A Night of Local Music to benefit Street Life Project and FIND Food Bank
Saturday, December 20 from 5pm -1:15am

CV Weekly is showing its support of the community’s homeless population with a rockin’ benefit on Saturday, December 20 at the Date Shed in Indio for FIND (Food In Need of Distribution) and the Street Life Project.

The night of music starts at 5 p.m. and runs through 1:15 a.m. at the Indio hot spot known for promoting local bands and new music. The event brings together eight bands to raise funds for Street Life Project, a movement of hope, friendship and faith, and FIND, the Coachella Valley’s long-established food bank which distributes more than 10 million pounds of food to 90,000 individuals each month across Eastern Riverside and Southern San Bernardino Counties.

Through its continuing support of home-grown and new music in the area, CV Weekly has gathered John Garcia, Nick Oliveri’s Uncontrollable, House of Broken Promises, WAXY, Blasting Echo, Burning Bettie, Slipping Into Darkness, and The Hellions to fill the Date Shed with live music, along with DJ Habanero’s Hot Tongue and Groove to keep the music going between bands.

Joining CV Weekly for this important cause are Alex Haagen IV, owner of the Date Shed, who has donated the venue and the bands are lending their talents to support the important work of FIND and Street Life Project.

Along with the music, a raffle will raise additional funds throughout the night. The amazing raffle prizes include the jam-packed Grand Prize guitar package valued at nearly $1,000 from Musician’s Outlet; $300 tattoo certificate from Tg Tat; a $100.00 gift certificate to Hard Rock Hotel and $100 gift certificate to Record Alley. The second Grand Prize package includes a PSE Silver Snake Recurve Bow with arrows valued over $200 from Robin Hood Archery, $350 beauty package from Debut European Hair Design, $100.00 gift certificate to Record Alley and $50 gift certificate to CV Brewery. A third Prize Package includes gift certificates from TKB Bakery, Richie’s Diner, Wolfgang Puck’s, Skitzo Kitty, Estheticx.Obsession Massage & Wax Bar, Jesus Yvette Salon, Blo Dry Bar, LQ Wine, Dennis Ogas Salon, AcQPoint Massage, Adam Normand Tattoo and Eureka! Burgers.

Street Life Project is a movement of hope, friendship and faith, whose volunteers go into the community to help those in need where they distribute food, clothing, toiletries and other life supplies, along with life coaching and spiritual guidance, to nearly 180 people a week in Coachella, Indio and Palm Springs.

FIND Food Bank is the only regional food band serving Eastern Riverside and Southern San Bernardino counties in Southern California. FIND is dedicated to relieving hunger, the causes of hunger and the problems associated with hunger through awareness, education and mobilization of resources and community involvement. Its mission is to create a community free of hunger and food insecurity.

Tickets are $15, and the event is open to those 16 years and older. There are limited number of $30 VIP tickets, which include admission to the VIP lounge, dinner sponsored by Jackalope Ranch in Indio and the La Quinta Cliffhouse and a no-host bar. For more information or to purchase tickets call (760) 501-6228.

Since its inception in March 2012, CV Weekly has supported local charities throughout the year with ongoing events. CV Weekly’s Best of the Valley Dinner in August raised funds for Desert AIDS Project, SafeHouse of the Desert, Street Life Project and Loving All Animals. The CV Weekly Music Awards, held in May, supported Loving All Animals. In addition, CV Weekly sponsors and supports charities throughout the year through advertising and editorial opportunities, with considerable assistance provided to SafeHouse, Loving All Animals and Street Life Project, among others.

Support the cause and celebrate the Holiday season with us as we give back to those in need.

Event Lineup

5:00 Doors open DJ music by DJ Habanero’s Hot Tongue & Groove (Alfredo Hernandez)

5:00-8:00 Dinner with VIP tickets in VIP Lounge (provided by Jackalope Ranch in Indio and the La Quinta Cliffhouse)

5:30 Burning Bettie

6:30 The Hellions

7:30 Blasting Echo

8:30 John Garcia

9:30 Nick Oliveri

10:30 WAXY

11:30 House of Broken promises (HOBP)

