August 16 to 22, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 21

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • August 16 to 22, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 21

Old Town Artisan Studio

pg 5

Michael’s Pizzeria

pg 14

Deadend Paradox

pg 19

August 16 to 22, 2012

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Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Features Editor Marissa Willman Art Director Oscar F Arbulu Sales Manager: Lisa Morgan Sales Team Phyllis Gerstein, Hiram Johnson Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Philip Lacombe Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Diane Marlin-Dirkx, Lola Rossi-Meza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Mike Livingston, Cara Pellegrino, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Kylie Knight, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Jimmy Boegle, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Phyllis Gerstein, Lisa Morgan Distribution Jim Fox Distribution/ William Westley, Ivan Urias

Contents Basalt Man.................................3 Snake Jagger.............................4 Old Town Artisan Studio..........5 ShareKitchen.............................5 Don’t Be Clueless......................6 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local......7 Dale Gribow on the Law...........7 Consider This.............................8 Desert DJs.................................8 Valley Rhythms.........................9 Pet Place..................................10 The Vino Voice.........................11 Club Crawler Nightlife............12 The Pampered Palette............14 Gilda’s Club..............................15 Helicopter................................15 Screeners.................................16 Lori Gonzales..........................17 Musicians Corner....................17 Restaurant Guide....................18 Local Music Spotlight.............19 Niki Rhodes.............................19 Free Will Astrology.................20 Health Fitness & Beauty.........21 Mind, Body & Spirit................21 Savage Pets.............................22

Basalt Man “

This is what we do,” the Basalt Man said as he led me outside into the desert’s brutal summer heat. Before me stood what appeared to be a stone pillar, projecting five feet above a small bed of river rock, cool water springing from within it cascading down around its beautiful, weather worn fissures and crevices, drawing out the light and dark colors of its natural terracotta exterior. As I gazed at it longingly, I found myself pressing my hand against the cool stone, letting my hand become part of the fountain. Oddly enough, the first descriptive word that popped into my overheated head was “therapy.” I would have hugged it if I didn’t have an audience.

Composing myself, I drew back my hand, and asked a simple question that would take me on a completely intriguing, thirty year expedition into the life of this fountain’s creator. I asked, quite ineloquently, “So, you make these?”

Like every artist who has paid dearly for his art, you have to start at the beginning of his story, to truly understand how he has come to master his craft. Greg Trenschel began honing his skills at the early age of 16. Quickly becoming a master mason, tile, concrete and brick artisan, Greg found himself creating beautiful pool-scapes and designs for homes of the rich and famous.

He has done work for basketball player Jason Kidd and comedian Steve Martin.

His portfolio includes a gorgeous mosaic of boxing gloves at the bottom of Oscar De La Joya’s pool and his work has been seen at Shaquille O’Neal’s home on the television show “Cribs.” A surfer at heart, Greg was on top of the world living, surfing and creating among the California coast’s elite. But, as life would have it, things took a drastic change.

With a combination of circumstances, a painful divorce and a staggering economy, Greg found himself at a life time low, having to rebuild himself and his livelihood from scratch. In recalling this chapter of his life, the painful memories are still evident as he pushes himself onward with his story.

One day, while he was healing himself out on the water as many surfers do, he met a sweet, beautiful, woman, Lori Gonzales, on the beach. She too was an artist and was in the process of rebuilding after divorce. In each other, they found mutual inspiration, encouragement and courage.

August 16 to 22, 2012

the Journey of an Artist

They made a brave leap and moved to the Coachella Valley together, to build a new life. With each other to lean and depend on, they created a new thriving business that is launching like a geyser in the world of landscape and interior design. They call it Basalt Man. Together, they aim to change lives and set spirits free with the art of basalt rock and water.

Inspired by local, infamous stone sculptor, Roger Hopkins, and a unique volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava, Greg discovered an artistic niche. With an uncanny ability to mimic the beauty of this one of a kind stone with light-weight materials, Basalt Man has engineered a stone-like fountain that literally cannot be differentiated by the naked eye from natural stone. What would take two grown men to deliver carved from stone, can easily be carried by one, while still heavy and sturdy enough to bear the wind and weather. These beautiful fountains that would cost thousands of dollars in real stone and require heavy equipment to move are now made accessible for a few hundred dollars. Each fountain is created individually and lovingly by Greg and Lori, Lori sewing the framework together, Greg applying his masterful and hard earned, artisan touches.

Having hand made his latex molds on our own, beautiful, desert, mountain rocks, these hand mixed, concrete fountains are individually carved and stained using Classic stain, his experienced eye and hand, giving it the individual and authentic look and feel of true stone.

The product was love at first sight for the major retail store, Southwest Boulder. Now that they carry their product, Greg and Lori find themselves challenged to keep product on the shelves. Basalt Man is now in over 20 nurseries across the state in only eight months of production and that number

continues to grow. As the production of these remarkable pieces of water art increases, the dream of this artist also grows. It is Basalt Man’s goal to be able to allow Greg to apply his technique and focus to more custom pieces, such as rock-scapes, waterfalls and more uniquely shaped and inspired pieces of rock and water art. Greg also envisions water pieces worked with glass and light.

For Basalt Man, there is nothing standing in the way of those dreams becoming a reality. How do I know? Well, I learned an important lesson from Greg Trenschel and Lori Gonzales ~ a lesson that I will fondly remember every time I look at my own beautiful, Basalt Man fountain; If there are seemingly immoveable rocks blocking the pathway to your dreams, summon up all of your courage, all of your love and all of your determination, press forward and then redesign those damn rocks into something moveable, beautiful, creative and treasured.

Basalt Man is available for custom designs as well as the fountains debuting in the photos here.

For more information about Basalt Man, go to www.loribasaltman.webs.com or call (760) 534-2207.

They are located at 166 San Rafael Place in Palm Springs on the corner of Indian Canyon & San Rafael Way in the alley behind Tuscany Showroom.

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August 16 to 22, 2012

Snake Jagger S

nake Jagger has spent his whole life inspired and creatively influenced by the raw nature and beautiful desert landscapes of the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas.

Many know his work through his depiction of surreal desert scenes and landscapes.

His clever use of juxtaposing everyday objects into his work typically makes for an effortless attack at the viewer’s imagination and heightens our ability to

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Old Town Artisan Studio

by Rachel Montoya

notice the generally unnoticed. A surrealist artist turned abstract painter, Snake Jagger challenges himself and those around him in such a way that should inspire for years to come.

Jagger is currently working on a few new paintings for his upcoming show in Catalina, which runs Sept. 21st through the 23rd.

This is the shows 54th year and Jagger has been participating for the last 20 years. “It has been one of my favorite shows to do,”

G

shares Jagger. “I am putting the finishing touches on “Ready for Liftoff,” “Happy Hour at Descano Beach” and “Catalina’s USO’s.”

Jagger goes on to say that he’s taking a break from some of the other festivals right now. “I am working on developing my abstract style and also venturing into animal portraits to build up a gallery on my website. I am accepting commissions for pet portraits at this time. I am also working on some illustrations for a children’s book, and a 36 foot long backyard mural in Palm

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Springs.” He is also continuing to make his assemblage sculptures from found objects, and will be showing a variety of his work in Borrego Springs during the month of October. Contact info is snakejagger@ gmail.com, website is www.snakejagger. com, and www.snakejagger.weebly.com.

You can also go to www. coachellavalleyweekly.com and click on Art Column or go to Archives to Issue #2 to read Kylie Knight’s interview with Snake Jagger from 4-5-2012.

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ive me some facts and words and I can turn it into a story. Give me some music and I can sing you a song. But give me lump of clay and you know what you’ll get? A distorted, disproportioned lump of clay that probably looked better BEFORE I laid hands on it. Not in the case of sisters Caitlyn and Lauren Adams or Madeline and Caroline Whales! These kids are rocking their talents at Old Town Artisan Studio. When they get their hands on the grey blob of clay, a beautiful replica of a koi fish appears that could proudly be displayed in any home or garden. Their pieces were a far cry from the ash tray I remember bringing home to my parents. With deep cuts to public school art programs, these budding little artists might never have had the opportunity to develop their skills without this wonderful nonprofit organization.

Giving them guidance along the way is professional art instructor and local school teacher, Rae-Lynne Godfrey, and La Quinta High School senior and volunteer, Angie Cabrera. Angie has been using her gifts to

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by Lisa Morgan

Where Dreams and Lives are Molded

teach the kids as well as to lead as president of the Youth Artisan Board. When asked what her favorite part of volunteering is you can hear it in her voice and see it on her face as she lights up and quickly answers, “I love working with the kids. To be able to combine art and working with kids has been so much fun.” Angie is currently leading the Youth Artisan Board donation drive to raise money for a project to be displayed at the Living Desert in hopes of generating donations and awareness in support of the valuable programs the studio offers.

The studio’s main purpose is to provide the experience of the healing magic of clay to children and adults, including those with developmental disabilities and those underserved youth and seniors in the community. “Clay is quiet, creative and in some ways, consoling. It allows us to express our emotions and visions and moves in magical ways that is almost a form of healing therapy,” says Victory Gund, the founder and visionary of this meaningful organization. “Not all of us can be, or choose to be, active on a ball field,” she adds, “But

ShareKitchen

ccording to the Small Business Administration, 70% of all new businesses survive one year while half survive five years. If you want to be one of the survivors, you have to be physically, mentally and financially ready for the long hours, costs and demands required. It cannot be stressed enough that it is imperative for you to have a joy and passion for what you do. When the inevitable tough times come along, you will be more likely to quit if you do not have that passion. A characteristic critical to success is having the ability to learn from your previous missteps and mistakes as well as the mistakes of those around you. Only by learning and adjusting can you avoid repeating the past.

Plan, organize, schedule and learn... and then do it again. You need to write down your daily, weekly, monthly and annual plans along with the actions

August 16 to 22, 2012

we can exercise our creativity with our hands. As the clay moves to our touch, we can suddenly see a figure of a design emerge that is our very own.” Understanding that not everyone can afford a wheel or a kiln, the idea of Old Town Artisan Studio is to provide opportunity to all at any skill level, standing or in the seat of a wheelchair.

Their free classes are taught by professional art instructors who encourage students to enrich their lives through sculpting, the potter’s wheel, hand building, Raku pottery, bisque ware, ceramic painting and glass art.

Old Town Artisan Studio recently received funding to offer classes to students of the Braille Institute and Salvation Army and are currently partnering with United Cerebral Palsy.

Classes are open to artists of all ages and skill levels at extremely reasonable rates. They also throw Birthday parties that are sure to be a hit as every guest is able to pick a theme based item to paint and

keep. Ladies, gather your best girlfriends and attend a Girls Glass Lunch or Girls Glass Night Out where you can enjoy each other’s company over wine and hors d’oeuvres while making your own glass pendant or earrings as you learn the beautiful art of glass fusion.

This little studio is building the hopes, dreams and confidence of our local children and adults alike and is in real need of volunteers. The only real qualification to volunteer is a heart for art. Call them for more information on class schedules, fees, programs and how you can be part of keeping this dream builder thriving for years to come. Old Town Artisan Studio is located 2 blocks west of Old Town at 51105 Avenida Villa Suite #101 in La Quinta.

Visit their website at oldtownartisanstudio. org, or give them a call at (760) 777-1444.

Donated time or supplies are always greatly appreciated as is any monetary donation.

necessary for achievement. Chart out what needs to be done and then work diligently at executing on those plans.

As unexpected events and distractions will occur, constantly adjust your plan while remaining focused on the critical items. A plan is only a plan if you do nothing to make it a reality.

