FAB FOUR OPENS THE BARSTOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
weekender FRIDAY 2.20.15 | VVDailyPress.com
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PASSPORT TO TRAVEL: ‘THE PROMISED LAND’ PAGE 6
2 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
CONTENTS ON THE COVER
COVER STORY
‘Beatlemania’ comes to High Desert Fab Four opens BCC’s Performing Arts Center By JOSE QUINTERO
Weekender
STAFF WRITER
3 | MOVIE REVIEW ‘All the Wilderness’
4 | MUSIC MUSIC SCENE and reviews of albums
5 | NEW ON DVD RELEASES AVAILABLE in stores this week
6&7 | BEST BETS SELECTED EVENTS of interest
8 | LOOKING AHEAD Other top picks of upcoming events
10 | CAPTAIN COMICS SHEENA
11 | DINING OUT REVIEWS AND LISTINGS of local restaurants
vvdailypressnews
@vvdailypress
Weekender Editor | Gary Brodeur | 760-951-6245 | gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com SUBMISSIONS: Send items to weekender@vvdailypress.com and cc gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event. ON THE WEB: ............................................................ www.VVDailyPress.com TO ADVERTISE:.............................................................................. 760-241-7744 ON THE COVER: The Fab Four band portrays the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band era of the Beatles. PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPER PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.
MORE ONLINE Patricia Sanchez covers the music scene in Southern California in her blog 505 Reasons to Believe the Hype. Follow her on our website at www.vvdailypress.com.
BARSTOW — Beatlemania is coming to Barstow. A facsimile version of Beatlemania that is. The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is headlining the first-ever concert held at the Barstow Community College’s Performing Arts Center Saturday night. The Fab Four have reached acclaim for being photocopies of the Beatles due to their precise attention to detail, according to founding member Ron McNeil, who portrays John Lennon. The group pays so much attention to detail that bassist Ardy Sarraf learned how to play left handed just like Sir Paul McCartney, McNeil said. If that’s not enough, Erik Fidel wears a prosthetic nose while playing because his is not quite as big as Ringo Starr’s.
“There are something like 30,000 of The Beatles groups around the world,” McNeil said. “Just about every town, somewhere in the world, there is some guy wearing a wig trying to look like one of the Beatles and performing their songs. ... Our plan is to get everything right — as close as we can get it to the actual thing. Not just the look, you also have to get guys that can sing and play their instruments. "The Beatles weren’t virtuosos, but you have to be able to play guitar and keyboard and other different things a normal band doesn’t ask you to.” The tribute band has toured around the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. Their show consists of several costume changes that include fake mustaches, and an array of the Beatles greatest hits
The Fab Four stand with ‘Ed Sullivan,’ evoking the introduction of the Beatles to American audiences. COURTESY OF HARPER PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.
set-list, unlike others you will see. McNeil said you will never hear a rendition of “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” played as precisely as the Fab Four does. “Just about every Beatles’ tribute band doesn’t really play from the Sgt. SEE FAB FOUR, A9
If you go When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Where: Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center, 2700 Barstow Road in Barstow. Cost: $60 and $75; $100 VIP entry includes preconcert champagne reception. Information: Go to www. barstow.edu or call 760252-2411, ext. 7349.
‘Wilderness’
By ROGER MOORE TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
James Charm is obsessed with death. We meet him scribbling an obituary for a dead crow he spies in a cornfield. He narrates his life story in an enervated, depressing drone, always quoting his father. Dad loved the wilderness, he says. "It's a place where all things go to live, and all things go to die." Turns out, his dad is dead. And James (Kodi Smit-McPhee) isn't coping well. He's developed the habit of predicting deaths. That's sad when you're talking about your pet hamster. But that'll get you beaten up when you send notes to classmate Cory that he "will die in 279 days." Writer-director Michael Johnson covers a lot of familiarly morbid teen ground in "All the Wilderness," a film with touches
2 stars (Grade C-) Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Virginia Madsen, Evan Ross, Isabelle Fuhrman, Danny DeVito. Written and directed by Michael Johnson. Running time: 1:22. MPAA Rating: unrated, with adult themes and situations, teen drinking, profanity. Danny DeVito and Kodi Smit-McPhee in a scene from ‘All the Wilderness.’ SCREEN MEDIA FILMS / TNS
of "Ordinary People" and a hint of "Harold & Maude." But touches and a hint aren't enough to lift this morose movie into anything any of us need to see or hear to deepen our understanding of teen depression, grief and love. James's mother
(Virginia Madsen) can only pay lip service to his condition, home-schooling him to keep him out of the reach of school bullies who won't understand what he's going through. Danny DeVito is Walter, apparently his shrink. It's one of the movies
cleverest touches that Walter makes his sessions more like distracted conversations with the kids. He carves and sands wooden chess pieces as
they chat. Less intimidating, if a little insulting. James is that classic movie-awkward teen, smart enough to quote Carl Sandburg poems, clueless enough to try this as a pickup line, noticing a pretty girl's ring. "Did you know that turquoise isn't actually from Turkey?" Val (Isabelle Fuhrman) works in the family bakery concocting odd donuts and eclairs — dipped in Tang, the breakfast drink, for instance. Accessible and beguiling, she's also SEE MOVIE, A9
