Coachella Valley Weekly - May 3 to May 9, 2018 Vol. 7 No. 7

coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 3 to May 9, 2018

Vol. 7 No. 7

C. Thomas Howell In The Heights Garth & Trisha Josh Fimbres Cinco De Mayo Parties pg5

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

PS COMIC XPO – THE NEWEST COMIC XPO TO HIT THE COACHELLA VALLEY!

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

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e are extending an invitation to media to attend the upcoming PS Comic Xpo and really hope you can attend. Below I’ve included a press release detailing the event. If you would like to attend, please let us know and we can be sure to have a media badge waiting for you and can schedule a time for you to speak with Meachele. Thanks so much for the consideration.

Palm Springs – After 20 years living in Palm Springs, Meachele Campbell decided to give a part of herself and her family back to the community, through an all-new Palm Springs Comic Convention – the PS Comic Xpo. Campbell has brought together everything her family loves, including music, Marvel and DC movies and video games.

“We are a family who loves the world of Comics, Video games and music and PS Comic Xpo incorporates all of it,” Campbell said.

The Comic Convention will kick off

June 22nd and will last through the 24th, featuring concerts, collectors, cosplay, celebrities, comic artists and comedians.

Fans can expect to see headliner Ray Stevenson, known for Volstagg in Thor, Marcus Eaton in Divergent and the Punisher in Punisher War Zone, as well as Sean Astin, known for Samwise Gamgee in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy, Mikey Walsh in ‘The Goonies,’ the title character ‘Rudy’ and so many others. There will also be the Twisted Toons, a mashup of the best voice talent impersonating characters (real or imagined) reading from a movie script.

The convention will start off with a concert and DJ party Friday night, featuring Jess Harnell (Animaniacs, Transformers) with his band Rock Sugar, Jeremy Shada (Adventure Time) and his band Make out Monday, and DJ Carlos Ferro (Gears of War). Fans will be able to see them all on Saturday and Sunday, as they will be on the show floor signing autographs along with our many other celebrity guests.

VIP holders will be allowed priority VIP seating to all the Saturday and Sunday events, the VIP packages also include a shirt and lanyard * (Limited Number available) There are also Concert Passes, Saturday, Sunday and Weekend Passes.

There will be some of the best vendors and displays, including Sean Rich of Tortuga Trading coming to the Xpo – fans will be able to see real pirate weapons that were used in the movies ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’

“Comic Conventions are a bizarre and wonderful place where you are completely accepted and not judged,” Campbell said. “Our goal for PS Comic Xpo is that everyone will walk away with great memories and experience more than they could have hoped for or imagined.”

For tickets go to: www.pscomicxpo. com. USE PROMO CODE “CVW” when purchasing to get 10% off any package and if you purchase VIP or FAMILY VIP Package you will also RECEIVE A FREE POSTER.

CONTENTS PS Comic Xpo.......................................... 3 C. Thomas Howell................................... 5 Brewtality............................................... 6

Ray Stevenson

Sean Astin

Sean Schemmel

jeremy shada

Brooke Langton

C. Thomas Howell

Grey Delisle

gus vasquez

Breaking the 4th Wall - 2 Across........... 7 Theatre - In The Heights......................... 7 Stagecoach - Garth & Trisha.................. 8 Josh Fimbres Birthday........................... 9 Consider This - Steve Wynn................. 10 Art Scene- Arts Tank............................. 11 Pet Place................................................ 12 The Vino Voice ...................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife.................... 14-15 Good Grub - Cinco De Mayo................ 16 Screeners ............................................. 18 Book Review ....................................... 19

AND MANY MORE AT

Safety Tips ............................................ 19 Haddon Libby....................................... 21 Dale Gribow.......................................... 21 Sports Scene......................................... 22 Awaken With Lizzy B............................ 22 Free Will Astrology............................... 23 Mind, Body & Spirit.............................. 23 Cannabis Corner.................................. 24 Life & Career Coach............................. 24

jess harnell

richard horvitz

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PS COMIC XPO

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. Thomas Howell began his acting career as a teenager in 1982’s highest grossing film, E.T., and he hasn’t stopped working since. His notable filmography includes roles in successful movies such as: The Outsiders, Red Dawn, The Hitcher, Soul Man, and the Amazing Spider-Man, to name only a few. In more recent years, Mr. Howell has made a slight departure from film and into television acting. Fans of The Blacklist, Criminal Minds, Ray Donovan, The Punisher, and Southland remember him from his turns on those popular shows. With an illustrious career that spans his lifetime, I still wasn’t sure what to call him when we spoke. Since seeing him on the big screen when I was little, I’d always referred to him as, well, C. Thomas Howell. Now, decades later, he was calling to talk about his guest spot at the June 22-24 PS Comic Xpo. “Hi, this is Thomas!” he told me as I answered the phone. Ah, mystery solved. I could literally hear birds chirping in the background as he called from his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. We were off to a smashing start.

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

MEET C. THOMAS HOWELL AT PS COMIC XPO

CVW: When I was a little kid, I saw Soul Man in the theater and loved it. It strikes me as unnecessarily controversial these days, as it’s no less an important commentary on society than Get Out and no more offensive than the Wayans Brothers being “white” in White Chicks.

What are your thoughts, almost 30 years later?

CTH: “You know, it’s funny. Obviously, there was no social media back then and people were blissfully unconscious in their own realm. We approached that movie in a very fun, non-racial way as far as the messages involved. You can’t really get past any conversations with anybody about it, though - they bring up 18-year old white kid in black face and that’s racist. I’m sorry if I offended anyone. My intention was never to do that. It was an uncommon opportunity at the time and no one stopped to think, politically, what people would think about it 25 years later. I see comments all the time on social media that ask if I wish I hadn’t done that movie. But I learned a lot and made great friends. I was coming off a very dark movie, the Hitcher, and wanted to do comedy and come up with something fun.

I never meant to offend anyone. Robert Downey Jr. did blackface in Tropic Thunder.

I really feel it’s all about intention. I felt the Wayans Brothers film was offensive with the stereotypes they used. I get it though, and like I said, I wouldn’t do it today. But it’s not the same as it was back then. It’s not something I wish I didn’t do. I’ve run from aliens on the sci-fi channel and wish I never did THAT.” CVW: Technically, you were a child actor, but in your career you’ve escaped that label and the often unfortunate side effects many former child actors experience. What kept you grounded and out of the pitfalls of fame at a young age?

CTH: “It’s a difficult road. There aren’t a lot of lifers. Some got into drugs, alcohol, whatever. For me, I’ve had ups and downs and done movies I shouldn’t have done and

didn’t get parts I wanted. But that’s only a part of it. In a weird way, you learn more on the bad movies than on the great ones.

Of course, it’s far more fun to go to sets and have your mind blown. Independent movies don’t always live up to people’s expectation. I stick toTV these days and really enjoy doing shows. Lots of great writing is there. In the 80’s we didn’t have the luxury of those same opportunities.”

CVW: Speaking of great TV writing, it was a pleasant surprise to see you on Ray Donavan, which was on Showtime.

Everything Showtime comes out with is great. I barely recognized you with facial hair. You were so convincing as a therapist burned out on his work. Was that a fun role for you?

CTH: “Showtime is great for original programming and HBO too. The intensity behind Liev’s work ethic when he gets to the set was so fascinating to watch. He doesn’t just show up to the shoot, he shows up and wants to know every possibility and as a team we would go the direction that was feeling correct. I didn’t watch Ray Donovan before I filmed it. Knowing absolutely nothing brought a much cleaner, purer sense to my performance. My character was a therapist and needed to be free of judgment. I didn’t want to go in with the attitude of, ‘Man you’re so awesome and so badass.’ I had to look at it like, you’re not special to me. You’re just a dude in my court-appointed office. It was important to the part to not bring the baggage of having to let go of how awesome he was.

So it was to my benefit that I’d never seen the show, although I’ll go back and watch it now. People on the set couldn’t make the assumption I was a fan and knew everything. I grabbed the power back that way and was able to feel as present as Liev was in our scenes. I had this sort of beard happening and it was about September/ October. I fit right in in the mountains in Georgia with it! Then it’s January and pilot season rolls around and I have this beard like Moses. I was attached to it, so I figured it was better not to quickly shave it. We

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

went to L.A. for pilot season and no one expected me to look like I did. But they were like,’Wow, this is amazing. Keep it.’

I got the phone call for Ray Donovan and they wanted me for the part. So then I was forced to keep the beard for the year. I had to turn down a few gigs, but it was worth it.”

CVW: You’ve done voice work for video games. How did you get into that and have you ever been a video game player?

CTH: “I got into that because I was doing some animation characters in the Justice League series. I find a lot of joy in doing the voice over work. It’s a surprise because you go in and lay down your rendition of what it might be but there’s nothing visual to see. You do your patch work later and they show you the movie. You’re so not a part of the animation in process and it’s such a pleasure to see the final visual put together with the audio. I’ve always done it because my kids were into it and I was into it myself when I was younger. I enjoy getting to be a superhero from out of this world for a while and then I get to go home.”

You’re a guest at the Palm Springs Comic Xpo in June. You’ve been to several other comic conventions in various cities.

What’s the vibe and what role do fans typically geek out with you the most about?

CTH: “It’s sort of awesome because most of these people found a niche that may not have been popular when they were in school. Now these same fans are the ones running things at Microsoft, so continue to page 6

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C. THOMAS HOWELL continued from page 5

it’s awesome to see them in a safe haven with 20,000 people just like them wearing costumes. They’re taking photos for social media and getting likes. It’s a way for them to be celebrated and also be connected to something they love themselves. I look at them and think, ‘These people - how awesome!’ Some of them spend thousands on their costumes. They’re so happy! Many will come up to you and ask you specific questions about work you’ve done or lines you’ve said. They are so committed. Thank God for those people because they listen to the stories we tell. These cons are a way to travel, meet new people, make a couple of bucks - which allows us to not take roles we might not want to do, that we used to have to take because there weren’t other outlets. There’s no judgment in the cons.

The stars from huge shows like Breaking Bad or Walking Dead are there and they can interact with them. It’s a way for people to feel a little bit more connected, but also be heroes on their own social media because they got a picture with ‘Ponyboy.’

I love that kids read Outsiders and then want to come and meet me and say hey.

I enjoy those moments. Not everything an actor does reaches iconic status, but The Outsiders is required reading for 80% of

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schools. Moms will bring their kids and tell me they couldn’t get them to read until this book.”

CVW: What role do you get asked about and recognized for the most?

CTH: “It’s a mix of lately because of the popularity of TV. A lot of people talk to me about being the Reaper on Criminal Minds, but The Outsiders is a big one. Red Dawn is popular, too. Punisherand Blacklist as well.

Speaking of Red Dawn and The Outsiders, your two-time former co-star Darren Dalton is also a guest at Comic Xpo this year and you two are doing an Outsiders photo op on Sunday. Are you two excited to reconnect, or have you kept in touch?

CTH: “We’re very good friends and speak all the time. I’m so excited he’s going to be there. We were just boys when we first met and we’ve been in touch ever since. I was the best man in his wedding and we’ve both watched each other’s kids grow up. He’s a great friend and I’m excited

he’ll be at the event as well, even though he’s a soc.”

There you have it. The PS Comic Xpo transcends all barriers – even those between a greaser and a soc.

Purchase your tickets for PS Comic Xpo for your own chance to have a conversation with Thomas.

For tickets go to: www.pscomicxpo. com. USE PROMO CODE CVW when purchasing to get 10% off any package and if you purchase VIP or FAMILY VIP Package you will also RECEIVE A FREE POSTER.

BREWTALITY DESERT MUSICIANS DRINK BUD ORANGE AND HATE ME

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hen Bud Light Orange hit the shelves earlier this month to the anticipation of no one, I knew that reviewing this dumpster-fire of a beer was going to be my journalistic duty.

I also knew that there was no way I was going to sit in my living room and drink the liquid equivalent of a Nickelback album by myself, so I recruited five of the desert’s thirstiest musicians to come over and share in the mediocrity with me.

Bobby Taffolla of Perishment, Nick Hales of Sleazy Cortez, Desiree McCaslin of When Tides Turn, Serene Tahtinen of After Lashes/Ormus, and Andrea Taboada of Sunday Funeral all answered the call.