12:30 War Drum

John Garcia

By Tracy Dietlin

There is no debate that John Garcia’s legacy in music is firmly etched in stone. He is revered all over the world for his work with Kyuss, Unida, Hermano, Slo Burn, Kyuss Lives and Vista Chino. He has at times been perceived as an enigma to many. He is as mysterious as the desert’s legendary generator parties. He himself admits that he rarely gets out and remains like a tortoise in its shell. Given his touring schedule we can’t blame him. As he states, “When I’m home, I want to be home.” He’s the desert’s answer to the Sphinx. The Sphinx was viewed as benevolent and having ferocious strength and wisdom. These are traits John Garcia also embodies. (From the July 17th, 2014 Cover story by Noe Gutierrez. Go to coachellavalleyweekly.com/john-garcia to read full interview)
John Garcia’s first ever solo album via Napalm Records was released at the end of July. The video for the first single “My Mind” premiered on-line on 7/15. It was directed by Douglas Quill and filmed at the Salton Sea. Garcia just returned from the European leg of his tour through Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Garcia performed to a full house at The Hood in Palm Desert before going out on the tour. It was the first time I had the pleasure of watching Garcia perform live. To say I was impressed and blown away would be understatements. I felt like I was truly in the presence of great rock royalty, not because he is considered one of the many desert rock legends from the original generator party days and the beginning with Kyuss, but because of who he was right there and then: a consummate performer who was passionate about his songs and the audience he was singing them to. I was an immediate fan.

While I sat in on CV Weekly’s original interview with Garcia that Noe Gutierrez did for our Cover back in July, I had the opportunity to meet his lovely wife Wendy and see that he is equally as passionate about his wife and children and his community. From that point the benefit at The Date Shed was born and now we desert rats will have the chance to see John Garcia again live here locally.

Garcia was gracious enough to take time this week to answer a few new questions after arriving back from Europe.

CVW: Can you tell us about your recent tour to Australia and Europe?

JG: It was excellent. All the shows were amazing and the response was overwhelming. Although it was a success, I’ve been looking forward to going back to the veterinary technician position. I miss it. I still plan on rehearsing and writing with the band and look forward to that as well. I’m very lucky to be able to do both.

CVW: How did it differ being solo John Garcia tour compared to when you’ve toured with the different bands you’ve been in?

JG: I think the biggest difference is the energy. Every band I’ve played in and in my opinion, has its own energy, to the songs they play, how they play them and who plays them and the environment they play them in. That said… it is also exposing yourself that’s more personal. No name to hide behind, it’s just you and your band mates. I’m very lucky to have a great band backing me up. Ehren, Mike and Greg are incredible musicians and I’m lucky to be sharing the stage with them.

CVW: Will the same guys who toured Europe with you be playing the Date Shed show?

JG: Yes. Ehren Groban, Mike Pygmie, and Greg Saenz: I do not want this line up to change. They are a GREAT band and I look forward to continue rehearsing and writing with them. All we want to do is play, write, and rehearse. We are going to take our time writing the next one and do it together as a group.

CVW: Tell us what doing a show like the Benefit at the Date Shed means to you?

JG: Well as you know we live in a very wealthy place in the US. If some of that wealth can be spread around to the people who really need it, I think that would be great. Everyone goes through a rough time every now and then, when you’re up, you’re up, when you’re down, it seems you can never get back up again, this is why I’m doing it. It’s time to give back. This time of year is important to me. Kids whose parents can’t afford a hot meal, parents who cannot afford to give their kids a present at Christmas time just kills me inside. Means a lot to me, I certainly know what it feels like not to have enough. It’s not a good place and no one should be there, especially during the holiday season.

CVW: Do you have a different feeling playing in your hometown like the last show you did at The Hood and this upcoming show, than you do when you’re playing away?

JG: Playing in front of your home town is always a little more special than playing abroad. You’re surrounded by friends and family you grew up with but it can also be more distracting. This time is more special than any other because of the cause and how many families the show can effect. I’m looking forward to it heavy.

CVW: What is the decompression process like for you when you get home coming off of such a big tour like this one?

JG: It’s huge. Being on the road with your brothers for so long and then coming back to your family is such a shock. You don’t want your family to forget about you or get used to living without you. Trying to get caught up with everything is overwhelming… from my son’s homework progress, to re-connecting with my best friend and wife Wendy. It takes me longer and longer these days, as I get older, to re-acclimate myself back to normality. It’s something that’s always very hard to do. Emotionally it can be exhausting.

CVW: What are your plans for 2015? Any more touring? New projects?

JG: Right now, its decompression time. Going to take a little time off, then come the New Year, start writing with the guys. We are going to take it easy. We don’t want to force anything. This is the first time as a group we are doing this together. The writing process has already started though. It actually started on the road. So we are just looking forward to digging in and doing right and how we feel it should be done. Again, nothing forced.

Some summer festivals are in order so we do plan on going back over for a small festival run. And we’re looking forward to it.

www.facebook.com/JohnGarciaOfficial

 

WAXY: The Scorpion and the Turtle and Rock and Roll

By Rich Henrich

The story of The Scorpion and the Turtle is an allegory, a story meant to communicate an abstract idea. We all know to look out for the wolf in sheep’s clothing because of the allegory that was shared in our childhood. However, not as many people may be familiar with this story said to be written by the poet Nur ad-Din Abd ar-Rahman Jami.