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Friday, February 20, 2015 | 3
‘Wilderness’ gets lost in teen grief
|
MOVIE REVIEW
Weekender
MOVIES
4 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
MUSIC
Weekender
ROCKDISCS: Imagine Dragons’ latest needs to be a bit more real By GLENN GAMBOA
IMAGINE DRAGONS, "Smoke and Mirrors"
Imagine Dragons are not ones for subtlety. The Las Vegas rockers have made their name on larger-than-life anthems like "Radioactive" and "Demons" that boil down complex emotions and ideas to simple (sometimes, too simple) choruses and catchphrases. On "Smoke and Mirrors" (Interscope), they do it again, sounding even bigger and reasoning even simpler than before. "I'm sorry for everything, oh everything I've done," Dan Reynolds
peppy "Polaroid," where Reynolds swaggers his way through the sad-sack verses before hitting on a chorus of "Love is a Polaroid, better in pictures, never can fill the void." It's clear that success hasn't spoiled Imagine Dragons, or, more accurately, lightened their mood. "Hopeless Opus" is plenty of proof of psychopath or they didn't that, though sometimes realize how the two pieces glimmers of hope slip would fit together. Either through, especially in the way, it doesn't feel right. Mumford & Sons-ish "I The misdirection Bet My Life." works much better on In some ways, "Smoke "Gold," where they turn and Mirrors" is an album the line "Everything you written to be played touch turns to gold" into live — the dynamic something menacing, band's true wheelhouse over a clattering hip-hop — crafted for maximum beat. It also works on the entertainment value.
■ Steve Earle & The Dukes' "Terraplane" (New West) ■ Glen Campbell's "I'll Be Me" soundtrack (Big Machine) ■ Jose Gonzalez's "Vestiges and Claws" (Mute) ■ Pops Staples' "Don't Lose This" (Anti-) ■ Colin Hay's "Next Year People" (Compass)
NEWSDAY/TNS
Imagine Dragons performing at the Mayan Theater on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles. PHOTO BY REBECCA CABAGE / INVISION / AP
sings to open the album on "Shots," a truly odd bit of misdirection. Over a bouncy, synth-pop backdrop, Reynolds declares, "From the second that I was born it seems I had a loaded gun and then I
shot, shot, shot a hole through everything I loved." That disconnect is obviously what the band was going for, but either they were planning to build a happy-sounding
The problem is that in making every gesture seem arena-sized, much of the album feels distant and impersonal, like it's about the show and not the emotions. "Smoke and Mirrors" needs to get a bit more real. THE GRADE: BB O T T O M L I N E : Overstuffed, over-the-top rock that still feels hollow
Mavericks make a surprise move back to ‘Mono’ The Mavericks, "Mono"
The Mavericks spontaneously decided to release the band's new SEE ROCKDISCS, A9
MUSIC SCENE
SoCal concerts don’t always have to be expensive By PATRICIA SANCHEZ FOR WEEKENDER
Concerts are almost always guaranteed to be fun, exciting and a unique experience. They can also be rather expensive. Even if one concert isn't necessarily pricey, the money adds up when you frequent concerts regularly. But, seeing a band live doesn't always have to be expensive. There are several ways to see your favorite bands for free — you just have to search for them. Here are
some examples: 1. "Jimmy Kimmel Live": Shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! often host bands to play indoor and outdoor performances. They play a few songs to be aired on television, and you always see a full crowd cheering for them. Did you know that these shows are completely free to attend? Jimmy Kimmel Live, and several other shows give away tickets to fans to attend their taped performances at no charge. Finding a free place to park
is another matter though. While these shows only air one or two songs on television, the bands usually stick around to play a few more songs for attendees. These mini concerts are a great way to check out a new band or just to go out and have a good time with friends. Spaces for these shows are limited, and tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. To get tickets, visit 1iota.com. 2. The Echo: The Echo and Echoplex is a hub for fans to discover new music
and for bands to have a platform on which to break into the music scene. Most shows are reasonably priced, but the main attraction for someone on a budget is the free Monday Night Residency music events, which has helped jump start the careers of bands such as The Airborne Toxic Event and Foster the People. There is always something going on at the Echo, and to check out shows and free music events, visit www.theecho.com/ 3. The Red Bull Sound
Space: Win your way into one of the most intimate concert experiences you'll ever encounter. The Red Bull Sound Space in L.A. teams up with L.A. radio station KROQ to give fans a free concert with some of the biggest names in music. The small hall looks very inconspicuous — outside it could pass for a dental office — and houses only about 200 people. The only downside to these events is you have to win your way into the shows. Still, it's a great chance to try to see some
amazing artists. For more information, visit kroq. cbslocal.com/category/ red-bull-sound-space/. 4. Live at Amoeba: Amoeba Records is one of the largest independent music stores in the world. It has everything from videos, CDs, vinyls and various merchandise. The store also hosts several free shows per month. There is no reservation necessary, you just show up willing to have a good time. To see their calendar, visit Amoeba's website at www.amoeba.com/.