Friends Jacqueline Bonine, Courtney Ortiz, and Jenni Varela also participated, making sure that this was the first beer drinking party in the history of man that wasn’t a total sausage-fest.

I decided that while I had this Motley Crew at my disposal, we were gonna find out where Bud Orange stacks against the rest of Anheuser Busch’s portfolio. I had all the participants rate each beer from 1/5 stars, and give me their thoughts on each.

The crew did not disappoint.

This shootout occurred on 4/20, so it’s possible that more than Budweiser was being ingested that night, just sayin’.

BUD ORANGE - Rating an awful average of 1.7/5, this beer was the pariah of the bunch.

“Smells like Pine-sol, tastes like some Fanta bullshit,” says Serene.

“What the fuck, I am not finishing this,” states Jacqueline flatly after a sip, “it’s worse than my last drunken one-night stand.”

Nick’s slightly more enthusiastic about Bud Orange, saying “I drank it and my stomach

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shouted ‘NOO’ as it was going down. You get fucked up tho, so that’s cool.”

BUDWEISER - I reviewed the king of beers in one of my first article’s, but the desert’s musicians were decidedly less thrilled with it, giving it an average of only 2/5 stars.

Bobby gives it a slight endorsement, calling it “a solid go-to,” but Serene is less enthused.

“Gives me gut-rot,” she says flatly, “I’ll drink it if I’m desperate.” Jacqueline shrugs, “This tastes like it has more carbs than I’m allowed all day.”

BUD LIGHT PLATINUM - This one divided the panel, with Platinum getting equal parts love and hate for an average of 2.5/5 stars.

“The blue bottle lets me pretend it’s fancy like wine,” says Courtney as she peers at her glass.

“Gross, like a Burzum record,” nods Bobby cryptically (It’s worth noting Bobby decided to forego the star ranking, and instead rank the beers according to his favorite underground albums).

“Thicc,” pontificates Jenni, “Feels like a regular beer and not a light.”

Desiree was less kind, in fact she looked pissed that I made her drink this beer. “I’d rather lick my dog’s ass than drink this again.” she says matter of factly.

BUD LIGHT - The original Bud Light tied with Bud Light Platinum in terms of drinkability, with its 2.5/5 rating being exactly what you’d expect from the old standby.

“Cold and refreshing. Like an Immortal record,” Bobby ponders thoughtfully.

Serene sips on it and chimes in, “Sparking; it works if yo thirsty. Must drink COLD.” Jacqueline says “My high school favorite. I stopped paying homeless people to buy it for me once I grew out of it.”

BUD LIGHT LIME - The unexpected winner of the evening! Gaining 2.8/5 stars for an almostdecent rating, it’s citrusy and candy-like favor

BY AARON RAMSON

made it the least hated amongst the panelists.

“Zingy!” pipes Courtney, “I like it. It speaks to my ‘Hemet.’”

Andrea adds, “I like that it tastes like pico lime flavored Mexican candy.”

Bobby was less than enthused, giving it a thumbs-down while declaring “Synthetic. I give this one ‘Anvil record.’”

“Tastes fake,” mutters Nick while he chugs, “I have a hangover already and I’m still drinking it.”

So, a panel of three dudes and six chicks declared Bud Light Orange to be “Cheeto colored pee” (their words, not mine), while agreeing that Bud Light Lime was decidedly less awful than everything else Anheuser Busch puts out.

Bud Orange is only around for a limited time, so try it for yourself before it’s gone, and see how your own tastes rank it.

A STAGE REVIEW OF ‘2 ACROSS’

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he first known published crossword puzzle was created by a journalist named Arthur Wynne. He published his new and fascinating word game on December 21, 1913 in a Sunday newspaper, the New York World. On Sunday, February 15, 1942, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the New York Times began their printing of what has become know as the most prestigious of Crossword puzzles.

“Crosswords are a metaphor for life, those who finish, succeed, those who don’t, fail.” -Janet, 2 Across

THEATRE

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BY DEE JAE COX

PHOTOS BY GREG BRUNTON

Jerry Mayer’s, ‘2 Across,’ currently in production at the Coachella Valley Repertory in Rancho Mirage, is a romantic comedy that tickles the funny bone and pulls on the heartstrings. Mayer brings to this script, the skills from his long and distinguished career of writing for television as well as for the stage.’

‘2 Across,’ proves that love can be found in the strangest of places, even at 4:30am on a San Francisco BART train. Josh, (Joel Bryant) and Janet (Andrea Gwynnel) are two strangers who meet on an empty train car in the early morning hours. Bryant and Gwynnel have wonderful chemistry. Both actors displayed flawed characters with honesty and vulnerability. Yin and yang, two halves of a whole, each searching for a balance in their lives, never realizing that a pre-dawn train ride would humorously lead them to an unexpected destination.

Their mutual interest in the New York Times Crossword puzzle reflects both their vast differences and their mutual interests. Their initial revelation that they are both married makes the blossoming of a forbidden attraction all the more exciting and hilarious. Janet is a by the book psychologist, who always finishes what she starts. Josh an unemployed runaway

May 3 to May 9, 2018

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

from his father’s business, who quits everything and proves that you can’t always judge a book by its cover. With absolutely nothing in common, these two learn how to work together in order to finish the daunting New York Times crossword puzzle and reveal the missing pieces in their own lives.

Veteran Director Deborah Harmon, who previously directed the world premier of ‘2 Across’ at the Santa Monica Playhouse, brings a high level of talent and experience to this very funny production. Her skilled blocking gives this single scene show a steady flow of movement and energy. While the sparks are flying between Josh and Janet, their well-choreographed

IN THE HEIGHTS AT THE MCCALLUM THEATRE

movements appear to be a mating dance, greatly contributing to the anticipation of the unfolding romance.

Jimmy Cuomo is a rock star when it comes to sets. His design was beautifully detailed. I found myself boarding that train the moment it left the station. Moira Wilkie Whitaker’s lighting was inspirational. The shifting window light depicted the movement of the train in such a subtle yet abundantly effective way.

If you are looking for a fun night of theatre, a romantic date or hanging out with friends, ‘2 Across,’ is an excellent choice. CV Rep has a reputation for quality theatre and this production does not disappoint.

‘2 Across’, is in production at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre located at 69930 Hwy 111, Suite 116, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, through May 20, 2018.

For Information on upcoming shows: call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.

Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. www. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org.

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

INTERVIEW WITH ACTRESS MEAGAN VAN DYKE & DIRECTOR SHAFIK WAHHAB

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n the Heights is a musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book

by Quiara Alegria Hudes. The College of the Desert Performing Arts Program will be presenting their production of the Tony Award winning musical May 3-6, 2018 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California. Tickets are still available. Go to mccallumtheatre.com, call (760) 340-ARTS or go to the box office one hour before show time to purchase.

Coachella Valley Weekly sat down with Meagan Van Dyke, who plays Nina Rosario and director Shafik Wahhab to talk about their participation.

CVW: Meagan, how did you become involved in the arts?

Meagan: “I’ve had a passion for the arts since I was very young. My mom bought a karaoke machine for me at the age of seven and that was really the start of my love for music. From there, I developed a deep passion for musical theatre and have continued as a performer for the last 25 years of my life.”

CVW: How similar are the culture, ideas, values and humanism of the Coachella Valley to New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood?

Shafik: “In both the Coachella Valley and Washington Heights, they come from families who are deeply rooted in communities with big traditions. Also, the Coachella Valley seems to be getting gentrified with rents being raised, businesses getting moved and people getting shoved out of the roots they know so well.”

CVW: There are many messages and themes that run through In the Heights. What is the most important to you?

Shafik: “Community. These people come from a neighborhood where they all know each other. They are all family. When family gets affected, the whole community suffers, same as when one person celebrates, in this case, winning the lottery. The whole community rejoices.”

CVW: In the Heights is a Tony Award winning musical that has productions that have been performed all around the world. How difficult is it to maintain that standard of this type of performance and live up to previous productions?

Meagan: “As an artist, you always strive to put on the best show you possibly can.

The creative team and the cast have worked incredibly hard for the last three months and we use other productions we’ve seen or been in as a stepping stone to conceive our version of In the Heights. We do hope to make Lin Manuel proud!”

CVW: There are so many musical elements to In the Heights, from freestyle rap, to bodegas to salsa numbers. Share about the talent on that stage.

Meagan: “We’re living in a new golden age of musical theatre. It’s cool to like musical theatre now. Lin Manuel Miranda, creator of In the Heights, is the reason for that. Before In the Heights, no other production had been successful in infusing elements of narrative rap, salsa and hip hop into a play. The music is emotional, raw and edgy and definitely breaks your typical musical theatre boundaries.”

CVW: You play Nina Rosario, the first in her family and from the neighborhood to go to college. Everyone in your community admires you as the “one who made it out.” You come

back home to share the news that you dropped out. Do you empathize with her situation and how did you research the role?

Meagan: “I always felt a deep connection to Nina. Her story resonates so much with mine that I found it fairly easy to step into the role, but as with anything, it came with challenges.

Developing a character takes time, energy and focus. You have to take what’s on paper and create a living, breathing life that takes on a personality of its own. You have to be creative as an actor because how well you develop your character will have a big influence on how well the story is being told.”

CVW: Nina and Benny fall for each other. Do you think the younger McCallum audience will connect with their plight?

Meagan: “Their relationship is the definition of ‘young love’. You see their chemistry increase throughout the show and they go through a lot together emotionally. Despite the obstacles they face, they just want to be together.”

CVW: What was your favorite number to perform?

Meagan: “When the Sun Goes Down was the first song I was introduced to and it’s the reason I fell in love with the show. It’s a beautiful ballad that Nina and Benny sing and without spoiling anything, it’s a big moment in their relationship.

Anyone who sees the show will be impressed by the ensemble numbers. The dancing is top notch

and the audience will surely want to get up and dance.”

CVW: Tell us about the cast and production team.

Meagan: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a creative team that is truly as passionate about this show as I am. Shafik Wahhab, our director, has been a strong force in the making this show a success and we hope it will be just that. I can’t say enough about our musical director, Scott Smith. He is remarkable in what he does. As always, working with the McCallum Theatre staff is an opportunity of a lifetime.

We are truly working with the best of the best.

The cast consists of about 30 very talented performers. Some are seasoned professionals and some are high school or college students all with the same drive and motivation to make the show look and sound great.”

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

STAGECOACH

H

ad you asked me back in 1992, a soon to be single mother of four children, if I thought I might meet, much less speak to country phenoms, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood one day, I would have giggled and moved on to the more realistic conversation about me becoming an astronaut. Today, I am mailing in my application for NASA and packing for the moon, because Sunday, April 29, I met them.

Allow me to set this up for you so you can understand the impact this past weekend has had on this humbled writer.

In 1992, both Trisha and Garth had made the “A” list in Nashville. Trisha and blown in to Nashville, Tennessee from Georgia, and Garth from Oklahoma. They were key players in the resurgence of Nashville after “Music City” had gone through a long season of lack-luster. I on the other hand, was trying to set a record of my own having just had my fourth baby in eight years, and the reality of becoming a single mom was on the imminent horizon.

When my kids were down for their nap, I would sit on the bathroom counter (on account of the acoustics of course) singing to Reba, Bonnie Raitt, Maria McKee of Lone Justice, and of course, Miss Trisha Yearwood. Her songs, “Wrong Side of Memphis,” “Walk Away Joe,” and “Down on My Knees,” were my anthems, and everything I needed to not feel alone during a very tumultuous time in my life. Little did I know that by 1995, I’d be singing those very songs in clubs with a band of my own.

I saw Garth Brooks at the Selland Arena in Fresno in August of 1997. I had never seen anything like him. Neither had anyone else. The man left an impact like no other.

For an encore, he came out, just him and a guitar and sang Bob Segar’s “Night Moves.”

It was riveting. It has affected me as a performer to this day. The man went on to be outsold by only two other acts – Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Let me now take you to the press conference that turned meet and greet

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MEETING GARTH AND TRISHA

with both of these people who unknowingly altered my life in an intensely positive way.

