C.V. DESERT DATELINE: R.S.V.P. A.S.A.P.

BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
Who let the dogs out? And cats? And the birds, whose plumage puts our local fashion flock to shame? We know. Who dares to deliver adult entertainment at its best? Meaning CLEAN? We know. Where in the world could you find a world-famous composer of the contemporary vibe honored with his very own City of Palm Springs Day? We know. Who challenges the musical zeitgeist of Ravel’s “Bolero” calling it child’s play in comparison to the erotic untangling pull of the Tango? We know. Who interrupts our summer reverie—sheer, billowy cool—by introducing Fall/Winter Fashion 2012 from the meccas a la mode of Europe and New York. And who tickles the ivories in a classic vein? We know the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. And soon you will, too. Read on.
Thursday, May 17, 4 pm – 7 pm. It’s Yappy Hour! This is the time for Loving All Animals, an organization that features— nay, “stars” —the most loveable, adoptable purring or woofing pets of all sizes, all ages, all breeds, and all blends— not to mention colors and creeds (whew) panting and eager for a forever home. All are groomed, vaccinated, microchipped and altered. And tonight Art for the Animals opens the kennels at Biggi Bird Gardens, 73-179 Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, to introduce them to potential loving human companions and, well, in the case of cats and kitties, to their future “staff” for a meet and greet and take-out service. We cannot begin to describe the sound level, so we won’t. Suffice it to say that there will be luscious libations, hot music, a silent auction and pet fair vendors. Dress code? BLACK to salute the promotion of ebony-rich, sophisticated and chic black canines that Coco Chanel might have dressed. Entrée fee $15. Call to register 760-776-9397, or go to www.lovingallanimals.org. Or bring $20 and bark at the door.
Friday, May 18, 9 pm. It’s Comedy Night at The Show at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage! A fundraiser for CVSPIN, the wheels are spinning for the Tour de Palm Springs in a showcase featuring comedians who know just where your funny bone is and will tackle it until you scream with laughter. Here’s the cast of characters in the show. What comedians! To wit: Steve Bruner whom George Carlin calls “clean, smart and funny; Jim McDonald who sports a hair cut rated a C minus given to him at Barber college; Lisa Alvarado, America’s funniest mom and prettiest Peruvian; Dan Bennett, a juggler who goes for the jugular to get a laugh; and Don Friesen whose riff on marriage is guaranteed to cause a divorce or two, but who’s counting? Tickets are $20 to $50. Purchase at www.startickets.com, or call 1-800-585-3737. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, www.hotwatercasino.com
Friday, May 18, 8 pm, through Saturday, May 19, 2 pm matinee and 8 pm. The 9th Tango at the McCallum Theatre raises the bar of erotica on stage with a dance between two lovers forged with a connection that can be felt in the last row. Trust us. If you’ve never seen, never felt the electrical lick of sensual heat and steamy desire of the provocative tango, get ready for the fire of what the French call a “frisson,” loosely translated as a tickle that’ll curl your toes. Now’s the time. Performed by the husband and wife professional dance team of Terry and Bill Ott, The 9th Tango is a staged love story about tempestuous relationships, a visual representation of a riveting romance novel with all the drama, passion and hopeful happy ending. At the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. For information, call 760- 340-2787, or go to www.mccallumtheatre.com.
Saturday, May 19, 11:30 am. The 3rd Annual Above & Beyond Luncheon honors those in the community who have been nominated by their peers to receive this prestigious award from the Angel Light Academy (ALA). The gourmet luncheon and presentations will be held at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar to salute this year’s nine honorees who have proven excellence in community leadership and service. ALA teaches leadership, team-building, problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills to adults and youth in the Coachella Valley. Patrick Evans, Eye on the Desert host , as well as Chief Meteorologist CBS Local 2, emcees the event which also honors the late Jackie Lee Houston, a recipient last year, with a special presentation by the organization’s founder Julia Wilmot. Fleming’s, 71800 HWY 111, The River, Rancho Mirage. Silent auction, seating is limited, $75 per person. Reservations and information, call 760-861-5132. www.angellightacademy.org.