As the story goes, a turtle and a scorpion were traveling when they came upon a river. The turtle was not phased by this challenge but the scorpion was quite concerned. “How will I cross this river? You can swim but I will drown.” The turtle looked at his friend and replied, “You can climb on my back but don’t sting me.” The scorpion laughed. “Why would I sting you? If I do, we will both drown. Where is the reason in me doing such a thing?” The turtle thought this over. “You’re right! Hop on!” The scorpion climbed aboard and about half way across the river, the scorpion stung the turtle. “What are you doing?” cried the turtle as they both started to sink. “What do you mean?” asked the scorpion. “You said there would be no reason in stinging me and you just stung me. We are both going to drown. Why did you do it?” The scorpion replied with resolute conviction, “It has nothing to do with reason. It’s just my nature. I’m a scorpion.”

The beauty of allegories, like this one, is their ability to transcend words and meaning to communicate an abstract concept in a way that is not as vulnerable to manipulation as mere words in a story tend to be over time. It is true for the lyrics and the music of WAXY as well, as they will no doubt stand the test of time. The band is essentially, an allegory for rock and roll.

There is wisdom in this story and it’s embedded in WAXY’s iconic logo. As in life, as in the music industry, the message is that not everyone should be trusted, including our selves in moments of poor judgment. It’s a reminder that not everyone acts according to what makes logical sense. There is still “non-sense” and those who prescribe to that line of thinking. Perhaps the most important reminder is not everyone acts in what you may believe to be their own best interest. It is a warning and a reminder on the nature of things and the character of those around us. It is the harsher reality that we all must face at some point- even with a hard sell, those close to us can pierce our veil and take us down.

Below is my interview with WAXY frontman Robbie Waldman.

CV: So, what does “WAXY” mean?

RW: Without Any eXplanation Why.

CV: Why?

RW: I went to school in L.A. and I wanted a name. It’s the most important thing and the least important thing. What is Pearl Jam? It could be stupid but I love the band so…

Waldman grew up in the desert and in the “desert scene” but left to attend USC as a Music Industry major. “Our logo, a scorpion on the back of a turtle, comes from the story. The turtle lets the scorpion ride on his back but then the scorpion bites the turtle. The turtle asks the scorpion: why did you bite me? And the scorpion says that’s just who I am. The industry is a lot like that. (The logo) is really about knowing who you are and using your wits. It’s dog eat dog. I have it tattooed on me.”

CV: You recently were touring in Australia with John Garcia. How’d that come about?

RW: John Garcia is a good friend. I was nervous. It’s expensive for sure but it was magical. Our music was well received. You never know. It’s always easier when a crowd knows what’s coming. We played Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

CV: What was most magical about the tour?

RW: I got to pet a kangaroo! (He laughs) It was really cool. They have big chests but are soft. In the wild, they will kick your ass! We went to the zoo and the kangaroo’s are born in to captivity so you can touch them around feeding time. One came up to me and I just had the biggest shit-eating grin on my face.

CV: How is it different to play for a crowd in Australia?

RW: What’s cool is it’s not as distorted as it is in Southern California or New York. It’s not about what’s cool for the moment. I think there’re two types of people- those who see live music and those who don’t. We’re not played that heavy but they really appreciate music and love the history of the desert scene.

CV: What does the “Desert Scene” mean to you?

RW: What does it mean? Creative people. The cool kids growing up were the ones playing music not the jocks. That was really cool to grow up around. It was different than other places. It’s my home. It means everything. It’s an indie post-punk sub-culture. It’s peaceful. Boredom. Weather. The sky. Stars. Mountains. I step outside now and it’s just beautiful. That in between place that allows for freedom. Today is nothing compared to then…it’s morphing more into punk and psych. It’s always an ebb and flow. It’s a great community, though.

CV: You also have a recording studio?

RW: Yeah, I’m my own biggest client! I’m hoping to do more. A few bands have recorded here. Brian Setzer recorded here a couple years ago, which was cool. We also do books on tape and some other stuff, too.

CV: Are you recording now?

RW: Yeah, we are in studio now and hope to have a record out by February or March.

CV: Will it be independent or label?

RW: Probably Fuzzorama or someone.

CV: You also have a few other projects you are involved in?

RW: Yeah, War Drum. Our guitarist also plays with John (Garcia). And an acoustic project that’s more Folk Americana. Neil Young, early Springsteen-type of influence. We’ll be playing IPAC (in Indio) on the 28th.

CV: What do you like about playing acoustic?

RW: Playing quietly, you can get certain dynamics that you just lose otherwise. It’s not as chaotic. If it feels good on stage, it’ll be good for the audience.

CV: You’re playing the CV Weekly benefit this week. Thank you.

RW: Tracy and Phil have always been super supportive to me, the scene and the whole Coachella Valley, really. It’s a great benefit for the Valley. It feels good to give back, too. It’ll be great. I love Nick’s band and love John. It’s a good brotherhood. We’ll bring in people. Definitely going to be a show. I’m grateful to the community.