The country power couple walked towards us holding hands. I was a bit taken aback by… how should I put this… their “lack” of an entrance. Their demeanor was that of a couple who had shown up just a couple minutes late to the neighbor’s house for dinner, hurried only because they understood that time was limited, and they wanted to be able to address and accommodate everyone. As Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real’s music blared from the neighboring Palomino Stage, Garth addressed us, thanking Goldenvoice and set up the conference himself, saying, “We’ll just do questions and answers if that’s ok.

It’s much easier for Miss Yearwood and I to talk ‘with’ you than ‘at’ you, if that makes any kind of sense…so if you can just identify yourselves so we know who we are talking to, that would be great.”

I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat had begun raising my hand and pulled it down a few times before the opportunity finally availed itself. And then it happened.

Garth pointed at me and said, “Yes, ma’am,” as he gently touched his wife’s arm and moving her with him closer toward me.

“Lisa with CV Weekly,” I announced, in a pitch that is not my regular speaking voice.

“Hi Miss Lisa,” Garth responded. I stopped breathing. Gasping and blurting (because

BY LISA MORGAN

I’m cool like that), “Are you planning on paying any fines tonight,” I asked. He and Trisha both laughed, as did a few of the other press members. Garth stepped toward me again, smiling, “She wants to know if we are going to be paying any fines tonight.” With his hand on his heart, he answered, “We are law abiding citizens so yes, if we go over, we will pay them.” At this point, I could die with no regrets.

The Q & A went on longer than the five minutes planned. The couple made sure that every person seated had a question answered. Garth would move toward, shake hands or even hug the person he was addressing when questions were asked of him. When a question was asked of Trisha, he would step way back, giving her the stage, so to speak. Trisha spoke of her upcoming album, when asked. “I’m just having the best time. This is the first time in a long time that I’ve had a chance to just to find songs I love and go back into the studio. I’m back in with my longtime producer Garth Fundis, another Garth, who I made most of my records with throughout my career. I just feel comfortable; it feels right; it’s fun. He can tell you (gesturing to her husband) that I’ve come home at night and said, ‘I’m having the best day,’ it’s just so much fun. We have surprisingly found a lot of songs that we really like. I was thinking it was going to be a lot tougher. So

hopefully it will be done sooner than later…

I’m not making any wild departures, it’s Trisha music.”

The humor in their relationship glowed when they were asked which song they looked forward to performing most. Garth, with gratitude for the songs he’s breathed life into, rattled off a rapid-fire list of songs during which his wife interrupted with, “Good God.” We laughed and then cheered as she began rattling off the list of her songs. “Ease,” is the best word I can find to describe them both. They never tried to be gracious, they just were. They didn’t try to be inspirational, they were simply inspired themselves. And they were not trying to be America’s most ideal couple, they just are.

Eventually we got to the “One on One’s,” a term I pretended among my peers to be familiar with (it’s where we would each get to have a private moment with them). I had no idea what to expect when I arrived so yes, the idea of one on one time with Garth and Trisha was a mind bender. But having gone overtime during the formal press conference, they began grouping people together as we waited in line. I was luckily grouped with my friends Tommy Cee and Brian Garris of Alpha Media. I asked Garth who his favorite songwriters were. He went on to list the veterans he’s had the pleasure to work with including, “Kim Williams. I miss Kim Williams to death, but his stuff lives on…

Guys like (Tony) Arata and Victoria Shaw – all those people that I was lucky enough to write with. Then there’s the newer guys like Ashley (McBride)…Karyn Rochelle (he and Trisha’s backup singer who has penned songs not only for Trisha Yearwood, but for George Jones, LeAnn Rimes, Ronnie Milsap, Reba McEntire, LeeAnn Womack among others) and there is a new kid, I’ve never mentioned his name before - get ready – this kid is unbelievable. His name is Randall King. Be watching for him.”

It’s gotta be a hell of a thing to get a shout out from The Garth, but it may also be insight to what kind of music gets the attention of one of the most dominant forces in country music today.

As things begin to wrap up, I had a moment alone with Trisha Yearwood. I was so at ease at this point, only because she was, it was like catching up with a longtime, beautiful friend. I let her know the impact her music had on me and thanked her for helping me find my own voice. She was clearly touched by that. The eye contact was intense. “Thank you for sharing that. That truly means a lot to me. I know how much Linda Ronstadt affected me, so I know what that means. Thank you.” Then we gushed together about Miss Ronstadt until she was pulled away. I loitered. I literally loitered, afraid to leave, not wanting to EVER leave, afraid of missing something. But alas, Aron who had the ominous job of keeping things

EVENTS

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

JOSHUA A. FIMBRES’ BIRTHDAY

riday, May 11, 2018 appears to be National Josh A. Fimbre’s Day. The valley’s finest musicians will assemble at the Red Barn at 73290 Highway 111 in Palm Desert to celebrate the multi-instrumentalist and CV Hip Hop ambassador. Presented by THR3 STRYKES and Coachella Valley Weekly, the show starts at 9 p.m. and is FREE! Performing live are: THR3 STRYKES, CAKES, THE AFTER LASHES, CHELSEA+BOBBY and SONSTORMER! Included in the evening is a “surprise guests” jam with Josh. Throughout the evening the THR3 STRYKES camp will be shooting a video for their song “Homie Hopper”.

Coachella Valley Weekly asked Josh to share about his vision for the night. “I wanted the lineup to be diverse and dope, and they’re all friends of mine. I definitely went for the lady vibe too; groovy artists that are fun to watch, not the same ol’ shit. We have a couple surprises in store. We always dig that you never know what’s going to happen element. Strykes shows can turn into a frenzy.”

Coachella Valley Weekly asked several of Josh’s friends and family to give us their best understanding of the young man with many talents and to heckle him a bit.

PHOTO BY GEORGE DUCHANNES

Josh Hall (THR3 STRYKES) “Josh is a talented-guitar screaming-drum pounding-songwriting lunatic. My homeboy Angus or the name saved in my phone, “DINGO BLAST,” speaks his own language so you might not understand him but he’s probably smarter than you. He’s probably

somewhere listening to Van Halen or reading something on his way to happy hour for that liquid diet which keeps his figure so tight. All in all, he’s why the music comes out dope.”

Christina Reyes (CAXTON) “I actually met Josh before I even knew his brother Jake and instantly felt that he was the older brother I always wished I had. Little did I know, soon after working together on a THR3 STRYKES record, he would actually become my family. Josh drives you crazy sometimes but without him, life is dull and a lot less interesting. I couldn’t be happier to know him and love him.”

Jake Fimbres (THE DIRTY X’S) “Josh was born in the wrong era. Don’t ask what era he should have been born into because I don’t think the appropriate one has come around yet. He was the perfect older brother for me growing up, whether it was teaching me Nirvana’s ‘Lithium’ on guitar, introducing me to marijuana for the first time or showing me what not to do, i.e. get into our dad’s Jimi Hendrix box set, after being warned many times not to and eventually being kicked out of the house for doing so, no joke, kicked out of the house.

If you ever wanted to ignore the stresses of life for a few hours, hang out with Josh. He reminds you to appreciate the little things like good company, good music and a couple of drinks, well, maybe more than a couple.

I guess if you decide to hang with Josh take an Uber and expect never to be in control

on schedule, gently let me know it was time.

I stood way back in the “cheap seats” and watched the concert on the big screens, moved to the core of my being. Trisha was very much the same woman on that big stage as she was in the rose garden as we chatted, fighting the wind and her hair like any woman but with a voice as warm, pure and big as it ever was.

Garth on the other hand – something happens to him when he hits the stage.

He’s still the same guy, down to earth with a touch of restless energy. But on stage, it’s like he switches on the NOS. He is what pure joy and love look like, fueled by a song.

“It’s all about the song,” he said over and over like a preacher at a tent revival and we all believed. We drank that Kool-Aid and then we raised our glasses and drank

more, singing every word to every song. I think Garth only sang half the concert. The rest was all us, all one voice. We were with Garth and Garth was with us.

He yanked Lee Brice up on stage who was just there to see the show, bragging on him as a songwriter and how there’s nothing like hearing a song from the one who wrote it. A flabbergasted Brice muscled his way soulfully, trading verses and adding harmonies to the 2007 Billboard chart topper he co-wrote, “More Than a Memory.”

At the peak of it all, he reached out to those who were attending that had also been at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. “Welcome to the healing process,” he shouted as we answered back with deafening cheers.

May 3 to May 9, 2018

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

of the music. Either way you’ll have a good time. For me personally I stopped being impressed by his musical talents a long time ago, you get used to it. It’s his overall love for music that is impressive to me. He has more fun in a corner by himself with a few drinks and iPod then most people do at a club on a Friday night. There is something profoundly reassuring about a dude who doesn’t run from the spotlight, but at the same time doesn’t care if there is one. His spirit animal is a combination of David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, you truly get the best of both worlds when it comes to Josh. But every rocker gets older and it catches up with all of us, even Josh, who recently fell asleep at a club in Vegas waiting for the band to start, I call it a rock n roll siesta.”

Bobby Taffolla (PERISHMENT) “I seriously couldn’t think of a damn thing to roast him about, got too much damn respect for my guy. Josh is one of a kind, signature! I’ve known him for about 20 years now and he hasn’t changed one goddamn cent; a prophet of the “Rock” Gods, a lifer, someone that’s always done what he wants to do musically without a second thought about what anyone’s gonna think. Whether my dude’s pounding the drums, rippin’ the guitar or blaspheming the mic, it’s done in the true spirit of ROCK ‘N’ F’N ROLL, without an ounce of compromise!”

Jason Heyman “Josh is a creative and old soul. He loves this valley and has supported the people, music and artists for over a decade As far a roast, I talked to Hall and you can say that he supports your local happy hour, lol!”

Chelsea Sugarbritches (5th Town) “There are only two people who have known Joshua longer than me, Wendy and Carlos Fimbres, Josh’s parents. Angus is my little brother. I’m in awe of his musical talent and creative nature. He’s one of the coolest cats I know and if you’re lucky you might see us do a scene from Growing Pains as Mike and Carol Seaver. Show me that smile agaaaaain........ He’s my fave Josh everrrrrrr xoxox” Monica Morones (CAKES) “The first time I met Josh was back in the

early 2000’s. I remember thinking, ‘Who is this crazy white boy?’ We had similar musical interests and stayed friends even though I don’t understand half the shit he says when he raps or talks (insert wink emoji here). We vibe and he’s not bad to look at either.”

PHACY (Tracy Dietlin & Phil Lacombe) “Fimbres is one of the coolest dudes I know. Always chill and always about the love and the music and the love of the music.

Can’t wait to celebrate your birthday with you my friend!” -Tracy “What isn’t there to say about this bad mamajama. From the moment we took our 1st whiskey shot together it was on like Donkey Kong. I love you dogg !! (Even if you do need to learn how to shoot whiskey like a man !!!) Haaaa. All kidding aside I got mad love from you bro.” -Philthy

God bless the sound crew. The wind toyed with the sound, bending notes, pulverizing the low and high ends of the sound waves, but because Garth is who he is, and we love him for it, it truly had no effect on those of us who would have stayed with him through a tornado. He and his incredible family of musicians gave us all they had until 11 pm. There would be no fines paid tonight, but what we had been given was priceless. I walked away with a revival in my heart, not just for the genre, these two people and their music, but of hope and purpose. I was lifted and challenged with the idea that one person can make an incredible impact simply by being and doing who they are and doing what they were created to do, fearlessly and yes, “shamelessly.”

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

MAN” & “DAZZLING DISPLAY” STEVE WYNN “KEROSENE (OMNIVORE RECORDS)

S

teve Wynn is probably best known as the sonic architect and front man for the Dream Syndicate. What sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, is the fact that he’s maintained a successful solo career for nearly 30 years.

A native of Los Angeles, Steve began playing guitar at age nine, but his musical ambitions really took shape while he was studying English Literature at UC Davis. It was there he played in a New Wave band called the Suspects, and formed a fast friendship with the band’s lead singer, Kendra Smith.

