BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX

If you’re a manic multi-tasker (go on, brag a little), if you are someone who likes to dress as if you have something to do (down to the last sweep of mascara), if you consider “artisanal” too-snobbish in a fresh-from-the-fields summer of Farmers’ Markets, if you can stand seeing your guy in a baseball cap turned backwards without hitting him up-side the head, you’re “game on” for summer and its maniacal multi-cultural pleasures soup-to-nuts. (Try to avoid the nut-cases that get in the way, they’re just hysterical over the happiest season on earth.) Hie thee to the McCallum for next season tickets ahead of the crowd—let them go SRO. Audition for a play, why not? What has Meryl got that you haven’t? (Don’t ask.) Visit the library and tell them what you really think.Take a meteor shower and a “sound bath.” Give a lonesome Fifi or Fido a new home—yours. Experience “beauty” that’s beyond “skin-deep.” It rates a crown. Read on.

Today, Thursday, August 2, 8am. Okay. So you were busy yesterday and missed this event at the McCallum. I mean: Manicure at 8am. Luncheon at Noon, followed by a nap at 3pm to be party-hearty for the evening. Can you help it if there aren’t enough hours in a day? No. But listen up. I don’t want to hear any more. Get to the McCallum Theatre now to snap up advance tickets for the following seven shows for individual performances that are on sale right now! Family Fun Day features Open Call finalists, plus other musical performances and “front-of-the-theatre” activities, on Saturday, October 13, event begins at 12pm, performance at 2pm. This is the ‘60s, a multi-media experience that immerses audience in the mayhem and musical revolution of the decade, Thursday, October 18, 8pm. Howie Mandel, Mainstay of the American comedy scene from TV’s St. Elsewhere to the children’s series Bobby’s World, Saturday, October 20, 8pm. Smokey Robinson, “King of Motown,” with hits “Just to See Her,” “Shop Around,” “Cruising,” Friday, October 26, 8pm. Charlie Zaa, multi-platinum and BMI award-winning songwriter/artist performs his classic Latin American ballads, Saturday, October 27, 8pm. Shelby Lynne, Grammy Award-winner stands out in the crowd in the mainstream music world, Saturday, November 3, 8pm. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, or call 760-340-ARTS, or go to www.mccallumtheatre.com.

Saturday, August 4, 10am-2pm. For those who spend time channeling their inner Hepburn, Streep, Hanks, or Pacino, and driving their families crazy, the theater company “Dezart Performs” will hold open casting auditions for three one-act comedies to open the 2012-13 season. Performances will be Friday through Sunday, November 23 to December 9, 2012. Auditioning actors will be reading from the scripts. Sides will be available. Here’s the line-up of plays: Blind Date by Tanis Galik, directed by Don Cilluffo. Ever been on a blind date? The audience eavesdrops on Dr. Stanley and Alice Adler as they prepare for the scary experience. Cast: Alice, female, 40s-70s; Stanley, male, 40s-70s. Feeding Time at the Human House by David Wiener, directed by Lenny Ripps. Fran and Bernie Baboon explain what it’s like to live on the wrong side of the cage and will tell you all about it. Cast: Fran, female, 30s-50s; Bernie, male, 30s-50s. Mourning Glory by Richard Orloff, directed by Michael Shaw. A widow and a male friend are desperate to balance propriety and lust at the wake of the widow’s deceased husband. Cast: Aggie, female, 50s-70s; Milt, male, 50s-70s; Beverly, female, 30s-50s. For more information, email Michael Shaw at Michael@dezartperforms.com, or call 760-322-0179. Casting call is at Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S.Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs.

