why I work so hard to be a playful therapist and an edgy mentor for you. That’s why I am so tenacious in my efforts to serve you as a feminist father figure and a kindly devil’s advocate and a sacred cheerleader.

Again, I don’t expect anything in return from you. But if you would like to express your appreciation, you could do so by offering a similar type of well-crafted care to people in your own sphere. Now would be an excellent time to give such gifts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I like the word ‘bewilderment’ because it has both ‘be’ and ‘wild’ in it,” says poet Peter Gizzi. I propose that you go even further, Cancerian: Express a fondness for the actual experience of bewilderment as well as the word.

In fact, be willing to not just tolerate, but actually embrace the fuzzy blessings of bewilderment. In the coming weeks, that’s your ticket to being wild in the healthiest (and wealthiest) ways. As you wander innocently through the perplexing mysteries that make themselves available, you’ll be inspired to escape formalities and needless rules that have kept you overly tame.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Are you familiar with psychologist Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow?

It’s the unflattering or uncomfortable part of you that you would prefer to ignore or suppress. It’s the source of behavior about which you later say, “I wasn’t acting like myself.” Jungians say that the shadow hounds you and wounds you to the degree that you refuse to deal with it. But if you negotiate with it, it leads you to beautiful surprises. It prods you to uncover riches you’ve hidden from yourself.

I mention this, Leo, because any shadow work you do in the coming weeks could generate rather spectacular breakthroughs.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You could make a vow like this: “Between now and April 15, I will be relentless in getting my needs met. I will harbor a steely resolve to call on every ploy necessary to ensure that my deepest requirements are not just gratified, but satiated to the max. I will be a dogged and ferocious seeker of absolute fulfillment.” If you want to swear an oath like that, Virgo, I understand.

But I hope you will try a softer approach -- more like the following: “Between now and April 15, I will be imaginative and ingenious in getting my needs met.

I will have fun calling on every trick necessary to ensure that my deepest requirements are playfully addressed. I will be a sweet seeker of unpredictable fulfillment.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): How would Buddha ask for a raise or promotion? How would Jesus tinker with his career plans as he took into consideration

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

large-scale shifts in the economy? How would Confucius try to infuse new approaches and ideas into the status quo of his work environment?

Ruminate deeply on these matters, dear Libra. Your yearning to be more satisfyingly employed may soon be rewarded -- especially if you infuse your ambitions with holy insight. How would Joan of Arc break through the glass ceiling? How would Harriet Tubman deal with the inefficiencies caused by excess testosterone? How would Hildegard of Bingen seek more emotional richness on the job?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect you would benefit from acquiring a new bedroom name, my dear. But should I be the one to give it to you?

I’m not sure. Maybe you could invite a practical dreamer you adore to provide you with this crazy sweet new moniker. If there is no such person to do the job (although given the current astrological omens, I bet there is), I’ll offer the following array of amorous aliases for you to choose from: Wild Face... Kiss Genius... Thrill Witch... Freaky Nectar...

Boink Master... Lust Moxie... Pearly Thunder... Peach Licker... Painkiller... Silky Bliss... Slippery Diver...

Swoon Craver.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Soon I’ll be off on my first vacation in 18 months. At first glance it might seem odd for an astrologer like myself to have selected two Sagittarians to be my housesitters.

Members of your sign are reputed to be among the least home-nurturing people in the zodiac. But I’m confident that by the time I return, raccoons won’t be living in my kitchen, nor will my plants be dead or my snailmail stolen or my TV broken. The current astrological omens suggest that most of you Centaurs, at least for the foreseeable future, will display an uncommon aptitude for the domestic arts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The near future will be mutable, whimsical, and fluky. It’ll be serendipitous, mercurial, and extemporaneous. You should expect happy accidents and lucky breaks.

Your ability to improvise will be quite valuable. Do you believe in lucky numbers? Even if you don’t, yours will be 333. Your sacred password will be “quirky plucky.” The cartoon characters with whom you will have most in common are Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner. The place where you’re most likely to encounter a crucial teaching is a threshold or thrift shop. Your colors of destiny will be flecked and dappled. (P.S.: I suspect that an as-yet-undiscovered talisman of power is crammed in a drawer full of junk.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Treat your body like a sublime temple, please. And regard your imagination as a treasured sanctuary. Be very choosy about what you allow to enter in to both of those holy places. This strategy is always a wise idea, of course, but it’s especially so now, when you are extra sensitive to the influences you absorb. It’s crucial that you express maximum discernment as you determine which foods, drinks, drugs, images, sounds, and ideas are likely to foster your maximum well-being -- and which aren’t. Be a masterful caretaker of your health and sanity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What would your best mother do in a situation like this? Please note that I’m not asking, “What would your mother do?” I’m not suggesting you call on the counsel of your actual mother. When I use the term “your best mother,” I’m referring to the archetype of your perfect mother.