When the pair returned to L.A. for postgraduate studies, they connected with drummer Dennis Duck and guitarist Karl Precoda, while attending UCLA. The quartet bonded over a shared obsession with the Velvet Underground and Neil Young. They named their nascent combo the Dream Syndicate as a sideways homage to an early ‘60s Avant Garde Collective that included Velvet Underground founder John Cale.

In 1981, the sunny metropolis was in the midst of a musical rebirth. Cocaine Cowboys like the Eagles and sensitive singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne had retreated behind their mansion gates to further deviate their septums and quietly cry in their duvets. Although Punk Rock had been birthed in the bowels of New York, it flourished in the smoggy sprawl of L.A. Bands like X, the Blasters, Los Lobos and the Gun Club stretched the perimeters of Punk, incorporating Country, Jazz, Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues and (gasp) traditional Mexican styles.

Dream Syndicate, along with the Bangles, Rain Parade, and the Three O’Clock, salted traces of ‘60s Psychedelia into the mix. They signed with Slash Records and the original lineup released a brilliant debut, The Days Of Wine Roses, in 1982. Produced by Chris D., the record blended squally shards of guitar with gritty, erudite lyrics. They weren’t afraid to venerate deadpan heroes like Television, Lou Reed and Crazy Horse. In turn the band ended up inspiring the next wave of influential bands like Pixies, Nirvana and American Music Club.

After a quixotic seven-year run, an EP, three more studio records and a live LP, the band called it quits. As the ‘90s dawned, Steve Wynn embarked on a wildly eclectic solo career that has included 10 solo records as well as myriad collaborations with The Miracle Three, Gutterball, Smack Dab, Sky Saxon, the Baseball

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

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Project, Australian Blonde and the Dragon Bridge Orchestra. Now Omnivore Records has just reissued his first two solo records; 1990’s Kerosene Man and the 1992 follow-up, Dazzling Display.

From the opening notes of his solo debut, it becomes clear that Steve Wynn has more colors in his sonic paint box than just paisley. “Tears Won’t Help” begins tentatively, as chiming, 12-string acoustic guitar wraps around a wash of organ, lowing Cello and an insistent kickdrum beat. Over reverb-drenched riffs the lyrics chastise a friend “so in love with your own pain you stay inside and pray for rain, where losers always win the game, you fall in love with your own shame.”

Cut loose from the confines of the Dream Syndicate allowed Steve to explore uncharted musical territory. The album’s first single, “Carolyn,” is jangly and propulsive, powered by ringing acoustic guitar, sparkly mandolin, sawing fiddle and a lush string section. Eager to woo ol’ Carolyn away from a wayward boyfriend, the lyrics extol Steve’s dubious virtues; “Well, I ain’t no knight in shining armor coming to rescue you, I’m lazy, I’m crazy and I think you know I get mean when I have a few/But I’m not the kind to Peck at you like a hen, C’mon baby take a walk with me now and start all over again.”

“Here On Earth As Well” is tender and prickly in 3/4 time. Whoozy and sing-song, the instrumentation includes acoustic, 12-string and bell guitar, along with moody bass lines, lilting organ, piano and brushed percussion. Spartan lyrics advocate redemption through music; “I was lost in confusion, down on my luck for a spell, I found truth in a song I heard here on earth as well.”

“Killing Time” is a Countrified charmer propelled by a thwoking back-beat, spooky organ and stinging electric guitar. Brisk and matter-of-fact, the lyrics dissect a dying romance with this trenchant couplet; “We start out loving and end up lying, you say you’re killing me, we’re just killing time.”

Meanwhile, the title track is equal parts Gospel Revival and Roadhouse Blues.

Barrelhouse piano collides with shang-a-lang acoustic guitar, wicked bottle-neck guitar and a rollicking backbeat. The instrumentation coalesces around a shaggy-dog tale Steve relates with tongue firmly in cheek.

Three tracks play out like musical Film Noir.

“The Blue Drifter” blends lithe bass lines, etched Wurlitzer notes and a sturdy rhythm. Steve’s pensive vocals intertwine with supple baritone sax notes as he unspools the lonely yarn of a bus ride companion who “had a woman and a family, (but) he got restless, now he just don’t care.” The lyrics are perspicacious enough to suggest he might be looking in a mirror. A haunting saxophone solo swirls and eddies on the instrumental coda.

“Under The Weather” splits the difference between a Louche Cha-Cha-Cha and a slinky Bolero. Lyrics hint of romantic Ennui; “Another cigarette, another sleazy escapade,” play out between the lines.

Finally, “Younger” unravels like a Beatnik fever-dream. Crackling percussion lays a foundation for an apocalypto arrangement that includes a wall of fuzzy and phased guitars, blustery saxophones, layered keys and a keening

violin. Carnival Barker vocals yelp and decry, spitting out non-sequiturs like “Why is youth wasted on the rude and uncouth, blinded on cheap vermouth/A would-be poet in Duluth, short on time long in the tooth, fantasies of John Wilkes Booth, come back when you’re younger.” It’s like Bob Dylan filtered through the hard-boiled prose of William S. Burroughs and Raymond Chandler.

Other interesting tracks the stinging kissoff of “Something To Remember Me By” and “Conspiracy Of The Heart.” The latter is a duet between Steve Wynn and Concrete Blonde leader Johnette Napolitano. A “Rashomon” like take on love gone wrong, the pair trade verses and unite on the chorus of this soulful lament.

The record closes with the whispery grace of “Anthem.”

The “Dazzling Display” album announces its ambitious scope with the opening track, “Drag.”

The arrangement simply crackles with authority.

Stinging guitar licks connect with propulsive percussion, dissonant piano notes and a knockabout horn section. Steve’s caffeinated vocals are matched by modal sitar riffs. Cryptic lyrics like “Staring down the shadows of love with lust and envy and greed…” hint at an allconsuming passion.

While Dream Syndicate pledged it’s allegiance to the dark, twisty Proto-Punk of the Velvet Underground and the Skronky density of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, this album explores sunnier ‘60s sounds over four tracks without ever sacrificing it’s edge. The effervescent “Tuesday” is impossible to resist. A Baroque charmer accented by a whip-crack Rhythm, rubbery bass, jangly guitar, ornate strings, smoky harmonica and honeyed harmonies. Clever lyrics attempt to postpone the inevitable duties and obligations of Tuesday.

The candy-coated Psychedelia of “Grace” offers a vivid portrait of a flinty femme fatale that was inspired by Charlotte Rampling’s character in the Woody Allen film “Stardust Memories.” The arrangement accelerates and then downshifts on a dime, concluding with a feedback-y crescendo.

The infectious melody and instrumentation of “Close Your Eyes” belies matter-of-fact lyrics that signal the end of a contentious romance.

Deadly serious lyrics like “Words turn to anger, anger comes to blows/Nobody feels the hit but everybody knows,” are undercut by chromatic keys, ringing guitars and a loose-limbed rhythm.

The loping groove of “When She Comes Around” weds pummeling percussion, roiling bass, cello, violin, rippling electric guitar and plangent slide guitar. Here, lyrics sketch out the grim scenario of a self-possessed woman who

offers absolution for the physical abuse she endures; “No excuses for fresh bruises, some boys don’t understand/She’s so selective from her perspective, she knows how hard it is to be a man.”

The action slows on a couple of tracks. “As It Should Be” features, stentorian guitar, organ, accordion and piquant mandolin. Desolate lyrics limn the quiet desperation that accompanies a fresh break-up; “The phone never rings, the night never ends/The path to my doorway won’t be darkened again.”

“405” is named for the interstate freeway that runs from the San Fernando Valley to Huntington Beach. Churning, guitars splinter and shudder, cresting over a chunky backbeat. Steve spits out pithy couplets extoling the automotive aesthetics of a “Shiny slant six with a twin-fin jive, blowing back smoke on the 405.”

Two tracks, “Halo” and “A Dazzling Display” are surprisingly topical. The former blends slackkey style guitar with a clickity-clack rhythm, beestung acoustic guitar and gypsy violin. The lyrics depict the fall of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. The latter is a brutal indictment of the first Gulf War powered by buzzy Guitars, cascading mandolin notes and a thundering beat.

Other interesting tracks include a fairly faithful version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “Bonnie And Clyde” and the carnival kaleidoscope of “Dandy In Disguise.” The album closes with the old timey Music Hall Gospel of “Light Of Hope.”

Of course, Omnivore adds some groovy bonus tracks, six from each record. Kerosene... includes live versions of Steve Wynn originals like “Younger,” “Something To Remember Me By,” “Tell Me When It’s Over” and “Burn.” Plus caustic interpretations of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Graveyard Train” and Bob Dylan’s “The Groom’s Still Waiting At The Alter.” For Dazzling… he radically re-interprets Lou Reed’s “Crazy Feeling,” Sonic Youth’s “Kool Thing,” Paul Simon’s “Boy In The Bubble” and another Dylan classic, “Watching The River Flow.” There are also live takes of “Conspiracy Of The Heart” and “The Long Goodbye.”

Plenty of well-known musicians pitched in on both albums: bassists like Mark Walton (Dream Syndicate) and Fernado Saunders (Lou Reed); guitarists Robert Mache (the Mumps), Robert Lloyd (Television) and Howe Gelb (Giant Sand); X drummer D.J. Bonebrake, multi-instrumentalists R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Chris Cacavas from Green-On-Red. Backing vocals were handled by the youngest member of the Cowsills, Susan, Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and the inimitable Flo & Eddie from the Turtles. Both records were produced by Joe Chiccarelli.

Steve Wynn can currently be found out on the road with the reconstituted Dream Syndicate, promoting their excellent 2017 album, “How Did I Find Myself Here.” Revisiting these records offers the listener more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. To paraphrase James Joyce, Kerosene Man” offers an intimate snapshot of the artist as a young man. Meanwhile, Dazzling Display adds more color and texture, and the results are sweeping and cinematic. Each album remains timeless and classic.

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ARTS TANK PUTS MONEY ON THE ART SCENE LINE TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY WITH BIG IMPACTS CALIFORNIA DESERT ARTS COUNCIL CHALLENGES CREATIVE PEOPLE AND

May 3 to May 9, 2018

ORGANIZATIONS TO SEE IF THEIR BEST IDEAS SINK OR SWIM IN ARTS TANK. alifornia Desert Arts Council (CDAC) today opened applications for Arts Tank Greater Palm Springs, a Shark Tank-like program inviting creative people and organizations to pitch big-impact ideas to win valuable support. Applications are available at cadesertarts.org/ArtsTank and due August 15, 2018.

CDAC introduced Arts Tank Greater Palm Springs to provide stimulus for new, development, and education.”

Arts Tank Greater Palm Springs delivers its innovative, and publicly accessible arts projects that attract tourism, address a concern of a instructional component in workshops and particular community, and engage a broad professional coaching to help participants cross-section of residents and visitors in the articulate their ideas and fine-tune their budgets and fundraising presentations — skills Coachella Valley.

“Arts Tank encourages innovation in the they will use throughout their career.

Applicants can submit an arts-based arts and ultimately benefits everybody who visits and lives in the Coachella Valley,” says project, event, product, or idea that is new, Christi Salamone, CEO of CDAC, whose mission innovative, creative, and has a strategic is to unify, empower, and promote the arts in purpose. CDAC welcomes pitches from the region. “We’re looking for big ideas that individuals and groups, as well as from the will draw visitors, improve communities, and community’s nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) be accessible to all residents and visitors who arts and culture organizations. Government and public agencies are not eligible. have the desire to engage.”

After applications close August 15, judges CDAC has established an Arts Fund to support this innovative program and representing local stakeholders will screen seeks sustaining funds from stakeholders, applicants and select finalists to participate in philanthropists, and grant-giving organizations. a workshop to shape their presentations for “This is the platform our creative community the live Arts Tank event in October 2018 at a needs to take their ideas to great heights,” venue to be announced.

Salamone says. “And it’s a compelling and engaging way to support the arts. For CDAC, it’s a wonderfully multidimensional program that advances our objectives in advocacy, cultural tourism, business and professional

C

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

MISSY, A SURPRISE ADOPTION

M

issy, a sweet little terrier, was the first of over 1,000 rescue dogs I have adopted into homes during the past nine years. This first adoption was the quickest and easiest.