As you cannot do every job yourself, remember to delegate. You are only as good as your weakest employee so you have to train your people to do what you require of them or hire people with the knowledge, talent and resources to make your business successful. Remember to look in a mirror and assess your weaknesses.

Surround yourself with a team that helps you in those weak areas.

No matter the challenge, stay positive.

Positivity, drive and determination will put you ahead of most of the competition as these traits breed enthusiasm and excitement in whatever you do.

5

August 16 to 22, 2012

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Don’t Be

G

CLUELESS

ame On! Well, not quite.

However, soon the fashion dresscode climate will evolve from Desert Casual (crop-pants and a foodfight-bright print top for her, khaki shorts and polo shirt for him), to Desert Evening Casual (same as above, but with more valet-blinding bling) to breathtaking Gala Garb! The operative word on the “Gala” invitation with its red magic carpet entry will read Black-tie. Don’t even think about it if it reads “Black-tie Optional” unless you want to look like the banker who had no time to go home and change. (His pictureperfect dressed wife will be the one rolling her eyes.) In any case, Black-tie will be the norm for the well-dressed Swells and Swell-istas attending all the evening events that turn the non-profit fundraisers into bottom-line building bonanzas, guaranteeing headlines for the cause. But right now, we have about two months left of the glories summer sloth and slackingoff. I mean if you can stand getting dressed at all. Here are some events you won’t want to miss, so stand up, stand tall, and gird your loins for the joys and easy-going fun of our desert summer—your airconditioned bliss awaits.

Saturday, August 18, 9am. The Desert Film Society knows how to foster the love of film. Here’s the script. Produce an international award-winning film at a theatre that respects movies and audiences.

Provide complimentary refreshments and intelligent moderated discussion after the end credits. If you’re a film buff or buffette, you don’t want to miss the Coachella Valley Premiere of Teddy Bear from Denmark. On the cinematic circuit the film has won awards at Sundance, World Cinema, and Romania’s Transylvania Film Festivals, along with rave reviews from The Hollywood Reporter, among other savvy industry publications.

Here’s the non-spoiler synopsis: Dennis, a 38-year-old bodybuilder, is looking for true love. He’s never had a girlfriend and lives with his overbearing mother in Copenhagen. When an uncle marries a girl from Thailand, Dennis tries his luck walking the same path. Camelot Theater, 2300 Baristo Rd., Palm Springs. Free to Desert

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Haddon Libby: It’s all local

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Film Society members, $15 at the door. For more info, call 760-770-0507, or go to www. desertfilmsociety.com

Saturday, August 18, 8pm. And Sunday, August 19, 10am-12pm. Big Black Master Musician & Storyteller in two “telling the Blues” and “Hand-Drumming Meditation” performances that promise to raise the roof at Harrison House and rattle the senses of the audience with “every note dedicated to peace” according to the flyer. Big Black is acknowledged as the first to integrate the African drum into modern calypso and jazz music. He has performed with musical icons Lord Flea, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, among others. On Sunday, bring a drum and sit-in with the master! Tickets available at Joshua Tree Health Foods, 29 Palms HWY at Sunset St. Event Location: Harrison House 6881 Mount Lassen Ave, Joshua Tree. Call 760-366-4712 for more information. Suggested donation: Sat. $15/ Sun $20; both performances, $30.

Sunday, August 26, 6pm to 9pm. The members of Winewomen are experts in the power play of the grape and all its varietals.

An Evening At Arnold Palmer’s will introduce the restaurant’s new Executive Chef, Ivan Flowers, who has impeccable credentials from Le Cordon Bleu SCI, to Chef/Owner of Mary Elaine’s and Fournos Resaturant in Sedona, to his vaunted P.A. on the Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. Just few outtakes from the menu herewith. The tray-passed hors d’oeuvre is dubbed “Evil Eggs” and laced with chipotle.

The amuse-bouche is Chef Flowers’ awardwinning Lobster Bisque Shooter. The Entrée is Filet Mignon with crispy Grilled Veggie Lasagna, Shallot Confit and Sauce Bordelaise. Excuse me while I dab the drool from my chin. All 5 courses are paired with the appropriate California wines. The dinner is a benefit for Childhelp PSP that meets the needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. Winewomen members, $70; non-members, $80. Bring a friend and/or your significant other! Dress: Desert Evening Casual. Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, 78-164 Ave. 52, La Quinta. For more info, call Kathleen, 760-880-5010.

August 16 to 22, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! “There’s always a party at LuLu,” is the bistro’s motto. Trust us, it’s true.

So, let’s not hedge our bets. Lulu California Bistro, in honor of the restaurant’s first anniversary, and as a tribute to generous patrons of the community who have helped them support many Desert charities, will donate 50% (that’s half, folks!) of all LuLu receipts on this very day to the Desert AIDS Project and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

This includes anything served blooming with taste for the old buds, all day and all night, meaning breakfast (8-11am), lunch (11am3pm), Early Bird (3-5pm), and dinner (310pm). Co-owners Barbara and Jerry Keller had to double the size of the kitchen to accommodate those tastebuds and to keep their creds as “hip, happy and the place to be,” in downtown Palm Springs. (Take that “happiest place on earth” Disneyland!”)

For reservations, call 760-327-LuLu (5858).

Location: 200 S, Palm Canyon Dr., (corner of Arenas), Palm Springs.

Saturday, August 18, 8 pm. Ole Blue Eyes is back in town! Or someone within striking distance of recognition. (That’s Life.) Fellow New Jersey-ite John Ciccolini performs in Frank Sinatra Screwed Up My Life, filling the bill with the crooner’s classic tunes sung My Way, along with savvy advice on how to attract the chicks with the legendary Ring-aDing Ding Rat Pack rules. Clue: I’ve Got The World on A String bikini? Not. Ciccolini, an award-nominated actor (LA Weekly Drama

Desk Award), has extensive credits in the theatre, as well as a prodigious gathering of guest appearances on television, including Raising Hope, Dexter, ER, Las Vegas, Everybody Hates Chris, and so many more.

A one-man musical comedy! One night only! Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. For information, call 760-3252731. Location: Arthur Newman Theatre at The Joslyn Center, 73—750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert.

Saturday, September 8, 7am Check-in/ Breakfast; 9am Shot Gun Start. Gemma Power Systems will sponsor “Golf for Kids,” a tournament for the Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation with all net proceeds going to assist Angel View’s annual expenditures. Back story: Gemma Power Systems California, Inc., is on a power trip throughout the country, building power facilities along with renewable energy sources and they are really stoked in their mission to give back to the communities in which they house their personnel. The entry fee is $150 per golfer, and that entry fee includes continental breakfast, green fees with cart, lunch at turn—golf lingo for 9th hole food station, dinner and awards.

Entries as players by singles, twosomes and threesomes are also encouraged and will be matched to a team by the tournament committee based on date of entry. Make your player’s reservation(s) by September 4, as carts and luncheon space availability are limited. (Members with carts, please note.) If you are unable to play, but would like to make a donation, please make note of it on the entry form. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All donations are tax deductible. Location: Mission Lakes Country Club, 8484 Clubhouse Blvd., Desert Hot Springs. Call 760-671-3243.

I

KICKING THE “BUCKET” MENTALITY

got a few people in high places upset with me recently because of an article I wrote on “The Misuse of RDA (aka Redevelopment Agency) Funds”. I was told that I don’t understand government accounting. Government accounting, I was told, is “bucket” accounting and totally different than the real world.

Let’s walk through “bucket” accounting and see who understands it best - me or those justifying excessive, selfish spending that explains in part why California is on the brink of financial catastrophe.

In the article, I said that 52% or over $5 million of Indian Wells’ operating expenses were attributed to RDA - a statement attributable to a broadcasted offsite meeting between the city council and Rod Wood, the city manager of Indian Wells. Woods’ comment applied to the consolidated annual financial statement year ending June 30, 2011.

I was told that the real number was “only $3.7 million” for the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. Either way or either year, the point is the same.

Fund accounting is supposed to be for greater accountability versus clearer financial understanding where monies must be dedicated toward specific buckets of spending. The mantra in government is that you “use it or lose it” once money is put in a bucket. Heaven forbid that we use the money

to pay down debt or reduce taxes.

RDA funds were supposed to be used to reduce blight and build low to moderate housing. Attributing city operating expenses to RDAs was not the intent of the RDA bucket of funds. The problem caused by using these monies for operating expenses is that this use does not create more taxable income for the city and state or increase affordable housing inventory. As RDAs are funded with the property taxes of the city where the monies were spent, this leaves both the state and the city in greater economic peril. Stated differently, the state has a lower revenue base from which to provide its services while the city spent monies that its general tax base could not support were it not for the RDA cost transfer. Using Indian Wells as the example, the end result of the dedication of property taxes toward the IW Club and other projects is that the state needs a new source of income to offset this lost revenue source while city expenses were allowed to grow beyond the natural levels that the budget could support.

The response I kept hearing was that “it’s free money” to the city and “we (the city) don’t owe the money, a subsidiary of the city owes it”. The “only way” that the city would get stuck with the bill is if “property taxes fell below 1984 levels - an impossibility”.

This “free money, why do we care” mantra is exactly why all levels of government have

Dale Gribow On The Law

overspent. You and I both know that nothing is free in life. If you take all of the money out of one “bucket” to fund another “bucket”, the empty bucket will need refilling. The answer shared with me is that “someone else” will have to pay that, not the city. I’m pretty sure that you and I are that someone else. It is this selfish, wasteful thinking that pervades all levels of government and has our country and state poised for financial calamity and a lower standard of living for generations to come. It is this skewed way of thinking that justified the excessive retirement packages for government workers that has every state worker pension fund in California deeply underfunded. On the underfunding of pension funds, I was told that

the general tax revenues of the state will solve the pension underfunding problem so once again the City of Indian Wells will not be on the hook.

Guess what? The residents of the city will be on the hook along with the residents of other cities! It takes real leaders to stand up and talk about this as opposed to buying in to the current ways that are a generally wasteful, self-serving and corrupted manner of managing taxpayer funds.

Oh, I was also told that the residents of Indian Wells (particularly retirees in gated communities) as well as those across the Coachella Valley “don’t care” about these things. If we are going to change the cultures of Washington DC and Sacramento, we must start in towns like Indian Wells. We need leaders who will stand up and say that the current ways are corrupted and are the reason our state and country are in this financial mess. We need leaders who will fight to change this mentality. I have a hard time believing that “retirees in gated communities” are as selfish and uncaring as they are purported to be.

I guess we will find out in November as I am running for City Council under the mantra of principled leadership, conservative financial stewardship and the elimination of crony capitalism.

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

California’s Financial Crisis is hitting the local court system……….HARD.

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n Los Angeles County 56 courts have been closed due to a lack of money. Riverside is next. In the Indio court, some cases have been sent to downtown Riverside or even Orange County because there were no courtrooms available.

This affects a lawyer and client’s decision of whether it is worthwhile to go to trial.

Now you and all your witnesses will have to travel to downtown Riverside (or Blythe) if the matter is transferred there. Remember all your witnesses and experts from Palm Desert will be charging you to drive to and from Riverside. Obviously this will increase the costs of litigating a case… be it civil or criminal.

It is more difficult and costly today than ever before to litigate a case. We arrived at Department 2-K at 9 a.m. on Aug 5, 2012 only to find the doors locked. That Department is now passing out financial disclosure/declaration forms to be filled out

by all 8:30 am arraignment defendants in order to determine if they are eligible for the appointment of the Public Defender.

