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Rock Art Sculptures to Augment Recent Resort Upgrades see page 10. Photo by Greg McClendon
Desert Hot Springs, CA PERMIT NO 00005
November 28, 2018 Vol. 12 No. 95
Cabazon Powwow 2018 Honoree, Ron Good Eagle Sr, in a wheelchair, and his family and friends. Photo by Pat Krause Story and Photos by Pat Krause The 37th Annual Cabazon Indio Powwow was held on November 23 thru the 25th. The event was held again at the Special Events Center at Fantasy Resort Casino which has the space to hold such a huge event. Almost 500 dancers arrived to try to win one of the many dances for men, women, and children. The stands were full of family
and friends of the many Indian tribes from all over the mid-west and the west who came to celebrate this festival of dance. Many of the seats in the area were filled with people who came to watch and who brought their children to witness the Indian culture. This year was a celebration in remembrance of the beloved Chairman John A. James who passed away
By Jack Lyons Theatre and Film Critic Member American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) Coyote StageWorks cofounding Artistic Director, actor, producer and stage director Chuck Yates, confided to me at the closing last Sunday of his highly successful comedy production of “The Understudy”, written by Theresa Rebeck, that this has been his only directing assignment in the ten years the acting group has been in business here in Palm Springs.
Chuck Yates is one of the finest actors in the Coachella Valley winning many Desert Theatre League (DTL) Award trophies for excellence in theatre. I still remember his award-winning turn as Truman Capote in the Coyote StageWorks production of “TRU” at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs in 2013. Whether he’s directing or producing, Yates and Coyote StageWorks has made an indelible theatrical mark in the cultural contributions of the Coachella Valley.
this year. Chairman James was a great Native American leader who has been called, The Father of Native American Gaming. James was a leader in the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians for over 30 years. Others were honored at this Powwow also as Dance winners were recognized. Leaders and families of other tribes were also honored at this celebration, like Ron
GoodEagle Sr and his family. There is a grand entry each day where they bless the area, show the Eagle Staff and the flags. The dance area is then filled with dancers showing off their regalia and where visiting royalty, queens, and princesses from other tribes enter. Tribal members judge each dance as they observed from different areas around
the circle. Winners are chosen from each category for their different interpretations of the particular dance. Each dancer tries to show that his dancing is unique, some stand out among all who participate. Each dance is accompanied by different drummers and singers from many tribes. Some of the dances were Continues on Page 11
“The Understudy” Pokes Affectonate Fun at the World of Theatre
Continues on Page 9
Photo credit: David A. Lee Photography.