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KMIR participates in ‘Read Across America Day’ (AKA Dr. Seuss Day) Anchor Dan Ball and Soumada Smith read to students at James Madison Elementary in Indio.
Desert Hot Springs, CA PERMIT NO 00005
March 4, 2015 Vol. 8 No. 17
The Four Jacksons The Jacksons - Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon Story and Photos by Pat Krause The Four Jackson Brothers were so gracious to attend the Friday Dan McGrath show at the Hyatt Hotel. The Jacksons had several fans that came to witness the show and meet these famous brothers, as the radio show is open to the public. They were so charming, pleasant and nice. They posed for photos, talked to the fans and all in all it was a
great experience. The Jacksons were on Stage at Fantasy Casino on Saturday, Feb. 28th. and they spoke about their upcoming concert. Dan McGrath asked them what songs they were going to sing, and they named off so many of their famous hits. I Want You Back, ABC. I’ll Be There and one of my favorites, Never Can Say Goodbye, were just a few of
the songs they sang. They say they pay tribute to their brother Michael in all their performances. The four Jacksons are Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon. They said they have a great time on stage and want the audience to have a great time too. They like to take the audience down memory lane with their songs. They don’t just sing; they dance and really perform a fantastic show.
Neil Simon is Alive and Well
By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Neil Simon, one of America’s most prolific and successful playwrights, has all but disappeared from the radar screens of patrons, and from the stages of professional and regional theatres across the country. Simon like other playwrights of his generation over the last fifteen years, have been caught in the crossfire of changing audience demographics. The Millennial Generation, roughly individuals 18 and 29 and those 30 to 40, are now the ages producers hope to woo into becoming regular theatre-goers. So far, that age demographic has
resisted the siren call. They’re too busy staring into their hands and the screens of their ubiquitous I-Phones. It’s a bit of a pity too, because they’re missing out on some pretty relevant and entertaining live theatre performances. The last time I checked “love” was still the key word that motivates all human behavior – and that would include the raging hormones, cultureresistant, younger set. The North Coast Repertory Theatre is doing its part in getting the message out to their subscribers and patrons in general, that Neil Simon is not only alive and doing well, but is still very relevant to audiences
of all ages. “Chapter Two”, Simon’s “autobiographical” play is based on events from his own life journey. The charming story set in New York City, revolves around the recently widowed George Schneider (warmly and winningly played by playhouse Artistic Director David Ellenstein and his cross-town neighbor, the recently divorced Jennie MacLaine (a lovely Jacquelyn Ritz). Neither of these bruised souls is eager to enter the dating wars that are being cooked up and choreographed by others who think they’re doing the Continues on Page 10
The Jacksons have been performing for so long that its just second nature to them; they have traveled all over the world to entertain. They want the audience to feel like dancing when they sing. McGrath thanked them for taking the time to come to his Friday Morning radio show. McGrath said it was a big thrill to have them there. McGrath has many
celebrities and local talents on his special Friday morning shows. Dan is a source of information as to what is going on in the Desert. McGrath then interviewed Nancy Tapick and Marilyn Benachowski about an upcoming concert. You can listen to Dan McGrath each morning on 103.1 radio.
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Louis Lotorto and Mhari Sandoval-All images courtesy of Aaron Rumley