On June 11, 2009, I attended the 50th anniversary party for my family’s business, Don’s Bicycles of Rialto. Once a town of working class families and orange groves, Rialto was hit hard by the economy’s downturn, and foreclosed homes and stray animals abound. My niece spotted a little reddish brown dog running around Riverside Avenue, a busy main thoroughfare. The dog started crossing the street. We closed our eyes in horror, not expecting her to survive.

Miraculously, she emerged alive through the onslaught of rush hour traffic. I quickly scooped her up.

We drove the dog around the neighborhood to see if anyone recognized her. I took her to the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore, a grim building in a remote area at the base of the mountains. The shelter staff checked for a microchip (there was none), and checked to see if anyone reported a missing dog of this description (no one had). I left my contact information, but knew I could never leave an animal

MEET ALLIE Allie’s foster mom says she is an absolute “Love Bug”. This pretty 9-moold Tortoise Shell/Calico girl was rescued by lovingallanimals.com.

Call (760) 834-7000.

MEET MISTY Happy Misty, 75 lbs of doggie love, does not let her “handicapped” feet prevent her joyful walk. This Great Dane/ Lab girl was rescued by californiapawsrescue.com.

Call (760) 656-3833.

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there. The wail of the kenneled dogs echoed off the walls of the nearby mountains, a grim reminder that the animals in public shelters are in jeopardy. I hugged the little terrier, promising her a good future.

Back in Palm Desert, I was determined to find my new charge a home. I walked the dog over to meet my neighbor, Sherylle Delaney. Sherylle opened the door and exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted a dog that looks like her!” I quickly responded, “Guess what, she’s yours!” Missy had a new home!

Sherylle called the next day to report the dog was crying for me. Her vet recommended Missy and I not see each other for the next month. We coordinated our dog walking schedule for different times.

A dog will always love and remember their rescuer, but I have only seen this extreme reaction happen twice. Dogs are resilient, and usually make transitions easily. Sherylle suspects Missy’s strong attachment to me was because I rescued her from a dangerous situation. These days, Missy and I greet each other and she happily returns home.

Sherylle last owned a dog in 1975 when she moved from a house into an apartment.

Sherylle became a home owner again in 1998, but having her Dad and his dog stay for

a while made her think twice about getting a pet. Their activities revolved around the dog’s potty schedule. She had no intention of becoming a dog owner again since that required walking it during our dreaded desert summers.

Missy became Sherylle’s dog on June 13, 2009. It was her friend’s birthday, and Sherylle called to wish her a happy day, adding, “I didn’t get you a present, but I got one for myself, a new dog!” She explains, “Adopting Missy was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Having a dog gets me

outside and exercising more often. It’s been interesting to meet the other neighbors who have dogs. Missy keeps me amused. I’ll be reading the newspaper, and she walks right across it to get my attention. She’s always happy!”

Sherylle offers advice to other seniors who are thinking of getting a dog. “If you’re in your 70’s, get one of the older dogs over 4 years old from a shelter. I was 70 when I adopted Missy, and probably wouldn’t have selected a dog that was only a year old which Missy was at that time. Most dogs live for 15 years, and you need a plan in case anything happens to you. Getting a dog gives you a new lease on life. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people. Dogs are also great for your health.”

Whether you are young or old, contact me at Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 to foster or adopt a shelter dog. Learn more about our programs and adoptable dogs at www.lovingallanimals.org. Dogs approach everything in life with intensity, energy, and optimistic joy, and their spirit is contagious to their humans. There is a wonderful rescue animal waiting for you that will enrich your life! jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME

J

ust the other day, I heard the expression, “you can never go home.” The context of the comment was that it’s just not the same experience going back to some old memorable surroundings.

I guess that’s sort of true; but there are some interesting dynamics played out in the game of wine where the combination of human senses—sight, smell, taste, feel, and even hearing lock some particular memories as though they just occurred recently or at least still fresh in one’s mind . For instance, when I see a picture of an old wine label, such as a Louis Martini North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, immediately I remember enjoying that wine with spaghetti one night with my young wife over forty years ago!

Back in the late 70s and early 80s, California wine was on everyone’s lips, literally as well as figuratively. At that time, California was fast making news by winning top honors in competitions with their fine European counterparts. But really, California vino has been in the wine history books for a long time.

Indeed, California has gone through three “golden ages of wines”.

Long before the Pilgrims landed, three small ships sailed into the harbor near what would later be the town of San Diego. In 1542, Cabrillo landed and a few months later ventured into Ventura County’s Mugu Lagoon, “a cactusstudded, rocky, sun-drenched peninsula—hot as a furnace”, as reported by the explorers. It was Spain’s policy that their colonists in the new world, plant every year for five years, one thousand vines for every Native American living on the land. So there we go!

Interestingly, after Sir Francis Drake’s pirating antics on the coastal Spanish ships and his landing by the San Francisco harbor, the Spanish court set in motion the expedition of De Portola and Padre Junipero Serra to simultaneously plant the Cross, the sword, and the vine in San Diego. In 1769, thus began the romantic wine history of California, with the ultimate establishment of the chain of 21 missions, the presidios, and the pueblos that have become today’s cities, ranches, and farming communities.

Planting the “Mission” grapes” (UC Davis

contends the grape to be a variant of the Spanish Monica) from San Diego to Sonoma certainly provided communion wine produced at the missions. This prompted California to be a vineyard destination in the 19th and 20th centuries that would forever bring Europeans from almost every wine-producing country, over here, along with their varietals The blue-black Mission grape, “round as a musket ball”, from abundant yielding vines “taller than a man”, kept the Spanish wine enthusiasts happy as it produced wine reminiscent of Málaga. And the grapevine continued to be the only species in California until the 1830s when Jean Louis Vignes arrived in Los Angeles from Bordeaux bringing French vine cuttings and traditions that would improve the product of the padres.

The Mission grape is still used in wineries for both port and sherry style wines, but perhaps its finest role is in the production of a rich, sweet, golden dessert wine called Angelica, named after the city of Los Angeles. And actually, there are just a handful of wineries still producing traditional Angelica as it was made in Vignes’ time.

The Historical Galleano Winery in Mira Loma CA., which is a little over an hour’s drive west of Palm Springs, is one of the last wineries making this four-star award winning dessert wine. And the reason it continues to overwhelm the wine judges is its ethereal flavor profile of dates, figs, apricots, shortbread, browned apples, spicy molasses, butterscotch, and honeysuckle along with citrus acidity to keep thing fresh and lively.

This winery has been around since the 1920s. We’ve written on this winery previously and it’s always interesting to note that just

May 3 to May 9, 2018

before the Prohibition era (1920-33) the Cucamonga Valley had more vineyard acreage than the combined Sonoma/Napa Valley has currently. Sadly, less than 700 acres survive.

Other wines produced at the Galleano winery include their multi-awarded port and sherrystyle wines along with its famed Zinfandel from the age-old Rancho Cucamonga vines.

Galleano Zinfandel is a medium-bodied wine (not the heavy stuff that many believe all red Zin to be). It can handle a good chilling for lunch and is a great match for summer dinner fare that will keep things lively and won’t put the party to sleep.

Don Galleano is the third generation owner

and winemaker whom I’ve known for close to 30 years. My family and I have represented the winery at various tastings and wine events. And if you think we are a bit biased in touting his Zin, well just check out Inland Empire Magazine, where this Zinfandel continues to be declared one of the best in the red wine category that’s produced in Southern California.

When we pour at tastings, I let those who are used to fruit-bombs and full-bodied sweetlike Zins know that “this IS your grandfather’s Zinfandel: old style with a classic aged fruit & pepper backdrop”. This wine is aged and softened in very large old redwood vats, and that’s why it scores in competitions: there’s great wood backbone here as with the higher priced Zins.

Talking about going back home, every time one enters the serene and bucolic setting of the Galleano Winery, you are taken back to a memorable time in the past. Believe me— take a visit. It’s a perfect week-end destination when you’re out for a drive, or wish to picnic at a winery; and, to behold a real part of California wine history. Cheers!

Historic Galleano Winery: 4231 Wineville Road, Mira Loma, CA. 91752. (951)685-5376 Tours, Wine Tasting Room, Picnics & Gifts.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10:30am-5pm. www. galleanowinery.com.

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THUR MAY 3

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Reggae Sounds Presents: Big Up Thurdays w/ DJ Journee and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Kristy King 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 8-10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry, Bob and Riz 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 DJ Tone 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm LA QUINTA OLDTOWN TAPROOM; LQ; Right On Right On 8-11pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Whiskey Tango 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Rick the Piano Man 6pm 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 Rob Leines 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 In the Name of the Dead, Departer, Kill the Radio and Upper Class Poverty 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Steve Oliver 7:3011pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI MAY 4

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Jasmine Tommaso 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: Tennis System w/ Guest DJs 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shelley Yoelin Group 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bart’s 3 Year Anniversary Party w/ DJs Addemup, Amavida and Imdead 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Rad Moon Rising (CCR Tribute) 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CLUB 5; IND; 760-625-1719 DJ 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 30 Miles Out 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HOTEL ZOSO; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Brian Jones Rock N Roll Revival 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Cumbias w/ Buyepongo and Ocho Ojos 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6:30pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Dude Jones 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Bone Acres and New Candys 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Skitzo Attack and Dirt Boys 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Liz Callaway and Jason Graae 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The OGR Band 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm

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TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Big Bone 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Salsa Dance of the Desert w/ Luis and Lori 7-11pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 The Incredible Desert Kings 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez, Todd Ashley and Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-10pm HOTEL ZOSO; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm KILO’S CANTINA; TP; 760-835-1363 Cinco De Mayo Party w/ Alianza Mix, Grupo Amigo and DJ Falcon 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm & Bill 6:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 11am 4080 The Refills 9pm poolside and 10pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 345-0222 RoadRunners 6:30pm 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Jim Lauderdale Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm 8pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 All Day/ Night Cinco De Mayo Party w/ DJs CieloHigh PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND and Rich Brandon 3pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 DJ Kyle 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 PS Jump!

7pm 8pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Cinco RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm De Manny – Manny the Movie Guys’ 50th Bday RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Andy Cahan 6pm Party 8:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7758pm 5566 DJ 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn 6-10pm Blues 8-11pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Brothers 8-11pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo Christian 6-9pm 9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760- SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron 343-5973 Cinco De Mayo w/ The CMF’s, Right James 6pm On Right On and The After Lashes 3pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Music 10pm Baker 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341DESERT FOX; PD; Angel and Buddy Greco Jr 3560 TBA 6pm 8:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Cinco De Mayo Party w/ Nicki Mae, Paul Z, Jay Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Cue and Luthergates 8:30pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Jack Ruvio 6pm Threestyle Maydelana Chovancova CD Release THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA Party 6-8pm 8:30pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ 10pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 GayC/DC, Gutter Candy and Sleazy Cortez 9pm & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm

SAT MAY 5

May 3 to May 9, 2018

WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Roni Lee 7:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Mark Gregg 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN MAY 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ 11am poolside, DJ 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Trish Hatley and Barney McClure 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Fusion Latin Night w/ DJ LF and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Great White Unplugged 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Lori Yeary 6-9pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm continue to page 20

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

GOOD GRUB

C

heck out my top 5 Cinco de Mayo party picks, where margaritas, mariachis and Mexican food favorites will abound throughout the Coachella Valley for this festive holiday.

Cinco de Mayo is kind of like St. Patrick’s Day, where everyone becomes Irish for one day, but instead, everyone becomes Mexican.

All in the name of having the right to celebrate and throw backs large quantities of alcohol.

The holiday actually commemorates the Mexican army’s defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The reason why it is celebrated with such zeal in the United States can be attributed in part to the fact that there is a huge population of Mexican-Americans.

And of course, the more shallow explanation could be that it’s another reason to party.

There are many places to enjoy Cinco de Mayo in the Coachella Valley, and it’s a solid fact that we have some of the best Mexican restaurants around. Here are 5 top picks to enjoy some great food, and fun on Cinco de Mayo:

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

TOP 5 CINCO DE MAYO PARTY PICKS!

at 5:30. It’s sure to be a party at Casuelas Café, and they’re new patio will definitely be put to good use. (760)-568-0011.