By Rick Bentley THE FRESNO BEE
Two of the top movies of last year — both dealing with great minds trapped inside frail bodies — top new DVD offerings this week.
"The Theory of Everything" Grade: A Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of genius Stephen Hawking is brilliant. There is beauty in Redmayne's physicality, which is magnified by the power of all the subtext he delivers in a single look. The film, based on the autobiography by Hawking's first wife, Jane, is a blend of a romance story and a poignant look at Hawking as he goes from an
enthusiastic college student to the epitome of irony as a brilliant man trapped in the frailest of bodies.
"Life Itself" Grade: AFew people working outside the film industry have had as much impact on movie making as Roger Ebert. It's a wonderful tribute to the late critic that this bold and open documentary is so beautifully done. Director Steve James has put together a full look at Ebert's life and career from his battles with Gene Siskel to Ebert's illness.
Michael Keaton stars. The stunningly unique visual style and sacrificial slaughter of stardom makes "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" a modern day "Sunset Boulevard" — where winning and losing recognition can be a maddening experience.
"The Homesman"
Grade: B A woman (Hilary Swank) transports three women who have been broken by the harshness of pioneering. Tommy Lee Jones co-stars. Tommy Lee Jones has crafted a painfully honest "Birdman" assault on the standard Grade: A trappings of a Western. An aging action film actor His attack comes mainly tries to revive his career through its brutal look at with a Broadway play. the limits of the pioneer
DVD RELEASE DATES
TUESDAY: "Big Hero 6" "Horrible Bosses 2" "Beyond the Lights" "Whiplash" "Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer's Curse" "Mountain Men: Season 3" "Sons of Anarchy: Season 7"
"Da Vinci's Demons: Season 2" "Innocence" "Let's Kill Ward's Wife" "Longmire: Season 3" "Outlander: Season 1 – Volume 1" "The Better Angels" "Captive" "The Humbling" "The Last of Robin Hood" "Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast" "Transporter: Season 1" MARCH 6: "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1"
MARCH 3: "Godzilla" "Foxcatcher" "Life Partners" "Ask Me Anything" "Barbie in Princess Power" "Believe Me"
MARCH 10: "Night at the Museum 3: Secret of the Tomb" "Listen Up Philip" "Happy Valley" "Pioneer"
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change:
"Alpha & Omega: The Great Wolf Games" "Dark Haul" "Devil May Call" "Red Sky" "Legend of Korra: Book Four: Balance" "The Red Tent" "Wolfcop" MARCH 17: "Annie" "The Penguins of Madagascar" "Exodus: Gods and Kings" "Top Five" "Song of the Sea" "Halo: Nightfall" "Muck" "Son of a Gun" "Transporter: Season 1" "Turn" "Vice"
spirit. The approach is so brutal the film is at times as repelling as it is compelling — but the mixture is so unpredictable, the result is a success.
"Dumb and Dumber To" Grade: DThe "Dumb and Dumber" pair reunite to look for one of their lost children. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star. It's impossible to be totally disappointed with "Dumb and Dumber To." The sequel that was two decades in the making makes it clear in the title that it isn't trying to be
Weekender
Hawking, Ebert topics of new DVDs
Friday, February 20, 2015 | 5
NEW ON DVD
|
MOVIES
Chaz Ebert, left, widow of the late film critic Roger Ebert, poses with Steve James, director of the documentary film “Life Itself,” at the premiere of the film on Thursday, June 26, 2014 in Los Angeles. (PHOTO BY CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP)
creative or smart. The most it shoots for is the unwavering dumbness that fills the film. It is nothing more than the name suggests.
U.S actor Michael Keaton arrives for the British Academy Television Awards 2015 Nominees Party at Kensington Palace in central London, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. (PHOTO BY JONATHAN SHORT/INVISION/AP)
6 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
BEST BETS FEB. 22
FEB. 21
Passport to Travel: 'The Promised Land’
Bo and the Bluesdrivers
Weekender
Join intrepid filmmaker Rick Ray on a personal journey in words through “The Promised Land: Adventures in the Middle East,” the first segment in Victor Valley College’s Passport Travel Series 2015. Journey to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey to discover wonders such as Petra, Jerusalem, the Cedars of Lebanon and Cappadocia, the unparalleled hospitality, dynamic people, breathtaking desert scenery and fascinating archeological sites dating back to the dawn of time. Complimentary intermission refreshments will be served and everyone will have an opportunity to meet the filmmaker. When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Where: 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Cost: $8.50 general admission, free for VVC Associated Student Body cardholders. Information: Call 760-617-1448.
Bo, the front-man of Bo and the Bluesdrivers, is ably supported by a stinging guitar and a sturdy rhythm section held down by longtime musical partners Brian “Chewy” James, on bass, and drummer J. J. Garcia. Where: Lakeside Sports Bar, 26814 Blue Water Road in Helendale. When: 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. Cost: No cover; must be 21 and older.