In order to make this process work more efficiently, 2-K has decided to let the 8:30 am defendants and attorneys inside the courtroom and then LOCK the doors. So, if you have a matter in Department 2K and you are not there at 8:30 am, you may be locked out until they re-open the courtroom.

This will force us all to show up to court “on time.” There is no exception allowed whether it is the defendant or attorney arguing they could not find a parking space or because the attorney had another matter in another courtroom.

To further expedite and address the courts financial issues, many courts are limiting continuances so that cases are moved through the system more rapidly.

In the past, a Defense attorney could walk in and fill out a form for a continuance

or address the court requesting same. There is now a list generated and if your case is on that list, you cannot submit a 1050 Continuance form. You will need to have the judge call the case and set it for MSC (Mandatory Settlement Conference and then Trial). However we normally do NOT want to set a case for trial. This is because the DA focuses on that case and may see things that suggest a more severe sentence or prior criminal activity that the DA was not aware of on the initial reading of the report.

The Judge does not mind your defense attorney requesting a 977 Motion to appear on behalf of the defendant at the MSC hearing, but on that day, there has to be plea or your case has to be sent out to Dept 3M with a trial date.

Riverside County leads the State of California in Drunk Driving accidents and fatalities as a result of the city’s massive population and expansive highway system,

which includes I-10, I-15, I-215, US-95, US99, SR-60, SR-62, SR-71, SR-74, SR-78, SR-79, SR-86, SR-91, SR-111, SR-177, and SR-195.

In addition, the National Highway and Transportation Association found that 34% of all alcohol-related car crashes that resulted in fatalities were caused by drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. Because Riverside County has a number of college campuses and universities, the Riverside Sheriffs and CHP police officers are on constant alert to safeguard against drunk drivers.

In 2012, if you got arrested and charged with a DUI or you were in an auto accident and you do not retain an experienced Coachella Valley DUI or Accident lawyer, you are complicating an already complicated situation that is getting more challenging and more expensive to litigate every month.

Law Office of Dale S. Gribow, P.C. “A full Service Firm” dale@gribowlaw.com 760-341-4411

7

August 16 to 22, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

G

Gold.”

The album opens with the lush and atmospheric “Forget That Song.” Acoustic and electric guitars shimmer under Gunst’s hypnotic vocals. Appropriately, the lyrics concern new beginnings.

The next three songs serve up the equivalent of an aural banquet. “Sparks Fly Again” is almost an embarrassment of riches. A quick-step rhythm anchors this tale of rekindled romance. The melody summons up a kaleidoscope of influences.

The spectral harmonies recall the Meat Puppets, the jubilant chorus echoes the Grateful Dead’s “Touch Of Grey” and the pounding instrumental break concludes with a soaring “Eight Miles High” guitar solo.

“Mollusk” shifts effortlessly between high lonesome verses and an infectious chorus. A martial cadence locks everything in place.

Finally the title track blends crystalline harmonies with lachrymose pedal-steel guitar and a galloping backbeat.

The bouncy, banjo-riffic melody on “Talk About Lonesome” belies lyrics that equate loneliness with “A jail you can’t escape…”

But the panacea here isn’t mood altering drugs. Instead the band offers up the irresistible combination of incandescent guitar chords and sprightly harmonica fills.

The pace slows down on a couple of

Desert DJ’s

A

songs, “Water From The Well” and “Nature’s Light.”

The former uses water as a metaphor to signal an emotional epiphany: “Let it flow out like the water, like the river rejoins the sea/ Wish I could feel something, I just wanted to be free. ”The angst-y lyrics are paired with Gunst’s blissed-out vocals and languid instrumentation.

“Nature’s Light” is a supple roundelay. A feathery light guitar circles the melody, the lyrics a hushed evocation of our fragile ecosystem. The double-tracked vocals recall the buttery harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel.

Other standout tracks include “No Queremos Oro,” a South Of the Border charmer, which features a Norteno flavored melody, rippling mandolin fills and lyrics en espanol!

“Earl Jean” tethers a clip-clop gait to jangly 12 string guitar riffs then speeds up to slightly psychedelic conclusion.

“Alone Together” is a sad sack waltz powered by a mournful harmonica. The “hurts-so-good” lyrics revel in loneliness.

The album closes with the one-two punch of “Orange Grass Special” and “Goodbye.”

The former is a twangy hoedown pastische that feels like the bastard child of “The Orange Blossom Special” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Propelled by the same boomchicka-boom rhythm that Johnny Cash

and for others, it may be decades. Being a skilled MC can sometimes make or break a wedding reception.

While most wedding DJs continue to fine-tune these two job qualifications, they also realize the third and probably one of the most important aspects of their craft— promoting their business. A strong word of mouth will help reel in a few gigs but a successful mobile DJ knows it is essential to promote their company or they wind up with whatever jobs are left over.

When it comes to promotions, there are many options. Through trial and error, DJs will figure out what works best for them.

The internet has been a game changer in the last decade. Without ample presence on the internet, DJs can possible lose out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month. Some DJs prefer blogs, others have

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

experience. Wedding vendors will get some insight on putting together a well-designed plan combined with strategies of closing the sale, even in a bad economy.

If you would like more information on wedding expert Rick Brewer check out: www.weddingbusinessmarketing.com. For more information or to RSVP to the seminar you can like the CVDJA Face Book page and look for the seminar invite.

When: Monday August 20th.

Where: Leon’s at the Desert Princess Country Club – (corner of Vista Chino & Landau, Cathedral City) Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Cost: Free (open to all wedding professionals) Written By: Craig Michaels Musical Affair Entertainment (760) 619-3276

August 16 to 22, 2012

Valley Rhythms

Karaokie Jo celebrates 25 years as the first KJ in the Coachella Valley

often employed, the tune gathers speed.

Pedal-steel, Banjo, Mandolin and guitar all accelerate to a clattering finale. “Goodbye” serves as a wistful coda to “Tarnished Gold.”

Recently Beachwood Sparks played locally to rapturous crowds at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Certainly their success , along with like-minded artists such as Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show prove that Cosmic American Music is alive and well. Gram Parsons and Rick Nelson were visionaries ahead of their time.

with Craig Michaels

a slick web site, while some have both. To make it even harder to decide what works best for you, there’s social networking sites such as Face Book, Twitter, My Space and You Tube. Some prefer the old fashion way of shaking hands at a mixer and putting a business card in a prospective clients hand (I find this one to be very effective.) The fact is promoting your DJ company is a full-time job in itself!

The Coachella Valley DJ Association has some help for those DJs and event professionals who are looking for proven marketing strategies. Next Monday August 20th the CVDJA will host a seminar featuring national wedding industry expert Rick Brewer, who will give a 90 minute talk on marketing to brides. In this free seminar Rick will share his more than 20 years of advertising, marketing and sales

by Lola Rossi-Meza

“Tarnished Gold” (Subpop Records)

What’s Your Plan?

sk a mobile DJ how they like performing at weddings and you will get a different answer every time. From, “I love being a part of someone’s special day” to “I hate bridezillas.” Many DJs who are great club jocks are not necessarily good wedding DJs. A good wedding DJ not only possesses diverse music knowledge from every decade going back to the big band era but, they also must seamlessly play them all together in a program that will get everyone up on the dance floor, from the grandchildren to the grandparents.

Being a good Master of Ceremonies (MC) is equally as important as music knowledge. Knowing when to speak and what to say or to just shut up and let the music do the entertaining is an art. For some mobile DJs, mastering walking the vocal tight rope takes years of experience

8

Consider This

BEACHWOOD SPARKS

ram Parsons coined the term “Cosmic American Music” to describe a style of music he pretty much invented.

Back in the late 60s, Parsons was leaving the Byrds to form the Flying Burrito Brothers. At the same time, former teen idol Rick Nelson was putting together his Stone Canyon Band. Both men pioneered a Country-Rock hybrid that paid homage to George Jones, the Beatles , Hank Williams, Sr. and Bob Dylan in equal measure.

Unfortunately, Cosmic American Music didn’t take flight commercially until almost a decade later with the tepid sounds of the Eagles.

But as the years progressed , both Parsons and Nelson received posthumous critical acclaim and a sizable cult following.

Clearly they inspired the band Beachwood Sparks.

At the turn of the 20th century, vocalist/ guitarist Chris Gunst, bassist Brent Rademacher, drummer Aaron Sperske and lead guitarist “Farmer Dave” Scher came together in Laurel Canyon to form Beachwood Sparks.

Their excellent self-titled debut was released in 2000, followed by the equally sublime “Once We Were Trees” in 2001.

Now, after a nine year hiatus (!) the band is back with their best effort yet, “Tarnished

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

F

rom eight tracks and cassettes to Laserdiscs and CDs to the now more sophisticated Lap Top Computer, Karaokie Jo has stood the test of time and is celebrating 25 years as the first Karaoke Disc Jockey in the Coachella Valley. She now performs in the Purple Room at Club Trinidad located at 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive, every Wednesday from 7 until 11 p.m.; in the lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, every Sunday from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.; and at Woody’s Burgers located at 317 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs every Monday, from 6 until 10 p.m. She also performs at many private parties. For more information, please call her directly at (760) 329-7636.

Born Joann Dodgin in Poteau, Oklahoma, Karaokie Jo recalls her childhood, “When I was 5 or 6 years old, I remember listening to many practice sessions at our house when my Uncle Bill Seitz was there. He played steel guitar for Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

Lefty Frizzell and Little Jimmy Dickens were household names.” Myself, not being too familiar with these musicians, I searched and found several YouTube videos of them singing good old Country music. Her three brothers and three sisters all sang and played guitar. Although she didn’t have formal training as a singer, the love for music ran through her and her family. “Our house was always filled with music.”

She married Jim Kapella at a young age, and after raising her three sons, David, Steve and Tom, she moved to Palm Springs in 1981 as a single woman. “I had family that lived in Palm Springs and I would visit them during vacation. I loved it here because it was so clean and bright and full of movie stars. And I have met many of them, believe me.” She

worked as a bartender and cocktail waitress at Indian Wells Country Club and The Nest.

“I met Frankie Avalon at the Erawan Garden Hotel. (now the Miramonte Resort and Spa) I don’t know if he lived in the area, but he would visit a lot. He was like their resident entertainer along with a comedian. I also met Lawrence Welk who would invite me to the stage to dance with him.”

In 1987, she opened Top Hat Party Service.

It was a catering company that gave her the opportunity to book musical acts. It was during this time she met several musicians; the late Rudy Ysiano known around the Valley as Baby Buddha, Ernie Guerrola, Sonny Evaro and his musical family. She then discovered Karaokie on eight track and cassette tapes and started selling that to her clients. Realizing she wanted to change her focus, she returned to bartending on the side at both the Tanpopo Japanese Gardens and the Erawan Gardens Hotel. She hosted Laserdisc Karaoke two nights at each venue for almost 5 years, while still operating the catering company. She would stop by the jam sessions to sing with pianist Sonny Evaro, and upon his suggestion, Karaokie Jo attended a singing class at COD because she wanted to understand and learn more about music.

In 1988, she was invited to Hugh Hefner’s 35th Anniversary Playmate Search and later that week won on The Price Is Right with Bob Barker. “I won a combination stove and microwave to get onto the stage and then I won a beautiful bedroom set that was valued at over $10,000. It is so well made, I still have it to this day.”

In the early 1990s, Clark Yamasaki with the Pioneer Corporation, brought a semi truck to Palm Springs and teamed up with Marlboro and Zelda’s to make video cassettes as the singers performed to the

Karaoke tracks. “I was hooked on Karaoke and told Mr. Yamasaki, ‘I want to do this!’ So he hooked me up with my own equipment and I started selling systems and software to KJs still in business today.”

