BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
September! Fall! Autumn! Actually defined as the period between September 22 to December 21 in the northern hemisphere, the big “leaf-fall” and “temp-dip” will be here in just two days. Time moving fast enough for you? I’ll bet it is. Slow down. Time out. Enjoy this week’s calendar. Get giggling and guffawing at song-filled staging by a guy with an attitude about love. Hunker down and watch a film that outlines beautifully how we’re all on the same emotional planet, making it easier for those looking for a partner. Don’t miss the dynamic duo Hall & Oates who’ve been called the “melody meisters”—the go-to guys rock in that genre. Find out about autism and help the cause. And finally, if you’re running around warbling “Some Day My Prince Will Come” while kissing every slimy frog that hops your way, you may have issues, but you’ll want to take some therapy prompted by a new book about The Grimm Legacy—with a glass of wine. More details below.
Extended performance! (As it were…) Dirty Little Showtunes! plays on through PS Pride Weekend in September, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday at 2pm. And in October, Friday-Saturday, 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. In November, Friday-Saturday, 8pm. Desert Rose Productions, Inc., the Coachella Valley’s live stage company serving the LGBT and gay-friendly community, presents the premiere of matchless parodist Tom Orr’s revue that marries his lyrics to the greatest Broadway melodies for a six-man smart and sassy look at gay life, love and lust. Successfully produced in San Francisco, Seattle, the revue has been termed “inspired lunacy!” Just what we need to face life as we love it! Location: The Commissary, 69620 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $25, go to www.desertroseplayhouse.org; or call 760-202-3000.
Thursday, September 20 – Sunday, September 23rd. And now for something completely different: Cinema Diverse! The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival opens today and will roll up the curtain on 22 feature films for its Fifth Anniversary presented by The Palm Springs Cultural Center, a local nonprofit founded by Rick and Rozene Supple, owners of the Camelot Theatre. Opening night (tonight), starts at 7 pm with both a short film Mariquita, and a feature presentation Yossi, the follow-up to Israeli Director Eytan Fax’s award-winning Yossi & Jagger (2003). Words being bandied about on the new film include “compassion,” “unmatched honesty,” “nuanced performance(s).” Michael Green, managing director of the cultural center, says, “We’ve packed a tremendous amount of value into these four days.” All Access Pass, $149. The Dozen Pass, $129. The Half Dozen Pass, $69. Individual tickets, $13 each. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, or online www.camelottickets.com
Saturday, September 22, 8pm. Hot ticket! Daryl Hall and John Oates are bringing their show titled “Do What You Want, Be What You Are Tour 2012” to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and it’s lining up to be the hottest ticket for the number one selling duo in music history. Originally devoted disciples of soul, they have become soul survivors with musical influences on artists today in many genres—boy band harmonies, neo-soul to rap-rock fusion. From the ‘70s to the ‘80s they scored six #1 singles: “Rich Girl, “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “Sara Smile,” “Say It Isn’t So,” “Every Time You Go Away.” They participated in the historic “We Are The World” session and closed the Live Aid show in Philadelphia. With the fortieth anniversary of their first album this year, Whole Oates, Hall and Oates are at the height of their powers. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets are $79, $59, $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone 800-827-2946, or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com
Wednesday, September 26, 6pm-7pm. As they say in the biz, ya gotta get a gimmick and the Palm Springs Public Library Wine Book Club has a doozy. The group meets monthly all year on the last Wednesday to celebrate and discuss a well-chosen book, to taste a selection of fine wines for a nominal fee, and enjoy stimulation for both intellect and palate at the local wine/dessert shop Crave in Palm Springs. Led by a Librarian (and he/she knows her books), the evening is open to the public, and free, but you must be over 21 to participate. This month’s book selection is The Grimm Legacy by Polly Schulman. Penned by the Brothers Grimm, the fairy tales were deemed not suitable for children! Literally, too grim. For monthly book selections and to verify dates go to www.palmspringslibrary.org. Call 760-322-READ or contact Julie.warren@palmspringsca.gov. Location: Crave, 390 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
Saturday, September 29, 5pm-10pm. Blonde and Autism Speaks: Teaming up for a cause. The trendy fashion boutique “Blonde” in The River (Rancho Mirage) will provide a unique shopping event to benefit “Autism Speaks,” founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of an autistic child. Today Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. When you RSVP, you will receive an email with exclusive deals, coupons and a voucher for gourmet cupcakes and treats. Open to the public, Blonde will have a raffle every 15 minutes for gifts from generous sponsors —20 at the last count, including theatres, restaurants, specialty stores, jewelry designers, gift baskets, and other who’ve stepped forward, eager to help the important cause. How ‘bout a pair of custom UGG boots? A deluxe, mouth-watering basket from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory? All $5 raffle ticket sales go directly to the Autism Speaks Foundation here in the desert. Raffle prizes are valued from $10 to $200. Go to www.facebook.com/events/317157878376901/. Blonde at the River, 71800 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage. Or call 760-574-0589.
“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!