Information: Call 760-245-1077.
FEB. 21
Lecture and craft: ‘Egyptian Architect’ Maggie Foss, curator emeritus of education, will present a lecture and craft event, “Egyptian Architect,” at Victor Valley Museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. When: 2 p.m. Saturday. Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $5 adults, $4 military members and seniors, $2.50 children. Information: Call 760-240-2111 or go to www.sbcounty.gov/museum.
FEB. 22
Story Time: ‘Duke Ellington’ “Duke Ellington” and two other books will be read at Victor Valley Museum by Regina Weatherspoon-Bell, field representative for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood and . The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.
TO FEB. 22
FEB. 22
Crafted by Los Angeles-based experiential entertainment company, Hero Ventures, “The Marvel Experience: The World’s First Hyper-Reality Tour” invites generations of Marvel comic book and movie fans to join forces with some of the world’s most beloved super heroes in a place where the real world and imagination become one. “The Marvel Experience” tour will make its San Diego-area debut with a thrilling motion ride, the world’s only 360-degree Stereoscopic 3D Dome, a wide range of technologically advanced interactive and immersive elements and state-of-the-art projection techniques. When: through Sunday. Where: Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. Cost: Starting at $34.50 for adults, $29.50 for children 4 to 12, including fees. Information: Go to www.themarvelexperiencetour.com.
‘The People Could Fly’
FEB. 20 TO 22
FEB. 21 AND 22
'The Odd Couple'
Air + Style
"The Odd Couple," produced by the Victor Valley College Off Broadway Performing Arts Club, Neil Simon classic about two mismatched roommates: Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neatfreak news writer is thrown out by his wife, and who moves in with his friend, Oscar Madison, a slovenly sportswriter. Oscar, Felix's closest friend, feels compelled to throw Felix out after only a brief time, though he quickly realizes that Felix has had a positive effect on him. When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Where: Black Box (Experimental) Theatre, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Cost: $10 per person. Information: Go to www.vvc.edu/tix.
Air + Style: Los Angeles will arrive in the U.S. for the first time for two days of world-class snowboarding and skiing competition. Thirty-two elite snowboarders and skiers will compete, including 2014 Snowboard Slopestyle Olympic gold medalist Sage Kotsenberg and four-time Winter X Games gold medalist Bobby Brown. When: starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Where: Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive in Pasadena. Cost: $189 for two-day tickets, $139 for general admission; VIP tickets available through Rose Bowl Premium Seating at 626-585-6800. Information: Go to www.air-style.com or call 855-526-2015.
Cost: $5 adults, $4 military members and seniors, $2.50 children. Information: Call 760-240-2111 or go to www.sbcounty.gov/museum.
“The People Could Fly: A Writing Workshop Celebrating ‘Black Wings’” is a writing workshop led by Nikia Chaney and part of “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight,” an exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Seating is limited and registration is required. When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Where: Museum of History and Art, Ontario, 225 S. Euclid Ave. in Ontario. Cost: Free but must register in advance. Information: Call 909-395-2510.
THE LEWIS WILLIAMS AGENCY/GEOCINEMA GROUP
FEB. 22
Craig Ferguson
COURTESY OF AIR + STYLE
Bo and the Bluesdrivers. DOUG DEUTSH PUBICITY SERVICE
Craig Ferguson presents his national comedy tour, “Hot & Grumpy: Walking the Earth.” In 2009, Harper Collins published Ferguson’s memoir, “American On Purpose,” a book about why and how late-night funnyman became an American citizen in 2008. Ferguson’s funny wit and Scottish charm have become a huge success on the North American comedy circuit. When: 7 p.m. Sunday. Where: Pechanga Resort & Casino Theater, 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula. Cost: $59 to $85. Information: Call 877-711-2946 or go to www.Pechanga.com.
‘The Marvel Experience’
TO FEB. 22
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Live entertainment features Brett Eldredge, Ramon Ayala, Andy Grammer, The Commodores and more. A competitive exhibits program covers agriculture, crafts and hobbies, fine arts and photos, gems and minerals, junior exhibits and livestock. Additionally, the Coachella Valley Model Railroaders have expanded their display of miniature operating trains. Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111 in Indio. When: Fair and carnival open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Sunday, but till midnight Friday and Saturday. Cost: $9 general admission, $8 seniors 55+, $7 children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger. Parking: $12 for preferred, $8 daily. Information: Go to www.DateFest.org.
8 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
LOOKING AHEAD FEB. 27
FEB. 28
Chicago
‘90-Day Screenplay Workshop’
Weekender
Pechanga Resort & Casino will host Grammy awardwinning band and rock ‘n’ roll legends Chicago during the band’s concert tour. Chicago has been named No. 13 in Billboard Magazine’s Top 100 Artists of All Time and the highest-charting American band. When: 8 p.m., Friday. Where: Pechanga Theater, 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula. Cost: $90, $100, $106 and $116; VIP super fan promotional packages available. Information: Call 877711-2946 or go to www. Pechanga.com.