In 1995 through 2000, Kapella owned and operated Karaokie Jo’s Bluebird Cafe in downtown Palm Springs with partner Eddie Widner. It was a very successful venue that brought many families together to perform on the Micky Mouse Stage. A very busy woman, she also provided Karaoke during the summer for American Trails West Teen Tours who brought 14 bus loads of teenagers to the Valley from 1996 through 2009. For fifteen years she has performed still provides Karaoke for the families at the Smoke Tree Ranch for Chef Tony every Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and Easter.

Anyone who sings Karaoke, knows Karaokie Jo. So, stop by one of the venues and say “hello” and sing a few tunes. I know I will. See you there!

9

August 16 to 22, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace

A

new upscale hotel opened in Palm Desert on Valentine’s Day 2011.

Guests at the grand opening gala sipped on cocktails and enjoyed canapes as they strolled past tastefully decorated suites and admired the amenities. The rich purple and gold interior and tasteful art gave a palatial feel to the building. Classical music and the scent of aromatic oils created a soothing ambiance. But don’t call to reserve a room for out of town guests, unless they know the passwords “Woof” or “Meow” to enter this magical kingdom.

These days happy four-legged guests retire for the night to their cozy suites, appropriately named “Dutchess of Corndog”, “Charles Prince of Tails” and “Wolfminster Labby”. It was a busy day exercising at the fitness center, enjoying a massage after

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pool therapy, and shopping for accessories at the boutique. The highlight was social time, romping with new friends at the large indoor park. Time now to relax and switch on the large flat screen television and catch an episode of Animal Planet, but not before checking in with the “folks” vacationing abroad by webcam.

Marty and Lori Weiner had a vision of a place where pets could go and have a happy enriching experience while their owners travel or work long shifts. Lori explains, “I didn’t want to open a regular kennel where dogs in boarding are confined and only get an occasional walk. Barkingham is about the health, wellness, and happiness of the dogs.

We’re starting Pilates classes for dogs soon.

Pilates makes for a stronger dog, preventing orthopedic and other health problems”. A new program called “Doggie night care” from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm allows you to go out for a leisurely dinner while your dog also has an enjoyable evening out.

In Lori Weiner’s book, “Vicelli Goes to Washington”, roles are reversed and dogs rule the world. At The Barkingham Palace Pet Hotel, the four legged guests are treated like royalty. But princes and princesses are also expected to have good manners, and obedience training is also offered! There is an on site grooming salon to give your pet a special makeover. Barkingham groomers maintain membership in the National Dog Groomer’s Association and receive continued education for their profession. A Klay-9 spa treatment made from enriching sea minerals is a special treat.

Upstairs “InterCATinental” provides a

Shawna & Johnny

Seek Homes!

Meet Shawna (black & white female) and Johnny (beige male), two playful Terriers rescued by The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace from the Thousand Palms county shelter. They love to play with the other dogs at Barkingham, but yearn for a loving home of their own. They are 2 to 3 years old, and weigh 12 pounds.

Johnny and Shawna are not related and do not have to be adopted together. Call (760) 537-1172.

separate area with kitty condos for feline guests. Spacious climate controlled cages are available to board your bird.

Worries about pet care need no longer keep you stuck in this desert heat.

Barkingham has staff on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the well being of your pet.

The 11,500 square foot two story facility has a ventilation system that kills airborne bacteria. High quality grain free food is provided. A doggie treadmill works off extra pounds. Cameras throughout the building provide for safety and security. When the pets arrive for doggie day care or long term care their tails wag as they eagerly enter the friendly lobby. The rescued foster dogs, still unadopted after an event, always wag their tails and happily return, confirming they feel cared for at Barkingham.

The Weiners first got involved in animal rescue when a veterinarian from Finger Lakes Race Track contacted them about four injured horses no longer able to run.

They provided needed medical care. One horse was rehomed and they are seeking homes for the others. A client told them about the overflow of animals at the Indio

animal shelter. Lori and manager Kerry Pope went to Indio and were horrified at the conditions in the older building and the lack of adopters. That day they rescued 3 dogs and a chicken (the chicken got a home with his own chicken condo!). One of the dogs, a Chihuahua mix named Zorro, became the latest addition to Marty and Lori’s menagerie. Barkingham showcases rescue animals to their clients, and sponsored several rescue adoption events including an entertaining royal wedding.

What’s next for this amazing pet hotel and wellness center? Plans for a new building are in the works. Another pool and an outdoor water park for the dogs will be added. An agility program will provide additional skill and exercise. A Bible verse inscribed in large lettering over the dog park captures the spirit of the loving care provided, “The Animals of the Field will glorify his Name. He will give them Water in the Desert” (Isaiah 43:20).

A charming Australian, Barkingham manager Kerry Pope explains the level of caring for these animals, “When new clients come in, I get to know the owner and the dog personally. I get to know each dog’s special needs. This personal level of care is badly needed in the field. I am on call 24/7 in case of any problems”.

The Pet Hotel is located at 34550 Spyder Circle, corner of Dinah Shore just East of Monterey, in Palm Desert, (760) 537-1172 or info@thepethotelatbarkinghampalace. com. View their website at www. thepethotelatbarkinghampalace.com. The pets give Barkingham a “5 Woof” rating!

Contact Janet McAfee at jmcafee7@ verizon.net

August 16 to 22, 2012

THE VINO VOICE

by Rick Riozza

Easy Italian at Escena Grill & Lounge

F

or anyone who wished to practice their Italian, their appreciation for classic Italian wines, and the delicious cuisine at the Escena Grill & Lounge—well perhaps we met while dining at the excellent wine pairing dinner featuring Beni di Batasiolo Winery & Vineyards.

The Escena Lounge & Grill is in the midst of their 2nd annual wine pairing dinner series where the event pricing includes a 3 or 4 course dinner plus pairing wines for each course for only $50 per seating! All dinners are hosted by the winery’s representatives or the winemakers themselves. Food & Beverage director Elise Arouh continually provides us vino lovers with her and Executive Chef Oscar Ayala’s culinary charms of matching delicious meals to the world class wines of the most notable of wineries. At that price, there’s no better deal in town!

And do we have to be reminded that one of the best panoramic views of the mountains surrounding our valley serves as a backdrop while we enjoy Escena’s cuisine.

Inside the dining room or outside on the patio, I’m always amazed at the majestic view of the mountains that puts you in the mood to enjoy a nice slice of life.

The evening of last month’s Italian dinner immediately started off fun for me.

When pulling up to the restaurant I spyed an individual carrying in a couple of cases of wine. It doesn’t take too much reasoning to realize that he’s probably the wine representative for the evening. Anyway— heading out to the restroom upon my arrival, I chanced to meet this same

individual who was indeed the winery’s representative, Stefano Poggio. I thought I’d have fun getting into a little Italian banter, so in my best Godfather Italian voice I greeted him, “Stefano—Che cosa fai?” (what’s going on?). He responded in the Italian vernacular, “Salute!” and went on from there speaking only Italian.

The funny thing is that he continued in Italian while greeting all of the dinner guests personally at their tables and for a few moments longer as he introduced himself as the host of the wine dinner festivities. Some of the diners thought they were in the midst of a foreign movie before Stefano casually broke into perfect English.

The crowd laughed and were all relieved that they were saved from having to go to their translation apps throughout the meal.

Another treat of the evening was the soulful and jazzy vocal performance of CV Weekly’s own Lola Rossi along with Reggie Vision, blowing some tasty chops on the sax.

The Dogliani Family has owned the Batasiolo vineyards—nestled near the Alps, for over 100 years and are located nearby Torino where the 2006 Winter Olympics were held. The area is known as the Piemonte region, meaning at the foot of the mountain, and we were treated to their five classic premium wines with our courses.

The four course meal began with a Caprese salad made up of fresh Burrata Mozzarella, fried basil, vine-ripened tomatoes in a Balsamic reduction. This is a very popular salad being served throughout the desert these days. But in place of the Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that the

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salad is usually complemented with, we were served a delicious light and dry Gavi.

This is wine produced from the Cortese grape. It’s a world class white wine with white flower aromas and medium acidity.

The wine is elegant and dare we say fashionable—it’s the white wine of Milano!

For the second course, we enjoyed the Pan-Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop. Perfectly executed with Savoy Cabbage in a Bacon Vinaigrette—not a white, but one of my favorite red wines was offered: Dolcetto d’Alba. Dolcetto in Italian means “little bit sweet”. Here the Dolcetto grapes indeed are a little bit sweet but the juicy wine it produces is not. The wine is soft but with a marvelous balance between fleshy, dustydense, and dry with a touch of bitter. A perfect match to the sweet-like scallop and bolder flavors of the seared char and bacon.

By the way, I know many vino lovers have their go-to wine for pizza. For me, the Dolcetto d’Alba is the bomb! I bought

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a quarter case of the stuff right after dinner.

The diners had their choice of entrées between Braised Boneless Short Ribs or the Scottish Wild Salmon. Both were on point— I’ve had no better short ribs this year— and the meals melded wonderfully with the Barbera D’Alba “Sovrana” (meaning sovereign). To me, Barbera wine is the one possible rival to Dolcetto when it comes to a juicy medium-bodied Italian red. Naturally high in acidity but is rather plummy to match so many dishes.

Where I’m partial to Dolcetto with pizza, Barbera is the wine to go with spaghetti marinara and meat balls. Molto Bene!

Dessert that evening capped off with a Strawberry Crème Brulée Tart that was paired with the sweet-but-not-too-sweet Moscato Rosé. Speaking of which, Elise was not only sweet but rather considerate to provide the dinner crowd with a handsome taste of Batasiolo’s “King of Italian Reds”, none other but the fantastic Barolo.

Sadly, as summer wanes, there are only two summer wine-pairing dinners remaining: Napa Valley’s Franciscan Winery on September 20th and Shannon Ridge Winery of Lake County on October 18th.

Franciscan Estate wines have always been at the top; and, Lake County’s Shannon Ridge is on the cutting edge of producing some of the best wines in California. I’m scheduled to be at their winery around harvest to see for myself! But I’ll be back in town to enjoy these up-coming dinners at Escena Lounge & Grill, 1100 Clubhouse View Dr. Palm Springs, Ca. 760.778.2737, so make your reservations now as seating is limited.

Arriverderci! A la salute!