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Friday, August 10, 10am-Noon. Forget about your librarian and library from childhood. Old Mrs. Grumpy with her iron grip on the book you want to check out, is no more. And a library, especially one as savvy as the Rancho Mirage Public Library, is no longer just a warehouse for books. (Hello!) It’s a lively place presenting music, art, discussion and learning for the whole community. To wit: Next Friday, The regular Book Discussion Group gathers at the library to discuss That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner for her second novel The Shipping News (1993). The quintessential American author’s short story Brokeback Mountain was adapted as an Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Glove Award-winning major motion picture release in 2005. “Ace” (2002) book is described as “an exhilarating story brimming with language, history, landscape, music, and love.” It tells the story of a young man, just out of college who is scouting for his life on a road trip. Intrigued? Meet with other readers of the book and yay or nay, give your take on the tantalizing tome. Presented by the Rancho Mirage Public Library Foundation. Location: 71-100 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage. For more information, call 760-341-7323.

Saturday, August 11, 7pm – Midnight. Hot? Here’s a cool shower you won’t want to miss. The 6th Annual Perseid Meteor Shower will be hosted by the Mojave Desert Land Trust who endeavors to preserve desert wilderness including our beautiful night skies under the stars. Romantic, yes? Here’s the sigh-worthy scoop. The Perseids are considered by many to be the best meteor shower of the year, sometimes peaking at 50 per hour. Expect a great night for meteor-watching, but wait: The star show will not be confined to the sky. The Southern California Desert Video Astronomers will donate their time and equipment to project spectacular live images from deep space onto the side of the Integratron building using powerful telescopes and a state-of-the-art projection system. Built in the 50s by aerospace engineer George Van Tassel who claimed that extraterrestrials gave him the all-wood design, it has an acoustically perfect sound chamber where you can experience a “sound bath.” A scientist from Joshua Tree National Park will give a presentation to ambient live music during the event. There will be a raffle, Aspen Mill desserts, and a coffee bar. Tickets are $40 per person for Land Trust members; $55 for non-members which includes membership. Kids 12 and under are free. Overnight camping is an additional $30 per person and includes a continental breakfast. Bring comfortable chairs or blankets, water bottles (refills available on site), flashlight, camping gear. Location: The Integratron, 2477 Belfield Blvd., Landers, CA 92285. More info: www.integratron.com. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Purchase tickets at www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org. Or call 760-366-5440.

Saturday, August 18, 1pm-3pm. Produced by Westfield Mall and Animal Samaritans, the 5th Annual “Rock the Runway” Fashion Show will feature the newest trends for fall in a fashion show for men, women, boys and girls, from over 20 Westfield retailers including The Gap, Gymboree, Macy’s and JC Penney. Just name your favorite store and they’re sure to be there struttin’ their stuff from the racks to the runway. All seated guests will receive a VIP bag filled with special offers, samples, gifts, and a VIP drawing for gift cards and VIP experiences. Plus the fashion show will star the animal-loving staff and volunteers raising the “woof” and purr-fectly modeling on the runway with adorable shelter and therapy dogs—every dog and cat is up for adoption to a loving home. Following the free event make sure to stop at retailer Charming Charlie’s who will host a VIP after-party with exclusive discounts, refreshments and an opportunity to meet and greet the master of ceremonies. Westfield Shopping Town, 72-840 HWY 111, Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-346-2121.

Saturday, August 18. Evening. “Where the Power of Beauty Changes the World!” The 16th Annual Mrs. Globe Pageant takes place in the beautiful setting of Rancho Mirage. Known for its international beauty and empowerment competition, this pageant is more than a beauty contest. Take note that the non-profit W.I.N. Foundation (www.womeninneed.org) hosts women from 40 countries in a 10 day event to raise awareness of worldwide abuse and to spread self-esteem. From August 9 through the 18th, contestants will participate in rehearsals, theme dinners and parties, press events and panel discussions. Rene Dell’Acqua, local cosmetic dentist and spokeswoman for the organization will M.C. the finals gala event on August 18 when the 2013 Mrs. Globe will be crowned and spend the year traveling internationally as spokeswoman for Mrs. Globe and promoting the W.I.N. Foundation.. Dr. Tracy Kemble, Founder of the W.I.N. Foundation says, “We are thrilled to be back in Rancho Mirage with our 10 day event that offers both enjoyment of competition and personal growth for our participants. Through our crown, we help others remember the beauty and power of a dream.” Beautifully said. Tickets to all events will be available for public purchase online at www.mrsglobe.com/#calendar.

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