FEB. 27 AND 28
Chocolate Decadence and Wine Festival Chocolate and wine are celebrated over two days at Pechanga Resort & Casino for the seventh annual Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival. Hundreds of wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, food samples, live music, a silent auction are featured; proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.. When: Chocolate Decadence runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27; Wine Festival goes from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Where: Pechanga Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom, 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula. Cost: $50 for Chocolate Decadence; $65 for Wine Festival; combo tickets are $100. Information: Call 877-7112946 or go to Pechanga. com/Entertainment.
Instructor Alan Watt offers a one-day workshop covering the fundamental tools necessary to take your writing to the next level. Learn to integrate theme, character, structure and dialog into a story where the whole amounts to something greater than the sum of the parts. Presented by the California Writers Club, High Desert Branch. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, 16010 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $75 a person. Information: Call 760-2216367 or go to www.hdcwc. com.
MARCH 1
Sprint Series kick-off United Mini Racing Association begins its 2015 Sprint Series with Round 1. Open practice on Saturday, Feb. 28. Registration and tech at 7 a.m., track live at 9 a.m. for practice. Course direction is counter-clockwise. When: March 1. Where: Grange Motor Circuit, 20455 Central Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $30 to ride; spectators welcome. Information: Call 760-963-1360.
MARCH 6 TO 15
‘South Pacific’ Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic American musical set on a south seas island during World War II. With direction by Allen W. Gildard, musical direction by Dr. Thomas Miller and choreogrphy by Nancy
Helms. When: 7:30 p.m. March 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2:30 p.m. March 8 and 15. Where: Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Cost: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 children 12 and younger, free for ASB cardholders. Information: Call 760-2454271, ext. 849 or go to www. vvvc.edu/tix.
MARCH 6 TO 8
Chris D’Elia From NBC’s “Undateable,” Chris D’Elia is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young comedians and actors in the comedy world, with Variety naming him one of their “Top 10 Comics to Watch.” 21 and older, two-items minimum, dress code. When: 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. March 6, 7 and 9:15 p.m. March 7 and 7 p.m. March 8. Where: Ontario Improv Comedy Club, 4555 Mills Circle, Ontario Mills, Ontario. Cost: $30. Information: Call 909-484-5411.
MARCH 7 AND 8
Busker Festival Fire-breathers, contortionists, stilt walkers and eccentric street performers from around the country will perform during the ninth annual Spring Busker Festival on the San Diego waterfront. Busking, or street performing, is a centuries-old tradition of performing for tips in public areas. Additional entertainment is scheduled. When: noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. SEE EVENTS, A9
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ROCKDISCS From Page A4
album "Mono" (Valory) in, well, mono, instead of stereo sound. "We thought we can't get away with that," said drummer Paul Deakin. "So, of course, we had to." Well, maybe they shouldn't have. "Mono" may actually be the sound of a gimmick gone too far. There are plenty of great new songs on the album, ranging from the gorgeously aching country ballad "Pardon Me" to the good-time, horndriven party anthem "(Waiting for) the World to End." However, mixing them in mono makes them sound a little murky. The
production effect does lend a certain classic feel to the album, but it also keeps some of the best parts of the performances from popping as much as they should. Raul Malo is in fine voice throughout, but — especially on the stunning ballad "Fascinate Me," where he sings poignantly at the top of his range — some of that gets lost. That's not to say the mono treatment doesn't work at times. "What Am I Supposed to Do" sounds like a sweet AMradio classic from the '60s, with its rhythmand-blues guitar work. "Summertime (When I'm With You)" amps up the energy even more, mixing a bit of ska with the classic country delivery of Malo to show how
MOVIE From Page A3
seeing Walter. And then there's Harmon (Evan Ross), a hip black teen musician who takes James under his wing. Dancing, chasing a girl and hanging out — just what James needs. The money moments in Johnson's film aren't the over-worn teens flirting, fighting and shoplifting scenes. It's when his
Isabelle Fuhrman and Kodi Smit-McPhee in ‘All the Wilderness.’ SCREEN MEDIA FILMS /
demons literally get the best of James. He finds himself chased down dark
From Page A8
A view inside the Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center. COURTESY OF BARSTOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE
center-grand-openingfeaturing-the-fab-fourtickets-14171955701. the band can pretty much find a groove in whatever musical genre they decide to tackle. After all, the Mavericks really are a bar band at heart, mixing everything from punk to classic country for years, and "Mono" really does capture that energy well, recording the album essentially live with minimal overdubs. They really should be congratulated for trying something different, something that fits so well with their artistic influences. However, "Mono" really could have been so much more — which we may find on a remastered version that is sure to be in the works. THE GRADE: B BOTTOM LINE: Timeless country songs with a (purposefully) dated sound alleys, onto buses, by hooded wraiths straight out of "Ghost." Chilling. McPhee and Fuhrman are child actors best known for "The Road" and "Orphan," respectively. They have good screen presence. And even if this slight movie never quite finds its way out of the you-know-what, each at least shows his and her potential for finding better roles as teens, maybe even sticking with acting into adulthood.