Rick continues to host business and private wine tastings & events. Contact winespectrum@aol.com

11

August 16 to 22, 2012

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Karaoke PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 Thirsty Thursday w/ DJ Ritchie Rich 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Ivan & Alyosha 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Social Bar Room dancing 7-8:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Kal David 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Rebecca Connelly ,sidebar 5-9pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-3403222 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Mark Guerrero 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 The Smooth Brothers (BL)(RG) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ and DJ Bigster 9pm

FRI AUGUST 17 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Kyle Mabson 10pm Amigo Room ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-7714653 Johnny Meza 6-10pm (JZ) (PB) AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Rotating entertainment 8pm (JZ) BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ PeeWee 8pm (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6pm CAFÉ PALETTE; PS; 760-322-9264 John Gallagher 7pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CHARLI MARRONE’S; IND; 760625-1500 Club Night w/ DJ 9pm 18+ CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760564-3660 Paul Patterson 6pm (PB) DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699

DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Cool Grooves w/ Timber Woolfe DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm FRANKIES FRESH FISH; IND; 760342-2228 Lisa Coleman 6pm (JZ) THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Alternating groups 8-11pm (RR) THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Caxton, Slipping Into Darkness, The Royal Heist and Solwave 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Mischief 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Mark Guerrero 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) THE OUTPOST TAVERN; C.C.; 760-328-9004 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Kal David 7-10pm PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 Revol Concept 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760365-5956 The Futurebirds w/ Grandfather Child 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Karaoke w/ Amber Stream 9-1am PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Walt Young & The Muddy Sparks Trio 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Reaction 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS;

760-327-8311 Wyatt and the Youngbloods ,sidebar 7-10pm, The Clueless Remix, Sidebar 10pm, DJ Jalil Jagers , Starlite Lounge 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-3403222 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Mark Guerrero 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 DJ Music 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The P.S. Blues w/ Gil Hansen and Tony Dean 8pm (BL) SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760347-9985 The Refills 9pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 Funky Fridays 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke Show 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 Mark Linford 7-10pm (CR) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Sweet Louie & The Men of the Hollywood Strip DJ PJ and DJ Bigster

SAT AUGUST 18 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Beverly & Bill 6-9pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-7714653 Johnny Meza 6-10pm (JZ) (PB) AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Comedy Night 7pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ Pee Wee (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Nicky Vallee and Dreams 6pm (PR) CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Dynamic Daze 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760564-3660 Paul Patterson 6pm (PB) DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Lisa Coleman 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-

6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Karaoke Madness 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 Muddy Sparks Trio (CW) EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm FRANKIES FRESH FISH; IND; 760342-2228 Frankie B. Good 7-9pm (CR) THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Rob Martinez and JB 8-11pm (LR) HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Meiko w/ Buddy and Gisselle Woo 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LE PAON; PD;760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Mischief 9pm (VD) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Dennis Alvarez 7:30pm MYSTIQUE LOUNGE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 888-MORONGO; The Rick Whitfield Band 9pm (VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke OVER THE TOP; PS; 760-325-5100 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Live Entertainment 9pm (RR) PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 World on Fire 7-10pm PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 DJ Richie Rich 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Shadow Mountain Band 5pm Heartless Bastards w/ special guest Little Hurricane 9pm PEABODY’S; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm

PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 FREE POOL w/ 2 drink minimum 8-12am PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Bill Baker 8pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm (JZ) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 OTW 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-8311 DJ Jalil Jagers , Bikini Bar 12-5pm,Sounds of the Caribbean , Deep end pool 12-4pm, Wyatt & The Youngbloods , Sidebar 6-9pm , Clueless Remix , Sidebar 9pm,DJ Jalil Jagers,sidebar,10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-3403222 The Arrangements 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Mark Guerrero 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Live Music 9pm (RR) SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The P.S. Blues w/ Gil Hansen and Tony Dean 8pm (BL) SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Smooth Brothers (BL) (RG) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760347-9985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Fixx 9pm DJ upstairs 9:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 Michael Keeth 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke Show 9-2am THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-564-2201 Sergio Villegas 7-10pm (AC) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ& DJ Bigster (VD)

SUN AUGUST 19 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-7714653 Johnny Meza 6-10pm (JZ) (BL) AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6pm continue to page 18

August 16 to 22, 2012

Tavern Palm Springs

Pool •- Darts - Live Music

West Coast bar with the East Coast vibe

Thurs. Thirsty Thursday w/ DJ Richie Rich Fri. Revol Concept 9pm Sat. DJ Richie Rich Sun. Dude Jones 7pm

Monday: 4.99 Meatloaf dinner Tuesday: Taco Tues $1.00 Taco’s Wednesday: Two for 1 Rib Thursday: Pulled Pork Sandwich For 4.99 Friday: Live Dinner Music from 5:30-9 Prime Rib Saturday: Live Dinner Music from 5:30-9 Prime Rib Sunday: Line Dancing with Tina 5:30-9

FREE Wi-Fi

Featuring 7 Flat Screen TVs Friendly Staff Great Drink Prices 3700 E. Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA

760-832-8920

50048 29 Palms Highway Morongo Valley, CA

760-363-3343

Come Experience Dive Bar History Serving the Desert Since 1968 Entertainment Nightly

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Friday Reaction Saturday OTW All Shows starting at 9:00pm

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ALL VIC FIRTH & VATER PERCUSSION DRUM STICKS 2 FOR $14 • REPAIRS • MUSIC LESSONS • RECORDING STUDIO • PRO AUDIO • AUDIO CONSULTING • WE SPECIALIZE IN TUBE AMPS!!

760.775.7275

musicproz@yahoo.com

NEW STORE 45810 Fargo St., Indio, CA 92201 (across from Indio Post Office)

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August 16 to 22, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

the Pampered palette

I

t

E

r t a in me n te

Palm Springs

se r vice s

and tried the squash blossom and the arancini oxtail. The squash blossom was lightly breaded and fork tender stuffed with warm, creamy ricotta. With the sweetness of the honey, it could’ve doubled as a dessert. The arancini had a crunchy exterior with melt in your mouth oxtail inside.

The Italian managers take pride in their authentic Napoleon style pizza. They are baked at 850 deg. for 90 seconds to get the real kind of pizza they love. I had a simple prosciutto e arugula pie to get a taste of

SIR Palm Springs is the only full service backline company in the Coachella Valley.

Concert Audio Equipment · DJ Equipment Wireless Systems · Guitar Amps · Drums Keyboards · Grand Pianos & More

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43-430 Monroe St., Indio (760) 342-2333 • www.elmexicalicafe2.com Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm

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the main ingredients and preparation they admire with a little topping. The crust has a crispy thin crunch with a little softness in the middle, far from the bland cracker thin norm.

The cheese easily makes the pizza in a class of its own. It is made fresh daily in house and is proven with its creamy, rich flavor. The soft texture and robust flavor can only have come from their specific preparation. The tomato sauce is light and not overpowering.

All of the main ingredients are flavorful on their own but work together magically. They form a mouth-watering entrée that left me insatiable. Now add a little prosciutto and arugula and you’ve made me feel guilty about ever wanting to order delivery pizza.

The basics are excellent, but try plates only they make. The pistacchio e stracciatella topped with mortadella has a new, intense flavor… even without the amazing mozzarella! I loved the spinaci e speck with gorgonzola without knowing what speck was until then! There are so many different specialty pizzas to choose from that a simple review cannot do justice;

August 16 to 22, 2012

Gilda’s Club

by Michael Brewer

Michael’s Pizzeria

t takes a lot of faith in your food to open a restaurant in the Desert in July. It takes a lot of pride to open a small pizzeria at The River at Rancho Mirage, surrounded by large, well-known chain restaurants. After one mouthwatering meal at Michael’s Pizzeria, the confidence that they have in their restaurant is completely justified.

Upon entering, you get a very welcoming and classy feel for the place. It’s a great setting for a romantic dinner, but still family friendly enough that they let kids make their own pizza. The diners next to us were complimenting the waiter on the food before we even got our water.

The waitress took my wine preference and offered up a Sicilian red wine variety called Nero D’Avola. All their wines are Italian, but she was very excited for me to order her favorite as a Sicilian herself. It was exactly what I described I liked and was refreshing to try something new. Not bad wine and service at just $8 for a glass.

We then went exotic with our appetizers

n

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Phyllis Gerstein

“

you must experience Michael’s yourself.

They also serve favorite Italian dishes such as lasagna, cannelloni and parmigiana.

Perhaps you will try one of their unique offerings like the polipo e patate, which is roasted octopus and potatoes with garlic, olive oil and lemon. We finished the night off with a bold espresso laced tiramisu, which had the perfect texture. Michael’s is a unique, fresh-faced restaurant that I now share the faith that they will be warmly welcomed to the desert.

Michael’s Pizzeria 71-800 Hwy 111, Ste. A122, Rancho Mirage (760) 341-4222

Helicopter

by Rachel Montoya

“Love Remains” in the valley

L

os Angeles band Helicopter performs at the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs on August 25th.

The band have been regular visitors to the Coachella Valley since 2006.They performed weekly to packed house as the resident band at Augusta until they were caught in the cross fire of a well- publicized noise ordinance battle which resulted in a ban on live music at the Palm Desert venue.

Despite the set- back they kept returning to perform. Front man Johnny Kempt says the group considers the desert its favorite place to visit. “We have real friends there.

The crowds go crazy as well. Maybe it’s the heat?” He says that the environment has an effect on songwriting. “The desert is a spiritual place. It’s a magnetic place to think and create. I imagine that’s why there are so many painters out there. All the swimming helps to get your right brain working as well.”

The band is promoting its second album “Love Remains”. The recording was produced by the group’s drummer Mathew Moore at Silverfern Studios. The album features an eclectic mix of styles, a

result of four different writers in the band.

Kempt says that the bands range of material is much like the Grateful Dead or NRBQ. “We’re quirky, perhaps a little bit like The Band when they played The Last Waltz.

Musically we can pretty much go anywhere on a dime.”

The album is available as a free download from the bands website. While physical copies of “Love Remains” are available on CD, Helicopter believes that offering free music downloads is a good gesture for independent bands to make to fans.

Helicopter’s performance at the Rock Yard will be a mixture of popular covers and original selections from their albums.

Expect surprises.

It’s always something”………spoken with so much wisdom by Roseann Roseanna Dana, the character created by the brilliant comedienne Gilda Radner. For those of you too young to remember, just get hold of some old recordings of Saturday Night Live. Radner was among the original cast of the NBC hit, that still airs to this day.

Gilda began her hard battle with cancer in 1985 and three years later succumbed to cancer. Radner has left behind a legacy of comfort, hope and healing to not only the victims of today, but their families, friends, and caregivers, as well.

The building you see, when driving down Highway 111, in Cathedral City with the bright red door, is not the Elizabeth Arden Day Spa, but the home of Gilda’s Club, a place for patients, survivors, families and anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.

Support groups for the newly diagnosed and those living with cancer, whether still in treatment or recovering, are led by facilitators specially trained for the assignment. But it is the group participants who are the biggest contributors to the healing of each other. Cancer patients support each other by sharing experiences, information, recipes for cancer friendly dishes, and other sources of information.

With all this intimate sharing, group members become family. It is not unusual for one member to help in the caring for another comrade. Meals are supplied by group members for someone recovering from surgery. Often group participants volunteer to do some household task for a recuperating fellow member……not to mention rides being provided to Los Angeles, Loma Linda, and City of Hope, when a patient attending one of those facilities is in a bind and needs transportation.

Many participants live in the desert far from any family members and Gilda’s surrogate family is there to provide comfort and support so badly needed by those out here living on their own.

The clubhouse contains a library with books and recordings of informational value, as well as entertainment. Members are free to check out any materials they choose. It is pretty much on the honor system.

There is a fully equipped kitchen and snacks are there for the hungry. Lunch is provided and served by volunteers.

Luncheons are held on Wednesdays after the group meetings, in a large community room, which is also used for parties, informational events, movies, and various exercise classes, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and dance. The room is large enough to accommodate a small band and is equipped with many tables and chairs for large parties.

And then there is Noogieland---a play area for young children who has a parent with cancer. Nothing has been forgotten when it comes to providing for the needs of the community of cancer patients.

The staff and volunteers are cheerful and friendly. The atmosphere at Gilda’s is lively and full of laughter. Yes tears are shed from time to time, but gaiety is more the norm. After all, this place was founded in the memory of one of the funniest ladies of the 20th Century.

An elderly woman, whose daughter was a friend of Radner’s and had cancer at the same time as Gilda, tells a funny story at one of the comedy nights held Gilda’s Club.