Fresh Agave - Palm Desert- This is one of my favorite restaurants in the desert. It’s a combination of their ultra-friendly service, cozy ambiance, excellent food and their infamous margarita’s that keeps me as a loyal patron. For Cinco de Mayo Fresh Agave will holding hourly raffles, where prizes such as shot glasses (alcohol not included), t-shirts and gift cards will be given out. It’s always a party at this popular bar & grill, and certainly a special place to enjoy the holiday. www.freshagavemexicanbarandgrill.com.

Casuelas Café - Palm Desert- After being closed for seven months to renovate, Casuelas Café re-opened this past March to rave reviews in response to their new look.

The restaurant added a large scale patio, complete with an area for entertainment, as well as other aesthetic upgrades. For Cinco de Mayo, they will be having a Trio band from 12:30 until mid-afternoon, and starting again

The River - Rancho Mirage- The deserts premier outdoor shopping mall will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with entertainment, food and drinks. The party runs from 5pm to 10pm and features music by the Delgados, street tacos from Merchain Catering, Sangria provided by Coachella Winery and desserts by Midici. This Cinco de Mayo fun is great for the whole family. www.theriveratranchomirage.com.

Las Casuelas Nuevas - Rancho Mirage- I remember going to this landmark restaurant with my parents many times for brunch. It is part of the Delgado restaurant legacy and has an old world feel with its gorgeous courtyard patio, paver tiles and dark wood accents. To dine there has always been a kind of event, a destination. For Cinco de Mayo from 5pm to close, they will be having a live Mariachi band, tequila tastings and freshly made tortillas made by master tortilla making ladies.

BY DENISE ORTUNO Experiencing Cinco de Mayo at Las Casuelas Nuevas will bring an exceptional element to your celebration in beautiful setting. www.lascasuelasnuevas.com.

Tequila & Taco Fiesta - La Quinta- Old Town La Quinta is hands down one of the quaintest places in the valley. With shops and restaurants lined up together, it’s a perfect place to park the car (or get dropped off by

Uber) and enjoy all that Old Town has to offer.

On Cinco de Mayo, there will be fun to be had at the Tequila & Taco Fiesta from 6pm to 9pm, hosted by Old Town Tavern, The Grill on Main, Stuft Pizza and Visit La Quinta-California. There will be live Mariachi music, and restaurants will be offering tequila tastings and taco specials.

The festive fiesta is sure to produce great Cinco de Mayo memories under the stars. www.laquintaca.gov.

No matter if you choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of the places on this list, or just hang out at your favorite valley Mexican restaurant, this is a fun holiday to observe, and join in the festivities. Salud!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 3 to May 9, 2018

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

SCREENERS

NOW PLAYING: AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR This much anticipated film might be the most expensive film ever (about $200 M).

It’s also a sequel and culmination of 10 years and 18 previous movies set in the Marvel cinematic universe! This time around, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet -- the evil, genocidal maniac Thanos who’s on a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones. Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality itself. He’s out to eliminate half the universe’s population “to restore balance.”

The fate of the planet and existence itself

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No. 315

A HORDE OF HEROES

has never been more uncertain. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this unsettling, apocalyptic moment.

This gargantuan epic is an eye-popping spectacle that’s a showcase for the current state of cinematic art. It’s a little long and crammed with so much that it may be difficult for non fans to find much emotional resonance.

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and directors Anthony and Joe Russo have delivered everything that die-hard Marvel devotee could possibly expect, with a stunning third act that will leave audiences wondering what’s next for our heroes? See it at Mary Pickford/D’Place Entertainment.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: PETER RABBIT

BIRD OF PARADISE (1932)

Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, that mischievous rodent hero, has captivated generations of readers. This irreverent, liveaction comic adaptation based on Potter’s beloved characters tries a little too hard to be contemporary.

Parents need to know that Mr. McGregor dies on-screen, and Peter’s parents are said to be dead (remember, his father was eaten in a pie).

The film amps Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) to new heights as both vie for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover (Rose Byrne) who lives next door. Co-writer director Will Gluck makes the most of his iconic source material.

The animation and live-action mix are better than I expected. Nice rendering on the fur and physicality of all the creatures. The voice work is spot on. James Corden’s Peter is playful and disarming. Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley are the just right as the voices of Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. Sony animation. DVD. DEAD MAN

Writer director Jim Jarmusch’s first period piece is an existential western about an outcast Native American named Nobody who leads man named William Blake (Johnny Depp), who’s on the lam after murdering a man, into a spiritual world. Set in the late 1800s in a beautifully photographed (in black and white) and reimagined wild west, the great cast (besides Depp) features Billy Bob Thornton, Crispin Glover, John Hurt, Alfred Molina, Gabriel Byrne, Iggy Pop and Gary Farmer. Neil Young created the evocative score. Cool extras include a director’s select-scene commentary, deleted scenes and more. Criterion. Blu-ray.

Highest recommendation.

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

Joel McCrea stars as Johnny, the youngest member of a sailboat crew. When his ship docks at a South Pacific island, the crew spends time with the natives, especially sexy Luana (Dolores del Rio) who dances half-naked to tribal drums.

Johnny falls for Luana who is promised to the island’s prince. When Johnny’s ship and mates leave, he stays behind and teaches Luana how to kiss. The pair play house (or grass shack) at a private oasis on the far side of the island. Though not ethnologically nor anthropologically based, this innocent nonsense about a girl, a sailor and a volcano has beguiling moments of sun-dappled euphoria that challenged the social mores of the time.

Johnny and Luana are Adam and Eve in paradise. But when the island’s volcano demands a sacrifice, Luana decides to do her duty and return to the village -- against Johnny’s wishes. But can he stop her?

Director King Vidor’s pre-code erotically charged tropical fantasy still delivers a sensual satisfaction thanks to the palpable chemistry between McCrea and del Rio—two remarkable human specimens.

Rescued in HD from a fragile and volatile 35mm silver nitrate negative preserved by the George Eastman House Motion Picture Department. KINO LORBER. Blu-ray

robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

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“TWISTED PREY"

BY JOHN SANDFORD FICTION

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here is something very nice about living on the opposite coast of the nation’s capital. Having distance from the insanity of the political environment makes coping with the chaos more manageable. In John Sandford’s Twisted Prey (Putnam, 387 pages), politicians are not just corrupt, they are deadly.

This is the 28th installment in the “Prey” series with detective Lucas Davenport.

Davenport is now a Federal Marshall which allows him to work anywhere in the country.

When an assassination attempt on United States Senator Porter Smalls goes wrong, but kills his female companion in an auto accident, Davenport is called to take a closer look after the police discount Smalls’ version of events. The married Senator only survived the forced crash because of his girlfriend’s ability to drive the SUV through trees instead of going over the cliff and plummeting into a gorge.

Davenport is asked to help, not because the Senator was assumed drunk and with someone other than his wife after a romantic weekend at his cabin in the woods, but because he believes a colleague is behind the attack.

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CORRUPTION IN THE CAPITAL

His colleague is the ambitious Junior Senator Taryn Grant, a beautiful and wealthy one-percenter who desperately wants the Presidency. In her short tenure, she managed to get a seat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Coming from the same state as Smalls, she and the Senior Senator have a bad history.

Davenport also has a past with Senator Grant and knows she is a full-blown psychopath and ruthless killer. He wants to get her but can’t get the evidence necessary to convict her. Maybe this time he can take her down.

As Davenport unravels the car crash and proves it indeed was a murder and assassination attempt, a more sinister group of people emerge.

“Hercules” is a private military group and is affiliated with global arms dealers. The organization is made up of ex-Delta Force, Navy Seals and military specialists that may work for the CIA as well. The founders of the company also sold off a business worth millions called Inter-Core that had a military contract to provide specialized armor.

Davenport soon connects Senator Grant to Hercules. Her seat on the Intelligence Committee has given her access to trained killers but there is still no proof that she indeed hired any of them. As Davenport gets closer to finding out who was behind the accident, people start to die. As much as

Davenport wants to get Grant, she may be too smart.

But, Davenport has his ways to get Grant even if it’s not through the justice system.

The “Prey” series always delivers suspense and thrills. The books just keep coming and it’s a good way to enjoy great action, dangerous characters, machismo, and timely plots.

Each book can mostly stand on its own; however, it is more appealing if you know the returning character, his friends and what he’s been through. Davenport is a complex guy and a great detective.

I liked the Washington D.C. and Virginia area settings. The “Hercules” organization and operators were a scary bunch and the inside dealings with politicians and global

May 3 to May 9, 2018

BY HEIDI SIMMONS leaders were frightening.

Taryn Grant is a delicious villain! She is tough and deadly. I really wanted much more of her. I liked her power and fearlessness, which made her a real opponent and challenge for Davenport.

Why Senator Grant wanted Senator Smalls dead was vague and the reason she tried to kill him was weak for such a smart woman who wanted to be President. Certainly there are more ways to bring down your enemies other than murder. I was hoping to see Grant one day become President.

Twisted Prey gets right down to the business of action and suspense. And since Davenport is a sharp and resourceful detective, there is hardly a wait to get to the bad guys and find out what they’re up to and why. Davenport is clever and if he cannot do something himself, he can “twist” others to get it done without them even knowing!

I would like to believe that criminals, thieves and sociopaths don’t populate the nation’s capital, but I fear the old adage may be accurate: the truth is stranger than fiction.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

D

id you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition? Did you know 1 in 25 adults in the country lives with a serious mental illness?

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is import we raise our awareness to this growing concern,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “We all experience difficult times and stress in our lives, and no one should feel ashamed in seeking help to manage those times.”

First responders have seen an increase in mental health related incidents in which we’ve responded on. Many times first responders become injured and some have even been killed.

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the country’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Jack Ruvio 6-9pm 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 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Cinch 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey and Friends 6:30pm

MON MAY 7

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm

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BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Meh, Monday 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Drums, Alvvays and Fazerdaze 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Eevaan Tre 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6:30pm

TUE MAY 8

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Michael Lowe 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jessica Taylor 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Emo Nite Returns 9pm

BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co.

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

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TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 8-12 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John McCormick and Co. 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED MAY 9

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Lucid Wednesday w/ DJ Sugarfree 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:308pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DRAUGHTSMAN;PS; 760-507-1644 Derek Jordan Gregg 8pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Wine Down Wednesdays w/ Joe Baldino 4-6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Cinch 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Kimberly Cofer 6pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

W

ith early voting beginning in a few days, we are one month from an important primary election for California and the Coachella Valley. There are more than twenty elected offices and five ballot measures on the ballot this year.

As a reminder, the “Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act” as passed by the Democrat-controlled State Senate, Assembly and Governor’s offices, did away with political party primaries and replaced them with open primaries where the top two vote getters face each other in the general election in November, regardless of political affiliation. For some offices like County Supervisor, this is the election with no run-off in the fall.

If you are like most of us, you have not paid any attention toward the upcoming elections. Don’t worry, CV Weekly is here to help you with the “Ultimate Slacker’s Voting Guide” to the upcoming elections of most importance to you.

First off, which type of voter are you?

Studious: You research the candidates and the issues and vote according to your guiding principles or those told to you by the people who brainwashed you.

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

ULTIMATE SLACKER’S VOTING GUIDE

Ignorant: If you vote, you choose candidates based on the sound of their name.

Party-line: Some people only vote for one political party whether that is Democratic, Republican or another.

Pragmatic: You vote according to what is in your best interests.

As there is not much to say to the studious, stupid or zealots, most of the rest of this article will be directed toward the pragmatists.

We live in California where the Democratic Party controls all branches of government. As such, if you want to benefit your community the most, you probably need to choose a Democrat. You can vote for a candidate from another party but the harsh reality is that any candidate who is not a Democrat will probably be less effective at

getting things done than someone in the majority party. As such, see if you can find a Democrat who aligns most closely with you before making a vote of conscience.

When thinking about choices, Congressman Raul Ruiz, State Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia and County Supervisor Manny Perez all come from Coachella and have proven that they work well together.

If we look at something like the Salton Sea, this team have achieved more in their short tenors working together than the rest did over the entirety of the problem.