Where: Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego. Cost: Free. Information: Go to www. seaportvillage.com or call 619-235-4014.
MARCH 12
Art history lecture One in a monthly series of art history lectures at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Art Museum on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino. Topic to be announced. When: 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday. Where: 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino. Cost: Free; $5 parking. Information: Go to raffma. csusb.edu or call 909-537-7373.
MARCH 12 TO 15
Steve Byrne Steve Byrne has risen through the ranks of the comedy world to become one of the industry’s most innovative and sought-after performers. With his highenergy, physical style of comedy, Byrne has evolved
throughout the years into an extremely versatile entertainer that delivers on a day-to-day basis. 18 and older, two-items minimum, dress code. When: 8 p.m. March 12, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. March 13, 7 and 9:15 p.m. March 14 and 7 p.m. March 15. Where: Ontario Improv Comedy Club, 4555 Mills Circle, Ontario Mills, Ontario. Cost: $20 Information: Call 909-484-5411.
for-parks.org and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. When: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Where: Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road in Victorville. Cost: $8 per child due at time of registration (at least five days before the workshop) with a $10 vehicle entry fee; children must be accompanied by an adult. Information: Go to www. sbcounty.gov/parks, or call 909-387-2461.
MARCH 14
MARCH 14
Junior fishing workshop
Metropolitan Opera: ‘La Donna del Lago’
San Bernardino County Regional Parks is offering several fishing workshops for children during the 2015 trout season. Kids 7 to 15 can learn to fish from park experts. Participants will rotate through five stations that introduce them to the basic fundamentals of trout fishing, and then will be given the opportunity to test their skills in a two-hour open fishing session. All equipment and tackle is provided and each child receives a souvenir T-shirt. The workshops are sponsored by Friends of Regional Parks www.
The broadcast of Rossini’s “La Donna del Lago” will present bel canto superstars Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Florez, who join forces for this showcase of vocal virtuosity and set in the medieval Scottish highlands. Based on a beloved novel by Sir Walter Scott. When: 9:55 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Where: Cinemark Jess Ranch, 18935 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $24 adults, $22 seniors and $16 children; part of a series. Information: Call 760-247-5871.
Friday, February 20, 2015 | 9
Pepper or the Abby Road era,” he said. “This era is a bit more complicated to do, especially as a fourpiece band. It requires a lot of work, switching to keyboards to play the 'trumpet.' "We don’t have an extra member on the side. It’s tough to pull off but we
EVENTS
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From Page A2
are able to do it and put on a great show that covers all eras of The Beatles.” Tickets prices start at $64.29, which includes a $4.29 fee, and run up to $106.49, including a $6.49 fee. The concert is expected to run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the show can be purchased by visiting www. eventbrite.com/e/ bccd-performing-arts-
Weekender
FAB FOUR
10 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
COMICS CAPTAIN COMICS
Sheena and other queens of the early days By ANDREW A. SMITH
Weekender
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Thanks to a pack of recent reprints, we are free to take a peek at some of the ladies of the early days of comics, from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. You'd think that would be salacious, given the moral uproar over comics in the 1940s and early 1950s, which resulted in Senate Subcommittee hearings and the Puritanical Comics Code of America. But what's been reprinted recently wouldn't raise an eyebrow in a convent. Take the first successful female star in comics: Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Debuting in 1938 (three years before Wonder Woman) and lasting until 1953, this female Tarzan launched an entire genre. The comic-book stands of the '40s and '50s were crowded with gals in furry bikinis, from virtually every publisher: Nyoka, the Jungle Girl; Rulah, Jungle Goddess; Zegra, Jungle Empress; Camilla, Wild Girl of the Congo; Fantomah, Mystery Woman of the Jungle; Marga the Panther Woman; Lorna the Jungle Girl; Judy of the Jungle; Jann of the Jungle, Princess Pantha; Tygra of the Flame People; Tiger Girl; Cave Girl; the inevitable Jun-Gal; and more. But ruling above all was Sheena, who starred in all 137 issues of Fiction House's Jumbo Comics and 18 issues of her own
title — although, weirdly, never in Fiction House's Jungle Comics, where other jungle queens held sway. Different folks claim credit for her creation, but the likeliest story is that she was created by the legendary Will Eisner ("The Spirit") at the Eisner-Iger shop that wrote, drew and packaged the first issue of Jumbo. Eisner says he drew elements from the H. Rider ‘Roy Thomas Presents: Sheena, Haggard novel "She" (including the name), and Queen of the Jungle Volume One’; PS Artbooks, $49.99. it rings true. PHOTO COURTESY OF TNS Not many Sheena stories have been reprinted mall. over the years, so most But there are some fun people know her from bits. For example, for no the short-lived 1950s evident reason, Sheena TV show (with the zaftig and the natives speak in actress Irish McCalla) or a stilted, almost formal the 1984 movie (starring language. "Pah! It is not Charlie's Angel Tanya so easy to