It seems the two women who had similar surgeries, were shopping in an upscale boutique in Beverly Hills. As they walked out of the store, the alarm went off, as it would if someone had left the store with unpaid merchandise. The two women realized there was some metal object implanted in them as a part of their surgical procedures.

They thought it was terribly funny that they were capable of setting off the alarm and decided to make an afternoon of shopping and setting off alarms all over town.

In Gilda’s book, “It’s Always Something,” she tells of her journey through cancer and repeatedly mentions the help she received at The Wellness Center in Santa Monica…………….., which has been a model for Gilda’s club.

Research shows that breast cancer victims, who belong to a support group, have a reduction in psychological distress and pain, as well as an improvement in the quality of life. The patients in support groups spend less time and energy focusing on themselves and more on others.

For more info go to www. gildasclubdesertcities.org or call 760-7705678.

15

August 16 to 22, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Screeners No. 21

MERYL, TOMMY LEE, ZAK, WILL, MATTHEW & JOEL

Lori Gonzales

GET SERIOUS, SILLY, GROSS & SCARY

W

August 16 to 22, 2012

Good Art, Naturally

hat is the definition of “good” art? According to Tolstoy, art must create a specific emotional link between artist and audience, one that “affects” the viewer. Good art has the “ability to unite people though clear and genuine communication.” Tolstoy believed that the concept of art embraces any human

RUBY SPARKS

HOPE SPRINGS

If it weren’t for stars Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep, this film would be almost unwatchable. Advertised as a romantic comedy, it’s anything but. This serious drama brings to life – if you can call it that – a very long counseling session with an extraordinarily bland psychologist (Steve Carrell). We squirm as he guides his unhappy clients through sex therapy 101. The audience I saw this with was skewed a tad older. There were clusters of mature women who giggled throughout.

Maybe there should be a new category of film ratings that restricts anyone under 60 from seeing the film. NC-60! Co-stars Mimi Rogers and Elizabeth Shue are in it for a total of about 30 seconds.

said he based his character in part on John Edwards – hair and all!). Zak Galifianakis the pudgy, strangely effeminate, unlikely challenger Marty Huggins. The billionaire Motch brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow)are the money behind the scenes.

They want to “insource” Chinese workers.

Instead of pie fights and slipping on banana peels, there’s mud slinging and backstabbing galore. Jay Roach directs from a script that was under constant revision that allowed for crazy, last minute improvisation. Galifianakis says he’s been doing this mincing, lisping heterosexual character since high school because it made his dad laugh. Made me laugh too.

THE CAMPAIGN

Are you ready for a violent, over-thetop, dark comedy about desperate, stupid people doing dastardly dumb things in Dallas? When a drug dealer’s mom (whom everyone despises) steals his stash, he has to come up with $6K fast or he’s dead meat.

So he hires a crooked cop – “Killer Joe” Cooper -- who has a sideline as a hit man to

Two North Carolina half-wits vie for the state’s congressional seat. Neither one knows what he’s talking about. So, in many ways, it’s an accurate reflection of what’s happening in our real life political scene. Will Farrell is long-term, unopposed, charismatic congressman Cam Brady. Ferrell

16

KILLER JOE

off his hated mom for the insurance. One snag is that the broke kid doesn’t have the $25 grand up-front money to pay Killer Joe, so the cop takes Dottie, the kid’s sweet, innocent virginal sister as sexual collateral.

Matthew McConaughey is Killer Joe and he’s always a gentleman. Well, almost always.

Emil Hirsch is the kid, Thomas Haden Church is his dad, Gina Gershon is the slut of a stepmom and Juno Temple is Dottie, the down payment. Director William Friedkin’s at home here with this hicksploitation B-movie that wallows in human depravity and oozes gore. It’s lewd, lurid and low down. NC-17 is a generous rating. You may laugh, but you’ll want to take a hot shower when it’s over – or you can detox when you step out of the cool theater into the humid, triple digit heat.

Better yet, enjoy these films with a cold beer at Cinemas Palme D’Or.

I really wanted this film from Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, the husband and wife co-directors of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE to work, but it left me strangely unsatisfied.

Way too many unanswered questions. Paul Dano is a blocked writer with relationship issues. He dreams of a girlfriend (Zoe Kazan) who somehow materializes in real life, all the while controlled by what he writes on his old Olympia manual typewriter. It was hard not to think of the far superior STRANGER THAN FICTION that plays with some of these same conceits. Dano and Kazan are a real life couple. Kazan is memorable. She is also the screenwriter (and grand daughter of Elia Kazan). Anette Bening and Antonio Bandaras are Dano’s parents. Elliot Gould is a wise therapist. They are terrific. And so is Chris Messina who plays Dano’s skeptical brother.

FOR HOME VIDEO:

Musicians corner The Valley’s only original jazz-esque/ fusion/rock Instrumental group. True to their name , Penny Unniversity gives you great music with true stories and knowledge of people ,places and things.

THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME

There’s a new hi-def transfer of the superb, pre-code, 1932 action-adventure starring Joel McCrea and Fay Wray that was shot on some of the same sets that were used by the original KING KONG production. Based on the famous 1924 short story by Richard Connell (it’s still read in high school and college classes), the film is about a shipwrecked big game hunter who becomes prey on an island of another hunter – Count Zaroff, a madman who hunts humans. Kong’s composer Max Steiner did the music. Cool extras include GOW, THE HEADHUNTER, a bonus film assembled from three documentaries shot during the 1920s in the South Pacific, and interesting commentaries for both films. More info: FlickerAlley.com Blu-ray.

Listen for my weekly movie updates on Michael Knight’s KNWZ 94.3 Friday am show. RobinESimmons@aol.com

Soul Opus members include Michael Reyes of Indio, Juan De Lara Jr of Coachella, and Peter Cancino of Coachella, CA. As a band Soul Opus is dedicated in promoting unity and love across the Coachella Valley, from which they are very proud to say they come from. Facebook.com/SoulOpusMusic Soundcloud.com/Soul Opus Follow us on Twitter “The Arrangements Playing the Very Best Music from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and Today” For Bookings and info please go to www.facebook.com/pages/TheArrangements/279810762084 www. thearrangements.net 760-851-5432 Deadend Paradox is from palm desert est 2008 and has an origional desert rock feel that draws you in theirs something for every1. Check them out on facebook.

DIE HARD TILL DEATH (DHTD) Pedal to the Metal, Balls out, metal band that delivers the goods!! More bang for your buck! Heavy music with a groove! Slammin drums, pounding bass, loud,screamin guitars, melodic yet powerful intense vocals with visual layden lyrics! www.diehardtilldeath. com www.facebook.com/ DieHardTillDeath www.reverbnation. com/DieHardTillDeath www.twitter. com/DHTDtheband JEKKEL – Hot & fast 4-piece rock outfit from the desert. “One Way Road” music video out now! New EP & shows expected Summer 2012 | www. youtube.com/JEKKELvideos | Twitter: @JEKKELtheband and www.JEKKEL. com WYTE GYE is the desert’s premier hard & heavy, classic rock tribute band! To put it plainly, Wyte Gye rocks! Comprised of four dudes from the Coachella Valley, Wyte Gye is the epitome of a “party band”. Eric “Wyte Gye” Willman - guitar Armando Flores - bass guitar Dominic Jimenez – drums Noe Gutierrez – vocals.Check us out on Facebook.

Cover Story is an incredibly energetic band. Their sound covers a wide spectrum of interest with each member’s expressive style calling to their expanding fan-base. Check their demos of Classic Rock with Soul On their website:www.reverbnation. com/coverstorymusic Email desertcoverstory@gmail.com |www. facebook.com/coverstory ATTENTION ALL UNSIGNED ROCK BANDS/MUSICIANS! If you would like to have your song heard on the RADIO Just send your MP3 of the original SONG and BIO to: Ross Management & Productions Drossmanagement@ aol.com Exordium is a four piece metal outfit from the Coachella Valley composed of guitarists Angel Ocejo & Ryan Smith, bassist Xan Abyss and drummer Julian Andrews, with all members sharing a variety of vocal duties. With a fresh new EP (Winter’s Eve) and a promotional video (Dark Reaction) to support it, Exordium are on a path to spread the new faith of heavy metal to those in need. Dark Reaction Music Video: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=xxxUqgf002E Band Page: https://www.facebook.com/ Exordium760

activity in which one emitter, by means of external signs, transmits previously experienced feelings, communication that is clear, sincere and focused on one emotion.

While the argument over what is “good” art can be a long, winded debate, Tolstoy’s definition absolutely applies to Graphite Artist, Lori Gonzales.

A purist to the forum, Lori’s works cover the genre from architectural drawings, to portraits, and her preferred subject, photo replica. Armed with only a piece of graphite lead, a blending stone and fine point pencil, Lori displays a surreal ability to draw the soul of her creatures, buildings and people off of the page. In her architectural drawings her fascination and love for detail shows in the hours spent, drawing completely free hand, lines and details with acute precision and stunning accuracy. In her submissions of animals, the creatures are alive as you stare into their eyes as if they are ready to pounce. In line with Tolstoy’s criteria for “good art”, Lori’s gift is in translating from photo to page, the many minute details that make her drawings come to life.

With no formal training at all, Lori found herself drawn to the black and white forum as it allows her the freedom to communicate her natural love for details and dimension.

She also displays an uncanny eye and ability to see things in more than one dimension.

She displays this in the way she autographs her pieces in anagram. Showing much potential as an artist in her field in her early years, she put aside her craft as she raised her children. Picking it back up again, now that her children are grown, she has found that her passion and gift have returned to her even stronger than before. A true natural artist, Lori Gonzales’ art and sweet soul are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Lori Gonzales is also the owner of Basalt Man, a company that focuses on the fusion of rock and water art, with her partner and fellow artist Greg Trenschel. To see more of Lori’s art or Basalt Man, call her at (760) 534-2207 or visit the Basalt Man office at 166 San Rafael Place on the corner of Indian Canyon & San Rafael Way behind Tuscany Showroom in Palm Springs.

17

August 16 to 22, 2012

continue from page 13

CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm (LR) CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760564-3660 Paul Patterson 6pm (PB) DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 Jody’s B-day Bash w/ Sangre and Armament 7pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-3271700 Michael Keeth THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 The Ted Herman 18 Pc. Big Band 6-8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Robin Miller 6pm (PB) THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Karaoke Joe 7pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

Farmer Boys 81951 California 111 Indio, CA 92201

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 Dude Jones 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Club Mercy presents: Reverend Heat w/ Pinata Protest 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Reggie “Vision” Alexander 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760327-4080 Art of Sax,sidebar 5-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Smooth Brothers (RR) (LR) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Sunday Skool 9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm

MON AUGUST 20 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bonnie Scott 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sissy Bingo w/ Linda Gerard 7-9pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Music Mondays 9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Ron James 7pm

American

(760) 863-5050 www.farmerboys.com

Wine Bar

78015 Main Street #109 La Quinta, CA

Roc’s Firehouse 36891 Cook St # 10 Palm Desert, CA 92211

American

American

(760) 340-3222 www.rocsfirehouse.com

Tack Room 81800 Avenue 51 Indio, CA 92201

Casey’s

42455 Washington Street Palm Desert, CA 92211

(760) 345-6503 Restaurant & Lounge

18

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Mike Callan 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm (CB) BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760564-3660 Johnny Morris 6pm (PB) DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Andrew, Matt & Mike 8:30pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-3271700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Eclectic Tuesdays.

Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm

American

American

WED AUGUST 22 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bobby And Randy (BL) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Howie Pyro 10pm (VD) ARNOLD PALMERS; LQ; 760-7714653 Johnny Meza 6-10pm (JZ) AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Rudy de la Mor 7pm (PB) BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 DJ Party 6:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Nicky Vallee and Dreams 6-10pm (PR) CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm (PB) CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760564-3660 Johnny Morris 6pm (PB) DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760251-1991 “Sounds From The Desert” w/ Blaak Heat Shujaa, Rise of the Willing, Auto Modown and Dali’s Llama 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS;

Dickie O’Neals

(760) 564-5353

(760) 325-2600

78073 Calle Barcelona La Quinta, CA 92253

www.lavenderbistro.com

Lord Fletchers

70385 California 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 www.lordfletcher.com

Charli Marrones 42250 Jackson Street #101 Indio, CA www.charlimarrones.com

Backstreet Bistro 72-820 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA

(760) 346-6393

www.backstreet-bistro.com

Irish

2155 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

Irish

McGowan’s

73340 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260

(760) 346-6032 El Mexicali II 43-430 Monroe St. Indio, CA

Mexican

Crab Pot

70030 California 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Seafood

Pacifica

73505 El Paseo # 2500 Palm Desert

Seafood

(760) 674-8666

www.elmexicalicafe2.com

San Miguel

www.lamppostpizza.com

www.crabpotranchomirage.com

(760) 342-2333 Italian

78772 California 111 La Quinta, CA 92253

(760) 321-7635

www.mcgowansirishinn.com

Italian

Pizza

Lamppost

(760) 564-4568

www.dickieoneal.com

Continental

760-992-0002 Rose Mallett 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6-10pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-7777773 Demetrius Houser 7-10pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Night 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760366-2250 Live Music (RR) LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LE PAON; PD; 760-610-5320 Dennis Michaels 6pm (PB) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-3471522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 Karaoke w/ DJ Stuart 8pm THE PAVILION; PS; 760-323-8272 Ballroom Dancing 7-9:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Karaokie Jo 7pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-3403222 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr.Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Nite Sixx 9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke

Restaurant guide

Lavender Bistro Continental

(760) 625-1500 American

PALM SPRINGS TAVERN; PS; 760832-8920 Mikole Caar Pro Jazz Jam 7:30-11:30pm (JZ)(BL) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161 Ron James 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Karaoke SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Dr.Paul 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) TAQUERIA GUERRERO’S; TP; 760343-5971 DJ Keith 9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 The King’s Trio 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-2300188 Bill Casale 6pm

sullivanssteakhouse.com

(760) 328-1161

(760) 347-9985

www.tackroomtavern.com

73505 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA

TUE AUGUST 21

(760) 341-3560

(760) 564-2201

www.thewinebaratoldtown.com

Sullivan’s

SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 3sum 9pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.pacificaseafoodrestaurant.com

Mexican

35 320 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City (760) 328-9402 TAQUERIA SAN MIGUEL 72 450 Ramon Rd Mexican Restaurant Mariscos & Cantina 1000 Palms (760) 343-7340

35 320 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City

(760) 328-9402

72 450 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms

(760) 343-7340

List your Restaurant AD here. Call Philip at 760-501-6228 For Details.

by Selma Grows

August 16 to 22, 2012

Local Music Spotlight

“Rhodes” Deadend Paradox

by Jack St.Clair

O

riginally from Marin County, this week’s featured artist, Niki Rhodes, has been from Nebraska to Virginia to Boston and San Francisco and now proudly calls the Coachella Valley her home. She has been a SELMA affiliate for over 6 months and has already completed 2 Public Benefit showings during the El Paseo Art Walk, Palm Desert.

Raised by a single father and widower grandfather, this newly expecting mother recalls having difficulty focusing on anything but creating art from a young age. Rhodes was lucky enough to have a support system that encouraged and even nurtured these desires. Looking back she remembers her father (the house painter) lining her bedroom floor with various cans of leftover paint, prompting her to explore with color all over her bedroom walls. Rhodes expresses extreme gratitude to her grandfather who always told her, “…Be yourself and don’t let anybody EVER tell you to be something you’re not.”

Her favorite part of her art is how everything feels very spiritual. “I feel that my connection with my surroundings and the people I (choose to associate with) are strong. My mind is clear. Everything I do reflects 100% of what I feel and it comes out perfectly. I am not afraid to share what’s inside of Me,” states Rhodes.

Rhodes’ commitment to selfexpression has proven honorable for her.

She is now a self-supporting artist and has

“

been commissioned for ample amounts of work all by word of mouth. One of her documentable accomplishments; a series of murals gracing the walls of 5 Cross Fit Gyms across southern California! On an impressive side note: Miss Rhodes actually assisted a Mr. Chad Kibbey in building the Cross Fit Shifted Gym in Palm Desert (www.crossfitshifted.com), and she continues to be avid in health and wellness.

Rhodes is excited to begin investing time in local gallery showings with a dream of earning the opportunity to show for Melissa Morgan Galleries, Palm Desert. Rhodes is also getting ready to offer an all ages Color Theory Program for SELMA Members in 2013.

“As long as I never give up and I am always helping other people my life will fare well for me,” states Rhodes.

If you are interested in supporting this local artist you can check her out at www.nikirhodesart.com or email her directly at nikirhodesart@gmail.com Support and Education for Local Music and Arts, Coachella valley Chapter 1 (www.selmagrows.org)

You know what a paradox is?” says Chris Dub, the 24 year old giant-ofa-bass player for Deadend Paradox.

“That’s kind of us. Three different types of guys colliding.” It’s an accurate self-assessment from this local rock band that prides itself on being atypical.

Deadend Paradox began like most bands.

Singer, guitarist Alex Antonio, 24, and drummer Eddie Airada, 23, were high school friends who got together to jam with classmates Kyle Bagg on guitar and Adam Moore on bass, which lead to the creation of Stone Fox. Within a year the band was already opening shows for The Hellions. When Moore left the band, Bagg stumbled upon bassist Dub at a mutual friends’ house. “He said their bass player was leaving and I said, ‘Hey I play bass.’ Two weeks later I had a try out and it went from there.”

After a while Bagg lost interest. “Kyle is a great musician. But he just wasn’t into it anymore,” says Antonio. The band then progressed as a three piece. Says Airada, “When Chris joined the band we realized ‘Ok…so now we can make the songs that we’ve been wanting to make.’” And then Stone Fox became Deadend Paradox.

Deadend Paradox’s various musical influences create a unique blend all their own. “I love the fact that people can’t really categorize us,” explains Antonio. His vocals and guitar, punctuated by his affinity for punk, blues and classic rock, are raw and powerful, with moments of quiet thoughtfulness.

But the rhythm section’s approach is less straightforward. Eddie’s influences range all over the map, including reggae and hip hop.

“I wanted to be a drummer before I had any influences,” he says. “I’ve never had specific bands, as much as different genres.” “I like that Eddie isn’t your typical ‘rock’ drummer,” Antonio says. Dub points to his love for good melodies and a lot of 311 as what drew him to music. Their writing process is a collaborative effort. “Most of the songs we’ve written come together within the first 20 minutes of us playing them,” says Dub. “Eddie will play a sick-ass beat and that will inspire us to make something sick on top of it.” The band strives to make the process organic, without analyzing the result. “You shouldn’t over think it,” explains Antonio. “You should just play it how it feels at that moment in time.”

While the band is a collaborative effort, Antonio is the focal point. He is one of the most talented young guitar players in the valley. Sparked early on by Guns & Roses and the New York Dolls, his musical taste grew from there. “My early influences were Randy Rhodes, Zack Wylde. All those shredders.

But for people like John Lennon - the real songwriters - it was more important to write a song than to play a solo. Solos are just flash to me. If the song needs a solo, I’ll put it in there.

But I don’t need to play 20 notes in 2 seconds.”

His ultimate joy comes from writing, be that in poetry or novel form. And this carries over to his lyric writing. “For me personally, the music is just the vehicle for the lyrics.” The other members of the band appreciate his approach. “I like to read his lyrics,” Airada says. “And make up my own idea before I ask him what they mean.” Dub refers to “Heavy Is Your Head” as a favorite. “It’s real.

Everyone has dark days.” Antonio appreciates the complement, but admits that sometimes those very real stories can be tough to revisit.

Ultimately he hopes that listeners can find a way to personally identify with the words. His honesty is evident in several songs including “Dry” and “Upon the Phoenix,” the latter of which touches on the loss of his grandmother.

But for the all seriousness of the majority of the material, occasionally Antonio enjoys being fictional, even penning a song from the perspective of a crazed maniac killer.

“Sometimes people forget that’s what you’re doing. You’re a storyteller.”

For a group of young musicians, Deadend Paradox are very comfortable in their own skin. Their shows have a very loose, relaxed vibe to them, as if you were just hanging out in their practice garage with them. They keep the pre-planning to a bare minimum and commonly call out any one of over 25 originals on the spot. The band takes the music seriously, but refuses to take the moment seriously, which Dub admits “can be a good thing and a bad thing.” But ultimately they play for themselves, without any apology.

“We’re pretty much a punk band at the heart of it,” explains Antonio. “In the sense of what the true meaning of punk rock stood for. Not what everybody thinks it stands for.” He points to The Clash as an example. “It’s kind of that ethic of ‘Be yourself and do what you want to do.’ You have to be able to laugh about yourself and remember we’re all just here to play music.” Airada sums it up, “That’s the freedom that we have and why we love playing music.

It’s the most freedom that we get.”

To check out more on Deadend Paradox and listen to some of their music, visit www. reverbnation.com/deadendparadox and be sure to catch them live out in the valley.

19

August 16 to 22, 2012

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of August 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19): These days you have a knack for reclamation and redemption, Aries.

If anyone can put fun into what’s dysfunctional, it’s you. You may even be able to infuse neurotic cluelessness with a dose of erotic playfulness. So be confident in your ability to perform real magic in tight spots. Be alert for opportunities to transform messy irrelevancy into sparkly intrigue. By the way, how do you feel about the term “resurrection”? I suggest you strip away any previous associations you might have had, and be open to the possibility that you can find new meanings for it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The game of tictac-toe is simple. Even young children can manage it. And yet there are 255,168 different ways for any single match to play out. The game of life has far more variables than tic-tac-toe, of course. I think that’ll be good for you to keep in mind in the coming weeks. You may be tempted to believe that each situation you’re dealing with can have only one or two possible outcomes, when in fact it probably has at least 255,168. Keep your options wide open.

Brainstorm about unexpected possibilities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Let’s turn our attention to the word “mortar.” I propose that we use it to point out three influences you could benefit from calling on. Here are the definitions of “mortar”: 1. a kind of cannon; 2. the plaster employed for binding bricks together; 3. a bowl where healing herbs are ground into powder. Now please meditate, Gemini, on anything you could do that might: 1. deflect your adversaries; 2. cement new unions; 3. make a container -- in other words, create a specific time and place -- where you will work on a cure for your suffering.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a mega-hit that sold well and garnered critical acclaim. But it had a difficult birth.

When the band’s leader Kurt Cobain first presented the raw tune to the band, bassist Krist Novoselic disliked it and called it “ridiculous.” Cobain pushed back, forcing Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl to play it over and over again for an hour and a half.

