BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
So much to do, so little time! Dawn to moonrise—and later if we get lucky, we’re on the go, here, there, anywhere and everywhere to all the events, fundraisers, parties and festive folderol hereabouts. We’re going to have to erase “the season” from our lexicon as year-after-year the summer entertainment gets stronger and our calendar Rorschach-blacker with ink. Summer is mostly care-free, a salute to casual dress leaving the “winter” to the swells and swell-istas in their couture gowns and black tie tuxedoes. Now, pockets are the most important fashion statement. Chic cache-alls. Going out the door, the chorus is heard up and down the desert streets: “Ready? Cell in the corner pocket?” Forget unwieldy handbags, briefcases (Oh, hahaha.) and other appendage carry-alls that tie down the body with weighty matters that matter not at all. What you need is a mobile phone with organized information from nearest coffee shop to a reminder of a 4 o’clock pick-up-time of the kids, the latest emails and text messages, the latest Adele full-warble to sleepy-time music for a soothing pedicure. The personal accessory is the essential tool for tearing, traipsing, taking the time to enjoy the good times 24/7. Recipe? Add a little plastic, a little lip gloss. Ahhh, life is good. Carry on.
Friday, July 20, 8am. Go to the front of the line! Disable the “snooze” bar on your alarm clock! Put the pedal to the metal and head for the McCallum Theatre box office. Tickets for four hot shows go on sale on this date, at 8 o’clock in the morning. Get your yawning done the night before and listen up to the roster of headliners as the theatre starts the 25th anniversary celebration 2012-2013: Opening act is Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers on Friday, August 31, guaranteed to get your toes tapping, while you laugh your socks off. Grammy nominees and winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, when asked what hits they’ll play, Martin quipped, “We don’t play any hits. It’s Bluegrass.” And if you believe that… Next hit performance on Saturday, Sept. 1, is the romantically-inclined sextet “Conjunto Primavera.” Saturday, Sept. 8, “Pink Martini” with lead vocalist China Forbes, known for “Hey Eugene” and “Hang On Little Tomato.” An eclectic program of diverse orchestrations from Cole Porter to Xavier Cugat, Hollywood musicals, Italian folk and Brazilian Samba, and more performed from the world’s songbook. According to band leader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale, “If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, “Pink Martini” would be that band.” Saturday, Sept. 22, Live Nation presents Mike Birbiglia in the comedy My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend. A painfully honest and hysterical journey through romantic blunders that most adults work a lifetime to forget.
Purchase tickets at the McCallum box office, 8am-12pm, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, or call 760-340-ARTS, or visit www.mccallumtheatare.com.
Saturday, July 21, 6pm (Time approximate!) After the playing of the “National Ahthem,” Cops 4 Kids & Communities and the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa will present Battle of the Badges at The Show entitled “Fallen But Not Forgotten.” The event honors Officer Jermaine Gibson of the Cathedral Police Department who was a Cathedral City police officer for 18 months when killed in a high-speed car chase. Officer Gibson was also a decorated Marine veteran, having been awarded the Purple Heart for his service during two tours in Iraq. The evening also pays tribute to Corporal Christopher Farias who was awarded the nation’s second highest award for bravery. Other special guests include Coachella Valley’s very own Randy “El Matador” Caballero. Scheduled to appear is hometown boxing champion Steve “The Mongoose” Quinonez, among other notable personal appearances. In the ring, the main event stars Jamaal “Silent Knight” Brathwaite from the Orange County Sheriff Department who seeks to remain undefeated in his bout against Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy, Brian Stevens. The co-main event features Janie “Rockstar” Cosine from the San Bernardino Police Department as she faces Selina Velasquez from the Morongo Patrol Public Safety unit. Highlighting the 15 undercard bouts, Jorge Salazar from the Riverside County Sheriff Department and Mario Alonzo from the Department of Corrections-Ironwood lace up their gloves for what many believe will be the fight of the night! Cops 4 Kids & Communities, founded by Law Enforcement offices and community members has structured programs with tried and tested programs and techniques that have been very successful at reclaiming even the most challenging children. Coordinator Jeff Penn says, “This event allows us the opportunity to provide low cost entertainment for boxing fans with the added bonus of raising money for our youth programs…without asking for a direct donation from people during these economic times and financial uncertainty.” Door open at 5:15 pm. Ringside $35; General Admission, $25. Tickets are available online at www.StarTickets.com, or by calling 1-800-585-3737. For additional information, please call Jeff Penn at 951-658-2677. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa “The Show” Event Center, 32250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage.
Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28. On those two very important days, “All That Glitters” is on sale at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop in Rancho Mirage. The event will feature showcase after showcase of fabulous vintage and contemporary jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins and brooches, by the names you know in design excellence, each piece pre-worn and gently cared for by only the most discriminating fashion plates before being donated for a good cause that touches everyone. All funds raised support the free programs and services of the American Cancer Society. A unique resale shopping experience, gazing at the windows and walking through the door of the Discovery Shop is similar to visiting the most exclusive boutiques of designer clothing, jewelry for men and women, plus a plethora of gift and sundry for your home—all at greatly reduced prices. And that’s putting it mildly. Get your racing shoes on and sharpen your elbows. Summer hours are 9am – 5pm, and the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. Located at 42-446 Bob Hope Dr., in the Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center, across from the River in Rancho Mirage. For donations or volunteer information, please call the Discovery Shop at 760-568-5967. For information on the American Cancer Society’s programs and services, call anytime at 800-ACS-2345, or visit online at www.cancer.org/discovery , or www.discoveryshop-ranchomirage.org.
Saturday, August 4, 10am to 2pm. If you’ve been finding your sentences start with “what this family needs is…” Consider completing the challenge with “a good strong walk together.” (We think “a good strong talk together” is possible, if the kids will listen. Not.) A benefit for Olive Crest kids is suggesting a “Strong Family Walk” at Westfield Palm Desert mall can be instrumental when dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk children through the healing power of family. Since 1973, Olive Crest has been dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating children and preserving the family…”one life at a time.” Wow! And we’ve always said, “The family that shops together, stays together.” Here’s the 4-hour run-down: Meet at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, lower level, Westfield Shopping Mall. As you register your family, each walker will receive a validated Passport to selected stores inside the shopping center providing opportunities for raffle baskets full of exciting gift items donated by participating Westfield merchants. Per person cost, $10 registration fee, or $50 for a family of six or more. Sponsors are Westfield Palm Desert, Macy’s, Coachella Valley Weekly. And Rob Zwemmer and Associates. For details and early registration by credit card, please call Olive Crest at 760-341-8507, or visit www.olivecrest.org. All proceeds support local Olive Crest programs in our community. Westfield Palm Desert Mall, 73840 Highway 111, Palm Desert.
Thursday, July 19th -August 4th. Find your love connection with the hottest new singles game show to hit Southern California, Red Hot Date. Whether you’re just single and ready to mingle or looking for a long-lasting love connection, Red Hot Date game shows and events are a great way to meet local singles. Whether you’re attracted to the same sex or the opposite sex there is a PLACE FOR YOU!!! Red Hot Date is currently casting for contestants between the ages of 23 and 65 for its live game show taping at the Spa Resort Casino August 4, 2012.
If you’re just interested in checking out the action and attending the event, Red Hot Date is a hilarious, engaging and fun event for both singles and couples that is filmed and broadcast on Palm Springs’ local television. Audience members (if they choose) have the opportunity to be a part of the action, with the ability to ask stage contestants questions, vote on who should be picked and be contestants themselves through entertaining pop culture trivia and singles games. It’s spontaneous, it’s wild, and the best part about it, real live local singles serve as its cast of characters! To learn more about the show, watch every Saturday morning at 11AM on Palm Springs’ Retro station, KRET-TV (Channel 14 Time Warner, 21 Verizon Fios) or go to the website, www.HotDATEvents.com. If you’d like to be a contestant, send your picture and a short bio to info@hotdateshow.com!
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