capture the Roberts). But fortunately Jungle Queen," snorts for jungle-queen fans and Sheena, as she decks an scholars, English pubevil-doer in issue No. 8. lisher PS Artbooks has "Taste my wrath, jungle just reprinted Sheena's scum!?" And "Hark!" says eponymous title (1942-52) a native scout. "A boomin three volumes. stick sounds from yonder Since PS Artbooks glen!" I had no idea there didn't reprint Sheena's were English finishing Jumbo stories, this collec- schools in those parts. tion doesn't include the An exception to this is Jungle Queen's origin, in Bob — no last name, just which, according to one Bob — who is Sheena's foreword, she was a bit sidekick (and invariably more bloodthirsty than referred to as her mate). later. Instead, this colBob dresses in whitelection gives us the fully hunter mode — jodhpurs, formed Sheena, in a series boots and canvas shirt of relatively repetitious — and speaks in regustories that don't vary lar 1940s American. much from formula. (Presumably, he is the So, yes, reading these audience's point-of-view stories at a sitting can character). He also gets be dull. There's not even kidnapped a lot, and is much ogling to be done; occasionally a whiner. Sheena's leopard-skin "Hush!" Sheena snaps outfits show less skin than at Bob in issue No. 6. you'd see today at the "Your complaints grow
‘Nelvana of the Northern Lights’; IDW, $39.99. PHOTO COURTESY OF TNS
wearisome!" More entertaining, but less well-known is Cave Girl, whose every appearance has been reprinted in a hardback by Kitchen Sink ("Bob Powell's Complete Cave Girl," $24.99). Cave Girl came along a little late for the prime jungle-girl era (1952) and only lasted a couple of years. Nor was she particularly well written, as sometimes she could talk to all animals, and sometimes she couldn't. But what Cave Girl had going for her was the artwork of Bob Powell, one of the best at the time. Despite dressing in a modest zebra-skin one-piece, Cave Girl was sexier than Sheena just by dint of having a better artist. Plus her adventures varied a bit more than Sheena's, with Beast-Men, abominable Snow-Men, Amazons and, of course, her comeand-go super-powers. Even less well-known — obscure, even — but far more entertaining than
both is a heroine from Canada: "Nelvana of the Northern Lights" (IDW, $39.99). Nelvana came about due to import restrictions during World War II, when luxury goods like comic books from the U.S. were barred. That opened a window for writer/artist Adrian Dingle to launch his superhero creation, which ran in Triumph Comics from 1941-47. Nelvana, and her father, the sky-god Hodiak (her mother was a mortal), were entirely invented by Dingle, albeit inspired by stories about the Inuit people of Canada's far north. Being a demigod gave Nelvana an enviable host of super powers, from almost instantaneous travel via the Aurora Borealis, turning invisible, throwing heat rays and many more. In her first adventure she was accompanied by her equally super-powered brother, who could not appear before mortals due to a curse, and would therefore transform into a large dog when among the Inuit. Needless to say, the appeal of this strip was its creativity. Nelvana also entered the radio world to fight the Ether Men, became secret agent Alana North and explored the strange world of Glacia, in an adventure straight out of Flash Gordon. Which raises another issue: This was long before women's lib, but Nelvana was one liberated
lady. Occasionally someone, like Prince Targa of Glacia, would bark, "This is no work for a woman! You must stay here!" But Nelvana would blithely ignore them and go save the day. Of course, there are some less appealing aspects of the era that appear in the strip. For example, Nelvana is the defender of the Inuit early on, but after the Japanese become the primary opponent, she seems to spend her time mostly protecting white folks. And, of course, those Japanese are depicted as they were in American comics, with the worst racial stereotypes of the times. Nelvana refers to them in one adventure as, no kidding, the Yellow Peril. Oh, and one other drawback: Triumph Comics was in black and white. For a strip that relied as heavily on the Northern Lights as Nelvana, that was a considerable drawback! But Dingle's artwork is attractive enough to carry the concept, and continues to evolve through the series, until it strongly resembles that of the dean of adventures strips, Milt Caniff ("Terry and the Pirates.") In fact, all of these gals are fun to look at. And it's not naughty at all. — Contact Captain Comics at capncomics@ aol.com. For more comics news, reviews and commentary, visit his website: comicsroundtable.com.
LEGEND
M CUPCAKES & PASTRIES 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, Ste. 1, Victorville. 760-843-5988 www.mcupcakesnpastries. com
BR Banquet room BW Beer/Wine B Buffet CM Children’s menu CC Credit cards DS Daily specials D Delivery E Entertainment FB Full bar O Outdoor seating S Salad bar SM Senior’s menu SB Sunday brunch Su Sushi bar R Reservations recommended $ Most entrée items — $1-5 $$ Most entrée items — $6-10 $$$ Most entrée items — $11-15 $$$$ Most entrée items — $16 +
FAMILY DINING BOSCO'S DINER 15429 Anacapa Road, Victorville. 760-843-6888 CC, DS CARMEN’S PONDEROSA 9544 Kiowa Road, Apple Valley. 760-247-7727 CC, FB, $$$-$$$$ LIL’ BIT COUNTRY CAFE 14335 Hesperia Road, 101, Victorville. 760-243-4171 BR, BW, CC, DS, S, $$ MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville. 760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$ RICHIE’S REAL AMERICAN
Hillbilly Burger with Curly Fries from Summit Inn. (STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG) DINER 14236 Valley Center Drive, #A, Victorville. 760-955-1113 BW, CC, CM, DS, $$ SKILLET CAFE Two locations: ■ 16922 Main St., Hesperia.