In the course of the ordeal, the early resistance dissolved. Novoselic and Grohl even added their own touches to the song’s riffs. I foresee a similar process for you in the coming week, Cancerian. Give a long listen to an unfamiliar idea that doesn’t grab you at first.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): One of history’s most notorious trials took place in Athens, Greece in 399 BCE. A majority of 501 jurors convicted the philosopher Socrates of impiety and of being a bad influence on young people. What were the impious things he did? “Failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges” and “introducing new deities.” And so the great man was sentenced to death. This is a good reminder that just because many people believe something is true or valuable or important doesn’t mean it is. That’s especially crucial for you to keep in mind. You are in a phase when it might be wise and healthy to evade at least one popular trend. Groupthink is not your friend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): With all the homework you’ve done lately, you’ve earned a lot of extra credit. So I’m thinking you’ll get a decent grade in your unofficial “crash course” even if you’re a bit sleepy during your final exam. But just in case, I’ll provide you with a mini-cheat sheet. Here are the right answers to five of the most challenging test questions. 1. People who never break anything will never learn how to make lasting creations. 2. A mirror is not just an excellent tool for self-defense, but also a tremendous asset in your quest for power over yourself. 3. The less you hide the truth, the smarter you’ll be. 4. The well-disciplined shall inherit the earth. 5. You often meet your destiny on the road you took to avoid it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The Hubble Space Telescope has taken 700,000 photos of deep

20

S and G Pumping Service

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

space. Because it’s able to record details that are impossible to capture from the earth’s surface, it has dramatically enhanced astronomers’ understanding of stars and galaxies. This miraculous technology got off to a rough start, however. Soon after its launch, scientists realized that there was a major flaw in its main mirror. Fortunately, astronauts were eventually able to correct the problem in a series of complex repair jobs. It’s quite possible, Libra, that you will benefit from a Hubble-like augmentation of your vision in the next nine months. Right from the beginning, make sure there are no significant defects in the fundamentals of your big expansion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): To some people, sweating is regarded as an indelicate act that should be avoided or hidden. But there are others for whom sweating is a sign of health and vigor. In Egyptian culture, for example, “How do you sweat?” is a common salutation. In the coming weeks, Scorpio, I encourage you to align yourself with the latter attitude. It won’t be a time to try to impress anyone with how cool and dignified you are. Rather, success is more likely to be yours if you’re not only eager to sweat but also willing to let people see you sweat.

Exert yourself. Extend yourself. Show how much you care.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Whatever I take, I take too much or too little; I do not take the exact amount,” wrote poet Antonio Porchia. “The exact amount is no use to me.” I suggest you try adopting that bad-ass attitude in the coming days, Sagittarius.

Be a bit contrarian, but with humor and style. Doing so would, I think, put you in sweet alignment with the impish nature of the vibes swirling in your vicinity. If you summon just the right amount of devil-may-care jauntiness, you’ll be likely to get the most out of the cosmic jokes that will unfold.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What is the longest-running lie in your life? Maybe it’s a deception you’ve worked long and hard to hide. Maybe it’s a delusion you’ve insisted on believing in. Or perhaps it’s just a wish you keep thinking will come true one day even though there’s scant evidence it ever will.

Whatever that big drain on your energy is, Capricorn, now would be a good time to try changing your relationship with it. I can’t say for sure that you’ll be able to completely transform it overnight. But if you marshal a strong intention, you will be able to get the process underway.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may have heard the theory that somewhere there is a special person who is your other half -- the missing part of you. In D. H. Lawrence’s version of this fantasy, the two of you were a single angel that divided in two before you were born. Personally, I don’t buy it. The experiences of everyone I’ve ever known suggest there are many possible soulmates for each of us. So here’s my variation on the idea: Any good intimate relationship generates an “angel” -- a spirit that the two partners create together. This is an excellent time for you to try out this hypothesis, Aquarius. As you interact with your closest ally, imagine that a third party is with you: your mutual angel.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the coming weeks, you’ll be wise to shed your emotional baggage and purge your useless worries and liberate yourself from your attachments to the old days and the old ways.

In other words, clear out a lot of free, fresh space.

And when you’re finished doing that, Pisces, don’t hide away in a dark corner feeing vulnerable and sensitive and stripped bare. Rather, situate yourself in the middle of a fertile hub and prepare to consort with new playmates, unexpected adventures, and interesting blessings. One of my readers, Reya Mellicker, sums up the right approach: “Be empty, not like the bowl put away in the cupboard, but like the bowl on the counter, cereal box above, waiting to receive.”

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

DDR German Shepherd puppies (7 weeks old), AKC registered.

Beautiful, dark sables.

Parents on site. $1500 breeding rights; $1250 without.

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Health Fitness & beauty

by Cara Pellegrino

August 16 to 22, 2012

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

Happy Belly The Power A of Chiropractic T

he American standard of popping pills and treating the symptom of the underlying disease is really not creating health in our society. Instead, this subscription to big pharma is leaving patients to contend with more pills to treat side effects of the first pills, trapping them in a vicious cycle of pharmaceuticals.

There are many schools of thought regarding health, and while much of society is satiated by the prescriptions advertised by the drug companies, others have had their fill and are looking for a more sensible and natural approach to healing. We are becoming disenchanted with the synthetic foods and medicines that beget more synthetic medicine.

And while we search for health through outside means, there are some doctors who believe the key to health lies within each and every one of us.

I sat down with Dr. Anthony Usera in Palm Desert to learn more about the philosophy and practice of chiropractic care which touts that we as human beings already hold the innate wisdom to health and healing within ourselves. Dr. Anthony explained his mission: To liberate the world by reconnecting the physical man to spiritual man through the power of chiropractic. His personal beliefs resonate with the philosophy of chiropractic care: health comes from the inside.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, health is defined as “the state of being sound in body and mind, and especially freedom from physical disease and pain”. Although many people turn to chiropractic to treat back and neck pain, chiropractic is about maintaining optimal function in the nervous system.

By adjusting the spine and creating a sound pathway for our cells to function and communicate clearly, pain naturally diminishes and health is ultimately unleashed and restored. Dr. Anthony states, “You can’t put something in you to get healthy, health is already within. You just have to release it.”

He likened our body’s performance to that of a famous pianist. If the piano player is functioning at his peak level, but

his instrument is not properly tuned, then the song will suffer due to the physical, structural limitation of the piano. The music will not sound right, yet this has nothing to do with the talented musician.

He pressed the right keys at the right time. He possesses the same gift and talent and he did the day before on the perfectly tuned piano where his work was a masterpiece. But this performance is lacking and it’s not his fault, it was the untuned piano.

And just like the piano, your body’s physical structure and optimal function can be sacrificed, but your innate wisdom is still 100%, you are just unable to express the perfect wisdom and potential.

Therefore in order to express optimum health, the structure must be repaired.

That’s why more people are turning to chiropractic care for healing. It works. It helps to align the structural integrity so the energy and communication channels can flow freely.

So the next time you feel inclined to pop another pill to treat another symptom, try to take a look at the whole.

Perhaps a gentle adjustment or two might be what the doctor ordered to get you on the path to healing and well-being, from the inside out.

lert, you may have heard eating yogurt is good for your digestive system. The answer is affirmative.

Ingesting a probiotic as a part of your daily regime will bolster you as well. Ok, you may be asking yourself a pro bi what? What are probiotics? Why do we need them? What can a regular probiotic do for me? All of the above questions are valid and important to ask of your self.

“Probiotic” means “for life” and simply explains why these nutrients are so important. A probiotic is an organism. This organism contributes to the health and balance of the intestinal tract. Within our digestive tract live good and bad bacteria.

Our healthy lower intestines should contain approximately 85 percent of “friendly” bacteria. Yes, there is such a thing as healthy bacteria and it wards off disease. Fifteen percent of the bacteria has a deleterious effect. Most people have these numbers reversed.

Why do we need probiotics? A healthy digestive tract will help you maintain overall good health. If you experience excessive gas, bloating, constipation, there is a good chance your digestive tract is suffering. It is also likely you are doing harm to your own body. Your body is working overtime.

Therefore, you are not able to absorb the proper nutrients your body needs to sustain good health. Some of the damaging substances that contribute and disturb the intestinal flora are, chlorine and sodium fluoride (found in most city water) and alcoholic beverages. Our intestinal walls can also be disturbed and damaged by antibiotics, birth control pills, and over the counter drugs. Digesting a probiotic on a

daily basis will enable your digestive tract to be normalized. Here is what a dose of probiotics daily can provide for you: • Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that causes digestive stress • Improve digestion of food and absorption of vitamins • Stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanism – the immune system • Help make vitamins needed by the body Some foods can deliver probiotics such as, yogurt, tempeh, some cheeses, Japanese Miso, garlic, onions, and bananas. The recommendation of CFU’s (colony-forming unit) is 6-10 million per day. One would need to eat a lot of yogurt and the other foods above to meet this requirement.

So, how do you select a probiotic?

There are so many choices and it could be overwhelming. Some experts would recommend a tablet form. The coating on the tablet (enteric-coating) is a protective layer to ensure the microbes will make it to the lower part of the intestines. There are also powdered and liquid forms of probiotics. Be aware that probiotics can be expensive. I can attest that a happy belly makes for a happier and healthier you. Isn’t your digestive health worth it to you?

Bronwyn Ison, Yoga Instructor RYT 200 Private, Group, and Classes Available Weekly Classes at Empire Polo Club Indio, California

480.332.1951

www.e-volveyoga.com • Bronwyn@e-volveyoga.com

facebook.com/ yogawithbronwyn

Where your mind meets your mat

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August 16 to 22, 2012

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Savage Pets

B

luPrint Green Gallery located at 386 N Palm Canyon will be hosting the 2012 Savage Pets art fundraiser for animal charities throughout the valley, featuring the art of artist Shawn Savage of Savage Gallery.

Artist Shawn Savage launches his 2012 Savage Pets show of paintings and sculpture to help raise funds for animal charities.

Savage will be kicking off the “Savage Pets” fundraiser, with a launch party and art sale at BluPrint Green Gallery located at 386 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, August 24th from 7 to 9pm. Savage Gallery located at 870 E. Research Drive will host an event the next evening with recording artist Bobby Jo Valentine performing with more of the new “Savage Pets” series on display and

August 16 to 22, 2012

The Cannabis Corner

by Rachel Montoya to create a unique and continuous product to raise funds. The successful collection of greeting cards sold out and it is the hope of Shawn Savage that the new images will be used to create a fresh collection of Greeting cards along with other products such as coffee mugs and T-Shirts to help support animal needs throughout the year. Savage Pets Paintings decorate the walls and are also sold at The Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The Paintings have raised hundreds of dollars over the past year.

“I am excited to release this year’s Savage

MEDICAL CANNABIS EVALUATIONS * RANCHO MIRAGE & THOUSAND PALMS – 2 LOCATIONS* Pets series” says Savage. “Creating these paintings makes me feel good and brings a smile to my face. It makes me feel even better to know that some of the proceeds will help animals in need.”

When & Where: BluPrint Green Gallery 386 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, August 24th 7 to 9pm.

Savage Gallery 870 E. Research Dr. Suite 1, Palm Spring, August 25th 7 to 9pm. For more information please contact: Shawn Savage: Savageart1@yahoo.com 760-464-5978

available through a silent auction 7pm to 9pm. The series will also be on display at several businesses throughout the city such as The Rainbow Bar and Grill, Swank, Cold Nose Warm Heart, Deko and The Sandwich Spot. The paintings and other artworks can be seen and purchased online at www.

TheSavageGallery.com.

Last year’s fundraiser, the first for “Savage Pets” kicked off the opening of the new Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The Shelter and Savage worked together to produce a line of greeting cards to be sold

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August 16 to 22, 2012

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ROCK the RUNWAY 5th Annual Fall Fashion Show

Saturday, August 18 1pm A dazzling day of family, fashion and fun featuring Project Runway’s Michael Costello, local Valley models, and Haute Dogs from Animal Samaritans.

Westfield.com GET CONNECTED

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