Imagine a wise older woman who understands you telepathically, loves you unconditionally, and wants you to live your life according to your own inner necessity, not hers or anyone else’s. Visualize her.

Call on her. Seek her blessings.

Homework: Find a new person or institution you can eagerly and earnestly respect. Report on your triumph at Freewillastrology.com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

February 23 to March 1, 2017

BEAUTY

GENERATIONAL DERMATOLOGY WITH DR. WENDY ROBERTS AND BEVERLY JOHNSON

I

dyllic Palm Springs has always called to tourists and celebrities alike with its yearround sunshine, pristine golf courses and dynamic culture. Now it is also home to what supermodel Beverly Johnson is calling the “fountain of youth”: Dr. Wendy Roberts’ Generational Dermatology Symposium, which occurred Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19 at the Hard Rock Hotel, along with a women’s focus group on Thursday, February 16 moderated by Johnson and Dr. Roberts.

The symposium concentrated on Dr. Roberts trademarked process of Generational Dermatology, which according to her, is “a subspecialty of dermatology… where we practice a preventive approach… what Generational Dermatology does is address the situation before it gets to be a problem.”

Many of the symposium’s presentations during the weekend concentrated on young people, such as “The Anatomy of the Young and Aging Face” by Dr. Kimberly Butterwick and “Peds and Tweens: What is Trending” by Dr. Mona Gohara.

Beverly Johnson acted as the keynote speaker for the event and got involved because she so admires Dr. Robert’s work, after becoming her patient three years ago.

Johnson was looking for a dermatologist and after working with Dr. Roberts, considers her an artist, saying, “I finally found Dr. Roberts ...even with all of the plastic surgeons and all of the dermatologists I had at my… disposal, I was still searching. I was going back and forth to Los Angeles, and finally I said ‘I’ve got to find a doctor here, everybody’s been talking about Dr. Wendy Roberts forever.’ I could tell by the way she touched my skin. It’s an art form to really be able to understand beauty and the face.” Though Johnson was aware of beauty treatments during her modeling career, which started at 17, she nonetheless was “really excited to learn the professional aspect” during the symposium.

The idea for Generational Dermatology came to Dr. Roberts because she wanted to treat her patients more effectively. “When I came to the desert 23 years ago, I had patients who were, let’s say 40 years old and ten years later their skin didn’t look the same; they were aging right in front of my eyes. And 20 years later, it looked even worse. So I said to myself, well this is nice that I’m treating wrinkles and lines and spots and rosacea, but what if I started 20 years earlier and made a difference in their life. That was my ‘aha’ moment, that I didn’t have to be a doctor that treated disease, that I could be a doctor that prevented disease from happening,” she says.

The women’s focus group led by Johnson and Dr. Roberts reflected her ideas and the purpose of the symposium, addressing the dermatological concerns that the women had about aging. It was composed of Dr. Roberts’ patients, with the decades of age being represented, from twenties to eighties. The group was asked questions about the skin and hair issues they were having at their age, what they knew about skin care and where they learned it and who their beauty icons were. The women in their twenties and thirties expressed concerns about acne and dry skin; the women in their forties started to express

concern about wrinkles; and the women in their fifties through eighties talked about dark spots, thinning skin, a thinning face and a loss of skin elasticity. Almost everyone emphasized that they appreciate a natural-looking beauty in their icons and expressed faith that Dr. Roberts could help them achieve or maintain that.

The purpose of the symposium is for Dr. Roberts and her colleagues to educate other dermatologists on the newest techniques in dermatology, including Generational Dermatology. “As the founder and chair of the program, I have a vision of what I want to deliver to the doctors. The speakers are all key opinion leaders in their specialty and these are internationally and nationally known faculty.

These speakers are really at the top of their game and they’re out there teaching doctors all across the nation,” Roberts says, emphasizing that these are doctors who are have new and current technology in fillers, Botox and skin cancer treatments. Dr. Roberts’ vision concentrates on preventative techniques.

“We’re teaching physicians how to go out there and identify the patients who are at risk for all of these things that are coming for them later down the road,” She says. “Aging doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a slow process. You wake up one morning, you’re a 50 year old woman and you’re losing your hair. How did it all happen? Well, you were losing your hair in your thirties, you just didn’t know it. So we want to teach doctors how to hone in on those patients and say ‘you know what, you’re at risk; I see the early signs of hair loss on you; I’m going to treat you so you don’t wind up losing your hair.’”