760-949-9988 ■ 4646 Phelan Road, Phelan. 760-868-2298 SUMMIT INN 5960 Mariposa Road, Oak Hills. 760-949-8688 CM, DS, SM
FINE DINING CHATEAU CHANG 15425 Anacapa Road, Victorville. 760-241-3040 BW, CC, FB, $$$ IDLE SPURS STEAKHOUSE 690 Old Highway 58, Barstow.
IDLE´SPURS steakhouse & lounge
Weekender
BAKERIES
The Legend Lives On Since 1974 40 years of Featuring USDA Choice, Aged, Midwestern Beef Chicken and Seafood New Local Artisan Beer: • Red Trolly (Karl Strauss) • Amarillo Pale Ale (Hanger 24) Old Favorites: • Bud Light • Bluemoon • Samuel Adams
760-256-8888 www.thespurs.us BR, BW, C, CM, CC, FB, R, $$$
ITALIAN/PIZZA
760-256-8888
CROSS EYED COW PIZZA 19242 National Trails Highway,
690 Old Hwy 58 Barstow CA 92311 www.thespurs.us
SEE DINING, A12
The Original
DON GARCIA’S
Mexican FULL BAR
Restaurant
Sunday Champagne Brunch
BURRITO & TACO TUES 99¢
Monday Night BUFFET 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
$
8.99
SAVE $ 3.00
Per Person
No person limit on table. Reg price $11.99. Valid with coupon only. Not valid with other offers. Dine-in only. No to go orders. Expires 2-1-15.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm Fri-Sat 10am - 10pm Sun 8:30am - 9pm
Friday, February 20, 2015 | 11
HIGH DESERT RESTAURANT GUIDE
|
DINING OUT
FREE
Lunch or Dinner
Buy one combination plate & two drinks at regular price, get one combination plate of equal or lesser value FREE. Valid with coupon only. Not valid with other offers. Dine-in only. No to-go orders. Expires 3-1-15.
14343 Main St., Hesperia
760-244-3973
12 | Friday, February 20, 2015 |
DINING OUT DINING
SANDWICH
Weekender
THE BRASS PICKLE DELI 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, #103, Victorville. 760-241-4846 $$
From Page A11
Oro Grande. 760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com BW, CC, DS
TAKE-OUT ONLY
GRIDIRON PIZZA 15080 Seventh St., Unit 1B, Victorville. 760-243-4222 www.gridironpizza3.com CC JULIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 12052 Hesperia Road, Hesperia. 760-949-0595 FB, CC, O, $$
LOUNGES MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville. 760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$
RENEE ALLEN'S MAC & CHEESE 18375 Highway 18, Unit 3, Apple Valley. 760-242-2200, 760-953-9784 www.reneeallensmacandcheese.com
Fiesta Appetizer plate from Don Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. (STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG)
MEXICAN
WINE BAR
DON GARCIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 14343 Main St., Hesperia. 760-244-3973 BW, FB, G, CC, C
D'VINE WINE 14845 Monarch Blvd., Ste. C, Victorville. 760-843-3888
LOS TORITOS Two locations: ■ 4264 Phelan Road, Phelan. 760-868-5266
— The preceding restaurants are Daily Press advertisers. To find out how to be included in the listing, call the Daily Press Advertising Department at 760-951-6288.
Maxwell’s fabulous Chicago Dog. (DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO) ■ 14962 Bear Valley Road,
Victorville. 760-245-1811 BW, B DS, $$-$$$
Voted Best Breakfast In High Desert 9 Years In A Row!
MAXWELL’S Chicago Char Broiled Burgers
Chicago Hot Dogs - The Original Italian Beef & Italian Sausage FREE DELIVERY
Open 7 Days a Week MON-SAT 7am-8pm • SUN 7am-4pm
2000 Min. Order
$
SERVING BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
$
BREAKFAST SPECIAL
2 Eggs, 3 Bacon or Sausage, Pancakes or French Toast or Hashbrowns & Toast
325
+ Tax
MON-FRI 7am-11am • SAT-SUN 7am-1pm
1/4 lb. BURGER
with French Fries & a 16 oz. Drink
$
475
+ Tax
Our Famous GYRO Sandwich (Beef or Chicken) with French Fries or Onion Rings $ 95 + Tax & a 16 oz. Drink
6
Award Winning Baklava WE CATER ~and~ WE DELIVER!
Behind Valero Gas Station
17770 Hwy. 18 • Apple Valley (Apple Valley Rd. & Hwy. 18)
(760) 242-5504
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