A pragmatist would therefore vote for incumbents Raul Ruiz for Congress, Eduardo Garcia for State Assembly and Manny Perez for County Supervisor. When it comes to the State Senate seat, you would lean toward Democrat Joy Silver over incumbent Republican Jeff Stone.

Of note, despite thirty-two candidates running against 84 year-old Dianne Feinstein, it is likely that she will win yet another six years in the Senate.

Meanwhile with 80 year-old Jerry Brown choosing to retire from the Governor’s office, there are twenty-seven people on the ballot looking to replace him. Of the crowded field, the most likely to face each other in the fall are San Francisco’s Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles’ Anthony Villaraigosa or State Treasurer John Chiang.

To read your ballot online, go to www. vote.net.

Early voting begins May 7th with the election on June 5th. Early voting locations include the Westfield Shopping Mall in Palm Desert.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at HLibby@WinslowDrake.com.

For more information, please visit www.

WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

SECRETS TO MAXIMIZING RECOVERY ON YOUR PI CASE

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TEP BY STEP: 1. CALL THE POLICE: gather info; take cell phone pictures of car, insurance and license.

2. HIRE A LAWYER ASAP: so evidence does not get cold or destroyed.

3. BE HONEST & DON’T HIDE PRIOR ACCIDENTS FROM YOUR LAWYER OR DOCTOR 4. DON’T MISS MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS OR HAVE GAPS IN TREATMENTS: Adjusters know jurors expect victims to treat regularly, without missing appointments. Otherwise jurors ask “how badly could they have been injured or they did not seek on going medical treatment.”

5. PURCHASE ADEQUATE INSURANCE: Many CV locals DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE OR ENOUGH AUTO INSURANCE. You need more than the minimum insurance on your car with UM to match. Without more than $15k you are taking your life in your own hands.

In the last 18 months, two of my clients died in separate accidents. The “at fault” party had $15k or NO insurance coverage AND my clients only had $15k.

6. PROPERTY DAMAGE: If your lawyer suggests a body shop...go there. Don’t take your car to a friend’s body shop so that your $7,000 property damage is fixed for $2,500.

One insurance company criteria for settling is to look at the amount of your car’s property damage. When it is low the insurance companies makes low offers. REMEMBER, INSURANCE CO’S HIRE BIASED EXPERTS TO DENY, DELAY AND UNDERPAY CLAIMS.

7. SILENCE IS GOLDEN: When the police or adjuster wants to talk to you, remember this adage. It is not only what you say BUT what the adjuster or officer THOUGHT HE HEARD YOU SAY. DON’T GIVE A STATEMENT TO ANY INSURANCE CO WITHOUT YOUR LAWYER’S OK. 8. GET IMMEDIATE MED TREATMENT: Refusing to take an ambulance to the hospital because you did not want to incur ambulance or emergency room bills with your limited finances hurts your case.

9. DON’T HANDLE THE CASE YOURSELF: Don’t initially handle the case. Getting a maximum recovery is a “work of art”. Don’t put your bills through Medicare or Medicaid.

There are many reasons but just don’t do it.

10. DON’T TREAT WITH THE WRONG DOC: Don’t use your regular doctor! Instead consider one your lawyer suggests that you had not seen before. Your regular doctor’s file has all your prior complaints and injuries and we all have skeletons in our closet...things you do not realize are skeletons. The insurance company will interpret the following as a skeleton: prior accidents; seeing a shrink (that does not play well in front of some jurors unless you see the doc for this accident) and a venereal disease; abortion (without sharing with your spouse) and alcohol or drug issue are issues.

11. SEE A DOCTOR EXPERIENCED WITH PREPARING MED/LEGAL REPORTS: You want a doctor who is not only a good physician but is good at writing MED/LEGAL reports.

The doctor’s description of your pains is critical. That is why for years I lectured to the International College of Surgeons at their annual conference on “How to Write a Med/ Legal Report”.

12. DON’T HIRE AN OUT OF TOWN LAWYER: Though good lawyers, they will not know the local judges and court personnel (clerks and bailiffs) and a lawyer can often get a lot of info from them...if they are friends.

13. TAKE DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA (FB): Don’t post that you’re feeling great or running to play tennis or golf. The insurance company will argue if you were well enough to play a sport you couldn’t be hurt that badly. Social media is the biggest advance for insurance companies who no longer have to hire private investigators. They learn from your daily posts how you are doing and that could be

the kiss of death for your case. Take down your social media until the case is over. The insurance company can learn your friends and have investigators talk to them and learn how healthy you are. Your friends may assume you are ok because you do not complain.

You must realize that insurance companies do whatever they can to deny, delay and pay less money on any case... AUTO, HURRICANE, FLOODS, FIRE... IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. Suggestions for future articles contact 760837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 2011-2018 2011-18 (PI/DUI) “TOP LAWYER” Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 AVVO Perfect 10.0 Peer Rating

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

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SPORTS SCENE LAKER OFFSEASON MATH TOUGH WITH DENG ON ROSTER...

T

he Los Angeles Lakers are not good.

They’re not pretty at all, however, that may change rather quickly, and as early as this summer.

The prideful purple and gold walked into the 2017-18 season content with their complement of young guns and veteran role players. They then ran into injury, youthful inconsistency and, (duh), better teams.

They again finished below .500 but enter the offseason with far more assets than they boasted in half a decade. Forget the losses, because there are a lot of wins on those young legs. I know it. You know it.

Paul George knows it.

Laker nation has done an admirable job at making do with little nibbles off the scrap heap of the free agent market. Until that fateful day when the front office strikes out on the best possible scenario, we will relish what that best possible scenario might be.

So sit back, crack a frosty one and close your eyes. These are the possible scenarios that could conceivably play out for the Lakers if fate decides to grant wishes.

Dump Deng The dream scenario really is all about Luol Deng. I imagine Rob Pelinka sleeps with a smile on his face anytime the image of dumping Deng’s $36 million on some other team prances between his ears.

In any case, getting rid of Deng isn’t as simple as keeping him in the Staples Center pantry as they have done so far.

A quick Google search tells me there aren’t a lot of teams with huge sums of

projected cap space. We still won’t know fully until free agency begins and teams make decisions on personnel. It’s clear, however, that this isn’t the summer with a ton of buyers.

There just isn’t a market, as best I can tell, for a salary dump without including some of the Lakers assets. That would include, at the minimum, a future first-round pick and perhaps one of the young potential star in the making.

It seems more than likely that the Lakers go another year with Deng on the roster or stretch his current contract razor thin.

Forget King James, George or any other top-tier talent. You can boil the entirety of the Lakers’ Plan A down to moving Deng’s

AWAKEN WITH LIZZY B

IF YOU’RE NOT GROWING, YOU’RE DYING

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his well-known quote: by Lou Holtz, Tony Robbins, William S. Burrough and many others, has remained popular because it simply describes what we are intrinsically searching to achieve.

We want something better, grander, magical to occur in our life. It is a rare

22

person I meet that can routinely say their life is perfect and they do not wish for any improvements. I know I have days that life feels that good… however, the feeling that ALL is well is a bit fleeting and somewhat elusive. Would you agree?

Have you considered that Life is

contract completely. Sadly, it has to remain a fantasy. Back in November the trade market for the 33-year-old was described as “non-existent,” according to Tilted Sports Media.

Get Kawhi Leonard Let’s really get silly and add this fairytale scenario.

The Spurs have a unique dilemma with Kawhi Leonard, a player that may want an exit out of San Antonio and is one summer away from his player option.

Since we are playing fantasyland, let’s pretend the Spurs are interested in moving Leonard to a conference rival.

The price would presumably include Brandon Ingram if not Lonzo Ball. If you are wondering if Deng could be included, sure. As long as we’re playing best-possible, magical make-believe, you would presume the Spurs would take on a glut of the Lakers young talent along with its picks.

A fairy tale trade of Leonard and Bryn Forbes for Deng, Ingram and Kuzma does work on the books, for what it’s worth. The Lakers take on about $20.1 million while sending out $24.1 million the other way.

I bring up Deng again because the end game in any dream scenario is to hold onto Julius Randle, a player who broke out in the second half and promises to be a singular talent going forward.

Well, playing dream-scenario advocate, keeping Randle and getting max stars means having to move Deng.

So, whether you want your cake, Kawhi

BY FLINT WHEELER

or Randle too, you have to dupe someone into a Deng swap.

If you do land Leonard in this remarkable hypothetical coup, you would have enough money on the books to get your once-in-alifetime King James talent.

But let’s go with the dream scenario B, which might be just as astounding as the above transactions.

Land The King and PG13 The Lakers have some options when free agency hits, but common wisdom puts their cap space at about $69 million.

That would be enough to sign James at about $35 million and George at about $30 million and leave a little over for reserves. Then again you could just have the concession workers suit up, because landing these two would make all the other roster spots superfluous.

This scenario would mean letting Randle walk and stretching Deng’s contract. So, again, the super-duper dreamy scenario is getting out from under Deng’s salary.

Even doing that might not be enough to keep Randle who I believe is a future multiyear all-star.

Success is close enough to smell yet too far to see clearly what the dish is made of.

One thing’s for sure, the NBA, particularly Laker Land will be interesting this offseason.

BY ELIZABETH SCARCELLA purposely designed that way? That maybe, the Big Kahuna (whomever that is), created us to want more (or less depending on what it is) in order to keep us expanding, growing and transforming…

If this is the case… if we are designed to move into deeper thoughts, peel back the layers of our psyche and dive head first into Transformation…. where is the Roadmap?

I have spent most of my life waiting for someone to tell me what to do next. Guess what? After rotating the Globe almost 49 times… THE answer still has not plopped its fluffy, cute self, down on my doorstep.

Who else can relate?

I believe the place to find the answer of where to find the answer is… within.

Now, I am not saying that we come equipped with the answers to our most burning issues within ourselves… I am merely suggesting that we will know the RIGHT answer when it comes to us. It is our job to remain open, to search and most importantly, to listen. Listen to ourselves, to those who inspire us and even those who we do not trust.

Throughout our daily life, we are granted many opportunities to see things in a different way, or be willing to consider

an altered perspective, or listen newly to an old conversation. Constantly, we’re being shepherded into expansiveness. Are you open to the invitation?

It is my mission to offer you a virtual playground to test, experiment and dangle your toe in the abundant stream called, Awakening. In this column, you will perpetually be introduced to methodologies, theories and insights from others, like you, who have chosen to grow and expand… as the alternative is pretty finite.

As always, I love to hear from you… please email me your stories of triumph, growth and awakening to info@elizabethscarcella. com. Until we meet again….

Elizabeth Scarcella, Founder of Go Get Young and co-owner of Rx2Fitness, is a lifestyle counselor and wellness expert with more than 20 years experience. Elizabeth is dedicated to helping you find health and wealth in all aspects of life. To reclaim your best self, find Elizabeth at info@ elizabethscarcella.com.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of May 3

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I hate rampant consumerism almost as much as I hate hatred, so I don’t offer the following advice lightly: Buy an experience that could help liberate you from the suffering you’ve had trouble outgrowing. Or buy a toy that can thaw the frozen joy that’s trapped within your out-of-date sadness. Or buy a connection that might inspire you to express a desire you need help in expressing. Or buy an influence that will motivate you to shed a belief or theory that has been cramping your lust for life. Or all of the above! (And if buying these things isn’t possible, consider renting.)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): These days you have an enhanced ability to arouse the appreciation and generosity of your allies, friends, and loved ones.

The magnetic influence you’re emanating could even start to evoke the interest and inquiries of mere acquaintances and random strangers. Be discerning about how you wield that potent stuff! On the other hand, don’t be shy about using it to attract all the benefits it can bring you. It’s OK to be a bit greedier for goodies than usual as long as you’re also a bit more compassionate than usual.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I bet that a healing influence will arrive from an unexpected direction and begin to work its subtle but intense magic before anyone realizes what’s happening. I predict that the bridge you’re building will lead to a place that’s less flashy but more useful than you imagined. And I’m guessing that although you may initially feel jumbled by unforeseen outcomes, those outcomes will ultimately be redemptive. Hooray for lucky flukes and weird switcheroos!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Born under the astrological sign of Cancer, Franz Kafka is regarded as one of the twentieth century’s major literary talents.