The symposium also addressed the importance of diversity in the field of dermatology. One presentation, by Dr. Mona Gohara, is called “Transgender Patients: New Demographic / New Needs” and Dr. Roberts wants to emphasize “diversity in every way: age, sex [and] ethnicity,” saying, “Aging is not the same in certain ethnic groups. So we’re going to look into… aging in African Americans, I’m going to speak a little bit about aging in Asians... different skin types. These people are coming into their dermatologists’ and their doctors’ offices with concerns, so we’re teaching safety… and efficacy in these procedures in what we call our skin of color patients. The world is becoming a multi-racial mix… biracial, triracial, that population is growing and their skin has specific needs and has to be taken care of properly and in a safe fashion.”

As for hosting the symposium in Palm Springs, Dr. Roberts says, “This meeting was made for the venue of Palm Springs. Because we’re actually coming into an area where people are aging and don’t want to look like they are. Palm Springs is like… the fountain of youth. People come here and they just don’t age, they look wonderful and so this is the perfect place to have a meeting like this.”

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February 23 to March 1, 2017

LIFE & CAREER COACH

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BY SUNNY SIMON

GETTING OVER A HURTFUL SITUATION

T

horny experiences are challenging.

Bruised memories of a taxing ordeal tend to linger on like a bad dream even after grinding through the pain and discomfort. This baggage not only casts a negative shadow, it takes up space. Living with a past hurt is like having a dreary dungeon-like room in your home so crammed full of unsightly objects you cannot get in to open a window and let the sun shine in.

Ridding yourself of the urge to ruminate over past hurts might take some extra effort, maybe even some pageantry or radical action. Recently I read about a practice called a sorrow bonfire. I never was much of a Campfire Girl but the idea appeals to me. There is power in fire. Take your painful experience and commit it to paper. Trek out to the beach or a campsite and create a bonfire. You might even bring friends along to witness the event. With sincere reflection toss your missive in the fire. As you watch the document go up in flames, reflect on the fact it’s been reduced to ash and can no longer throw a dark pallor over your life.

Sometimes you just need to beat the crap out of a huge hurt. Years ago when I felt my stress and frustration level mounting

I would head out to a local game room.

Upon entering I’d make a beeline for a game involving the use of a soft mallet to beat down pop-up gophers. Smacking those little guys back in their hole was not only a fun stress reliever; I also racked up multiple valuable redeemable points. My next move was to gift some little person with tickets that could be converted into cute stuffed animals. The smiles I received in return were worth the all the money I poured into the gopher machine and left me with a joyful feeling on the drive home.

In her book, “Happiness as a Second Language,” author Valerie Alexander offers up another interesting action to rid yourself of a painful experience. Fill a piñata with fun little treats. Next hang it up and hammer your paper-mache character with all your might as you commit to letting go of the bad memory forever. Then scoop up the delights and share them with others.

Ready to leave your pain behind and move on? Try the bonfire or piñata or any other method that ends in joy. Let go of the hurt. It’s time, right?

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog, lifeonthesunnyside.net

CANNABIS CORNER

BY BIG ED THE BUDTENDER

C.C. RELEAF’S LEAD BUDTENDER

CBD (CANNABIDIOL)

S

o many of my patients have told me that they have been using Marijuana for 10, 20, 30 or 40+ years and have never heard of CBD. Hopefully, I can help introduce you to a whole new side of Marijuana.

CBD and THC are the power couple of Marijuana therapeutics; they work best together. CBD and THC interact to enhance each other’s curative qualities.

CBD enhances THC’s painkilling and anticancer properties, while lessening THC’s psychoactivity.

Cannabidiol or CBD can also mitigate adverse effects caused by too much THC, such as anxiety and rapid heartbeat. When both compounds are present in sufficient amounts in the same marijuana strain or product, CBD will lower the ceiling on the THC high while prolonging its duration. (“Relaxing but not intoxicating” is how one of my patients has described CBD-rich Marijuana.)

CBD broadens the range of conditions treatable with marijuana, such as liver, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, which may be less responsive to THCdominant remedies. CBD and THC both stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, in adult mammals.

There is SO much more that CBD can do for you or your loved ones that, I can’t

possibly fit it all into this one tiny article.

Search the Internet, ask a doctor or ask your Budtender about CBD. I am a firm believer in the fact that 25 mg+ of CBD a day will drastically change how you feel on a daily basis.

So, I’ll tell you like I tell all of my patients.

CBD is to be taken as a regimen, like a multivitamin. CBD also comes in MANY different ways. Edibles (gummies, brownies), drinks, it even comes is concentrated forms like wax and in marijuana, in vape pens and even suppositories! LoL! Like I’ve said before, it comes in many different ways!

No matter how you ingest CBD I definitely recommend anybody and everybody to start a CBD Regimen and You will absolutely notice a difference in your overall well-being and quality of life. For more information ask your budtender about how CBD can benefit You. If they can’t answer your questions then come see me, Big Ed the Budtender over at C.C. Releaf.

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