Saturday, May 19, 8 pm. Broadway legend, 3-time Academy Award winner, composer Stephen Schwartz will accept the Desert Ensemble Theater Company (DETC) inaugural Melpoai Award, given “to honor excellence in the development of theater nationally, ” according to DETC Co-Artistic Director Tony Padilla. The creator of critically acclaimed musicals Wicked, Godspell and Pippin, Schwartz will be interviewed about his life and career with performances from his musically rich body of work performed by Tony Nominee Andrea McArdel (Broadway’s original ANNIE), Kate Flannery (NBC’s hit sitcom The Office), Hunter Parrish (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Weeds, Godspell revival), and other notable performers, with Scott Logsdon (Les Miserables) directing and moderating the tribute. “We are excited that the city is helping us honor Stephen’s long and legendary career,” says Co-Artistic Director Eric Olson. Annenberg Theatre, 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs. Tickets, $55, $65 and $75. 760-325-4490, or online at www.psmuseum.org
Saturday, May 19, 6 pm – 9:30 pm Winewomen psp presents a diet-blowing dinner to celebrate the Mourning Star Center of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties with a portion of the evening’s proceeds given to the centers that provide a supportive, safe and healing environment for children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one. Titled “An Evening at Vicky’s of Santa Fe Supper Club,” the event will cause you to ditch your calorie-count and discover your personal foodie bliss! Settle in for four courses from passed hors d’oeuvres to sweet ending (think chocolate), all paired with the appropriate wines courtesy of Bitner Vineyards of Snake River Valley, Idaho. Bring a loved one, girl or boyfriend, hubby or significant other, and be entertained by pianist Richard Bono with his “endless” songbook of favorites, impeccably styled his way. Dress code: Desert Evening Casual. Members, $75; Non-members $85. Vicky’s of Santa Fe, 45100 Club Drive, Indian Wells. For more information, call Kathleen at 760-880-5010, or email Kathleen@winewomenpsp.com
Now through May 20, The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies gets down with the universe’s über doo-wop meisters The Diamonds (Gary Owens, Jerry Siggins, Jeff Dolan and Shawn Stevens) who perform classic Rock ‘n’ Roll with an attitude so today, filled with such audacious joy and musicality it’s scary! Just a mention of the chart-topping songs by this quartette brings a smile to your face: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” “Little Darlin’” and “The Stroll” made famous by Dick Clark’s American Bandstand TV dance-athon. After 55 years of gold records, TV appearances, movie soundtracks (American Graffiti ), sold-out tours and the Las Vegas, New York, Chicago dinnerama circuit, they’re finally at the Follies. If you were into white bucks (boys), or a poodle skirt (girls), hang up the Hula Hoop and Bunny Hop to the Follies! For tickets, $50 – $90, and matinee and evening schedule, call 760-327-0225, www.psfollies.com, or go to the box office at 128 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
Sunday, May 20, 2 pm to 5 pm. Fashion Group International® of Palm Springs and Desert Communities, Inc. will present The Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Ready-To-Wear Collections direct from the leading designers runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan on a superbly produced and entertaining DVD by renowned fashion editor (and wiseacre word-wit) Mary Lou Luther. Plus you will meet local students as they receive FGI scholarships that will help to further their education in the fashion industry. Held at the Palm Springs Art Museum, the wine and cheese reception begins at 2 pm in the Marcuse Sculpture Garden—use the theater level entrance off the north parking lot. At 3 pm, members and guests will take the elevator for the DVD showing and scholarship presentation to the Lecture Hall, adjacent to the Steve Chase Wing on the third level. The PSAM is at 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs. Open to the public. Tickets: Members $20; non-members $25. For more information and for an invitation, call 800-758-4633.
Sunday, May 20, 2 pm. All together on the down-beat! A well-orchestrated thank you from Cal State San Bernardino’s music faculty will be the harmonious first chord at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus’s Indian Wells Theater as they perform in a free recital for the community as appreciation for its generous support over the years. The Jocelyn Hua-Chen Chang and Friends concert features Jocelyn Hua-Chen Chang on piano, Bo Wu on violin and Xian Zhuo on cello performing works by Brahms and Tchaikovsky, among other noted composers. Chang is an award-winning pianist who holds a doctor of musical arts degree from the USC Thornton School of Music, serves as director of keyboard studies at CSUSB. The music department prides itself on its complete music curriculum—from courses in electronic music to music theory for future careers as educators, performers, composers, and other careers outside of the entertainment industry. The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert. Not only is admission free, but parking is paid for by Friends of the Palm Desert Campus. For more information, call Mike Singer, CSUSB Office of Public Affairs, 760-341-2883, ext. 78107, or msinger@csusb.edu.
HEADS UP! ADVANCE NOTICE! SELL-BY DATES AHEAD—RSVP NOW!
Sunday, July 8-13, Calgary Stampede! The Western Arts Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum invites you to saddle up for a wild ride north to Calgary, Canada. Make your reservations now to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede Centennial Celebration in July. Located in an area of foothills and prairie, east of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is home to “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” with one of the world’s largest rodeos, parades, midway rides, stage shows, First Nations’ exhibitions, agricultural competitions, chuck wagon racing, and more once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s a hoot of a week! Space is limited, total cost without airfare, single $2790, double $3515. For more information, tour packet, reservations, call Alicia Gregory, 760-322-4888, or agregory@psmuseum.org
###