Alas, he made little money from his writing. Among the day jobs he did to earn a living were stints as a bureaucrat at insurance companies. His superiors there praised his efforts. “Superb administrative talent,” they said about him. Let’s use this as a takeoff point to meditate on your destiny, Cancerian. Are you good at skills you’re not passionate about? Are you admired and acknowledged for having qualities that aren’t of central importance to you? If so, the coming weeks and months will be a favorable time to explore this apparent discrepancy. I believe you will have the power to get closer to doing more of what you love to do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you really wanted to, you could probably break the world’s record for most words typed per minute with the nose (103 characters in 47 seconds). I bet you could also shatter a host of other marks, as well, like eating the most hot chiles in two minutes, or weaving the biggest garland using defunct iPhones, or dancing the longest on a tabletop while listening to a continuous loop of Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

But I hope you won’t waste your soaring capacity for excellence on meaningless stunts like those. I’d rather see you break your own personal records for accomplishments like effective communications, high-quality community-building, and smart career moves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Isaac Newton (16431727) was among history’s three most influential scientists. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) has been described as the central figure in modern philosophy.

Henry James (1843-1916) is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in English literature. John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent art critic and social thinker. What did these four men have in common?

They never had sex with anyone. They were virgins when they died. I view this fact with alarm. What does it mean that Western culture is so influenced by the ideas of men who lacked this fundamental initiation? With that as our context, I make this assertion: If you hope to make good decisions in the coming weeks, you must draw on the wisdom you have gained from being sexually entwined with other humans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Every so often, a painter has to destroy painting,” said twentieth-

© Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

century abstract expressionist painter Willem de Kooning. “Cézanne did it. Picasso did it with Cubism.

Then Pollock did it. He busted our idea of a picture all to hell.” In de Kooning’s view, these “destructive” artists performed a noble service. They demolished entrenched ideas about the nature of painting, thus liberating their colleagues and descendants from stale constraints. Judging from the current astrological omens, Libra, I surmise the near future will be a good time for you to wreak creative destruction in your own field or sphere. What progress and breakthroughs might be possible when you dismantle comfortable limitations?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mayflies are aquatic insects with short life spans. Many species live less than 24 hours, even though the eggs they lay may take three years to hatch. I suspect this may be somewhat of an apt metaphor for your future, Scorpio. A transitory or short-duration experience could leave a legacy that will ripen for a long time before it hatches. But that’s where the metaphor breaks down. When your legacy has fully ripened -when it becomes available as a living presence -- I bet it will last a long time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When a critic at Rolling Stone magazine reviewed the Beatles’ Abbey Road in 1969, he said some of the songs were “so heavily overproduced that they are hard to listen to.” He added, “Surely they must have enough talent and intelligence to do better than this.” Years later, however, Rolling Stone altered its opinion, naming Abbey Road the fourteenth best album of all time. I suspect, Sagittarius, that you’re in a phase with metaphorical resemblances to the earlier assessment. But I’m reasonably sure that this will ultimately evolve into being more like the later valuation -- and it won’t take years.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, love should be in full bloom. You should be awash in worthy influences that animate your beautiful passion. So how about it? Are you swooning and twirling and uncoiling?

Are you overflowing with a lush longing to celebrate the miracle of being alive? If your answer is yes, congratulations. May your natural intoxication levels continue to rise. But if my description doesn’t match your current experience, you may be out of sync with cosmic rhythms. And if that’s the case, please take emergency measures. Escape to a sanctuary where you can shed your worries and inhibitions and maybe even your clothes. Get drunk on undulating music as you dance yourself into a dreamy love revelry.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Life never gives you anything that’s all bad or all good.” So proclaimed the smartest Aquarian six-year-old girl I know as we kicked a big orange ball around a playground. I agreed with her! “Twenty years from now,” I told her, “I’m going to remind you that you told me this heartful truth.” I didn’t tell her the corollary that I’d add to her axiom, but I’ll share it with you: If anything or anyone or seems to be all bad or all good, you’re probably not seeing the big picture. There are exceptions, however! For example, I bet you will soon experience or are already experiencing a graceful stroke of fate that’s very close to being all good.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Enodation” is an old, nearly obsolete English word that refers to the act of untying a knot or solving a knotty problem.

“Enodous” means “free of knots.” Let’s make these your celebratory words of power for the month of May, Pisces. Speak them out loud every now and then. Invoke them as holy chants and potent prayers leading you to discover the precise magic that will untangle the kinks and snarls you most need to untangle.

Homework: What’s the most important question you need an answer for in the next five years? Deliver your best guess to me.

Freewillastrology.com.

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

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

IT’S SHOWER TIME!

I

f you’re a business owner, you may recall when you were thinking of the perfect name that would best describe what you do and what would attract people. Prior to opening my yoga studio, friends and family each shared their thoughts. Certainly this was helpful. I desired a name that would best describe more than yoga… rather more of what we do and who we are.

Reflecting on other profound moments in my life, some of my best thinking, future creations, ideas, and business ventures have been in two distinct YET very different places.

Take a moment to discover where most of your inspiration is derived. Do you achieve your great ideas from brainstorming with others, alone in deep thought, exercise, playing with your children??? I bet most of your best ideas come when you feel most relaxed, not judged, not threatened, and when you feel confident with yourself.

Well, here goes my great brainstorming exposure time… I find most of my inspiration while hiking, in meditation/pray and the best of all … in the shower! Actually, Evolve Yoga was shower inspired. Perhaps, it’s not so crazy at all. Studies have shown, scientist and coauthor of “Wired to Create,” described in a study he created, 72% of people retrieve their best ideas in the shower.

Kaufman went on to say, “The relaxing, solitary, and non-judgmental shower environment may afford creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely, and causing people to be more open to their inner stream of consciousness and daydreams.”

May 3 to May 9, 2018

BY BRONWYN ISON

You may be thinking… How many showers can I take so I may gather more daily inspiration for my future? (As a side note, my dermatologist wouldn’t suggest any more than two showers a day.) Aside from my silly humor… We need solitude to gain perspective. This will help us to better listen to our thoughts. Did you know the average person has more than 72,000 thoughts that run through their minds each day? We are busy thinkers.

WOW! You gotta think at least one or more of these are a great idea. We must also be hopeful this is productive thinking. We’re wired to think and create. As humans, most of us desire to do big things in our life. Keep in mind, simply because we think it, doesn’t conclude it will happen. The next steps will be that of ACTION! Needless to say, in times of solitude, we can be productive.

Be inspired not intimidated about what’s ahead for you. Maybe your next shower is a million dollar idea!

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga and www.bronwynison.com. ONLINE YOGA CLASSES ON DEAMND, ANYWHERE & ANYTIME. 760-564YOGA (9642)

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May 3 to May 9, 2018

CANNABIS CORNER

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BY RUTH HILL R.N.

EXPLORING CANNABIS SEX & INTIMACY

I

f you didn’t attend one of the lectures at the Palm Springs Cannabis Film Festival and Summit put on by the Palm Springs Cultural Center you missed an outstanding cultural event.

Every lecture and movie decimated the myths about cannabis and purposefully refused to talk about marijuana, the slang word for the cannabis, cultivated in Mexico in the 30’s and 40’s. It is also enlightening that our state calls the commission that regulates legal cannabis the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (CBCC). Lori Ajax, the Cannabis Czar, gave everyone a lively update on the regulations effecting the market.

What I found unique was a no holds barred discussion exploring cannabis sex and intimacy by Dr. Nick Karras and Alicia Rose. Dr. Karras holds a Doctorate degree in Sexology from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS) in San Francisco. He is a regular contributor to Culture Magazine, Fusion, Vice, and Dope Magazine, and is a speaker at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) and the Association of Sexual Energy Professionals (ASEP).

Alicia Rose founded HerbaBuena in 2015 to help define the new cannabis culture and to serve the needs of health-conscious adults looking for the same level of purity and quality in their cannabis as they’ve come to expect in their organic food and fine wine. Alicia has an advanced degree in environmental science and a 15-year tenure in the wine industry. HerbaBuena’s products have the distinction of achieving the Demeter Certified Biodynamic Cannabis label.

Demeter International standards form a common legal foundation and agricultural framework for Biodynamic practice worldwide.

Note that cannabis cultivators cannot label a product Organic because the term organic is regulated by the federal government not the states. California does not have regulations for organic labeled products. Any label as such will be subject to investigation for violating federal law.

Both Nick and Alicia explained how anandamide, the TCH we make in our body is called Bliss from the Sanskrit. Getting high is not always a negative event. There are four thousand strains of cannabis cultivated all over the world.

Trying to find the strains that work takes a journey. A user develops a relationship with the plant, by becoming sensitive to minor reactions from smoking or ingesting. Only a small toke or dose is required. (a toke is Mexican slang for an inhale of a cigarette) HerbaBuena develops vaginal sprays, elixirs, extracts and topicals. Products are beneficial for all kinds of symptoms, but HerbaBuena specializes in sexual arousal, menstrual cramps, and other effects on the reproductive system.

Nick counsel’s clients who want to rekindle the intimacy they have lost from their relationship.

He discussed how our culture has become so dependent on technological machines we have lost the ability to be intimate with touch.

Both discussed the uses of cannabis as a pleasant enhancement to sexual encounters.

The myth of orgies is not the goal. THC, or anandamide, stimulates our creativity, enhances our alertness, is not meant to make us stoned.

Every competent professional teaching cannabis will tell you less is more. Being buzzed or stoned is all dose dependent.

Nick weaved the conversation around the user learning how this plant affects different

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thoughts and feelings and is an experience worth exploring. Goal is improved health benefits not becoming dysfunctional. Knowledge improves our experience. Response is strain specific to the user’s genetics. He discourages long inhales of the flower if you are smoking or vaping. A small toke is enough. Go into a dispensary and ask for three different strains. Every strain has different terpenes and flavonoids responsible for scent and flavor. Listen, feel, taste and smell the plant.

Grow your own. Become a gardener again.

Send questions to hilruth@gmail.com Correction: the April 4th, 2018 issue of Cannabis Corner incorrectly labeled the bill that many CA legislators voted nay on The Cures Act when in fact it was the Right to Try bill. Two thirds were needed to pass on March 13, received 259140. March 21st it passed with changes 267-140.

It is now in the Senate awaiting committee to coalesce both the Senate bill that passed 94-1 in 2017. Trump will sign.

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

L

uann called me breathless after her interview proclaiming she got the job.

Normally this type of announcement propels me into my happy dance, but not this time. My client decided to take this interview as she was just beginning her job search and after reading the job description, she wanted to use the opportunity as a practice forum.

When your mom told you some things are just too good to be true, she was right.

Situations like this occur in the employment field. You spot an advertisement extolling an excellent salary, bonus, unlimited vacation, etc. and your heart starts beating fast. Beware, this is probably NOT your dream job, just a comeon to a position offering far less than meets the eye.

My strategy was to give Luann some time to process the interview so I told her I would phone back. Thirty minutes later when I called peppering her with questions about the job, Luann admitted a lack of information. At this point, she had not accepted the position (thankfully) so I suggested scheduling a meeting to review questions pertinent to making a viable decision. You can probably guess the bottom line, once she had the missing data, she declined the job.

Job searches are rigorous. Done correctly, it takes time, energy and sacrifice. It’s natural to want to bring this project to an end as quickly

as possible. Once I made the mistake of falling into that trap. Tired of the grind, I accepted a job which appeared fine on the surface. After six weeks I gave my notice, cutting my losses as quickly as possible.

Let’s review a few crucial ways to evaluate a job offer. Start with “show me the money.”

An offer should be considered based on total compensation, not only base salary. What an employer may lack in salary and bonus opportunities might be compensated for in the benefits package. The same is true in reverse.

List your priorities and zero in on the details.

How valuable is your time? Consider your commute. Is the job worth fighting traffic two hours a day? If so, could you negotiate a workfrom-home day once per week or stagger your hours to avoid the bumper-to-bumper slow dance?

Next ask yourself, where do I go from there? Does this position enhance your career goals? Will it pump up your resume? Do your homework on the company. Does their culture match your value system?

Doing your due diligence prior to accepting or declining a position can save you some major future headaches. Have patience, the right job will surface. Good luck!

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

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