CV: What would you like people to know about your music?

RW: Hmmm…I guess that our music comes from a good place. It’s about musical exploration. We’re mining for grooves! You listen to a few songs and you get the idea of what we are trying to do. We do it our own way with our own approach. (Our motto) is do your own thing to the max!!!

Check out www.waxy-music.com for more info on their upcoming album and follow their process as they release another diverse album fit for connoisseurs of rock and roll and beyond. For info on Robbie’s recording studio, go to: www.unit-A.com.

Come check out Waxy and support of the community’s homeless population with a rockin’ benefit on Saturday, December 20 at the Date Shed in Indio for FIND (Food In Need of Distribution) and the Street Life Project. As I’m reminded by a line from WAXY’s song Motorcade, “…if you realize the blessing just to be alive…,” you’ll be there with us celebrating all that is right in this world.

 

House Of Broken Promises, Not Fast Food For The Brain

By Rich Henrich

“Life, struggle and balance,” says HOBP front man Arthur Seay, is what he and the band are working on currently. On the band’s Facebook page, a picture says it all- a baby is crying in the hands of rock and roll personified. “That’s photographer Chris Miller’s kid. It was a perfect shot. It actually helped us get an extension on a plug-in transfer date that we needed! It had just expired and I called the company and the guy actually did his homework on us and commented on that picture and hooked us up!” He is careful to note, “no babies were harmed.”

There is no doubt this desert rock band is working hard and about to kick it into another gear. I interviewed Arthur this week to catch up with him, the band, touring Europe and of course, the upcoming CV Weekly benefit show at the Date Shed on December 20th to benefit FIND Food Bank and Street Life Project.

AS: Sorry about the noise. We’re recording a new record starting today. We’re wiring up and setting tone.

CV: What can we expect from this creation?

AS: For the new record, we’re super stoked. It’ll be a variety- Desert, Stoner, Metal. We all love a variety of music and it’s definitely going to show on this record.

CV: What themes do you want to explore?

AS: Militarization. Relationships. Love. Hate. Drugs.

CV: What do you think House of Broken Promises stands for?

AS: It stands for bringing you high performance rock and roll. We’re taking it to the people. It’s quality, drive and determination. It’s definitely a guaranteed badass show! Bang a gong and get it on!

CV: Santa, Elves and rock and roll at the Date Shed for the Holidays?

AS: We always love to support this community. We’re lucky enough to play music and be able to give back. It’ll be great. We all know each other- Nick, John, everyone. It’s like a mini Desert Fest.

CV: What’s Desert Fest like?

AS: Desert Fest is a tribute to “the Scene,” you know, Kyuss, Unida, Fatso, Yawning Man. We play Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. It’s homage to the desert. It’s really well run, organized. We play crowds of 2-3,000. It’s cool.

CV: What do you like about touring in Europe?

AS: America is fast food for the brain! It’s about what’s cool for now. European’s are more connoisseurs of music. They embrace it and continue to stay in to it. They really support the music and the desert scene. I don’t know it’s different than the U.S. for sure. They add to what they like rather then forget about stuff.

CV: I heard they prefer vinyl, too.

AS: Yeah. We sell more vinyl there than anywhere. Ninety percent of what you work hard for in the studio is lost in digital.

CV: Is it refreshing for the band to play Europe and Australia?

AS: It’s what we all want to do- go and play music and come home with a penny or two to pay a few bills. We pay for our own backline and everything over there. It works out, though. It’s always great to come back home.

CV: What is the “Desert Scene” to you?

AS: Well, it’s definitely home. This is where the music flows from and comes back to. There is a vibe. I feel it. I don’t know. I like to visit L.A. and get the f@#% out. There is something here. Like today, clean air and sunshine. It’s the sky, the stars. You don’t get that sh!# in L.A. Definitely an energy. Sometimes it’s bleak, desolate. There’s a special mystic energy. I believe and feel that.

CV: Blender listed CV as one of the top ten cities in America for Rock and Roll.

AS: I think it is. It’s like Seattle, New York or Muscle Shoals. It’s come together, grown and collapsed on itself. It wasn’t always that way back in the day. It was cliquey:These people and those people. It was rather high school. You have to create and the more we can support each other, the more that gets done. That should be the scene, helping each other grow. I’m an activist and I’m not afraid to fight a mother f#@%er. I’m not afraid to say “you’re ripping people off.”

CV: Life. Struggle. Balance?

AS: We all have other jobs and commitments. I’m working for Godsmack and have to work around the tour schedule. We’ll be in Australia in February. We started recording today but it will be late spring before we’re ready to release. Yeah, it’s just about scheduling around everyone’s lives and continuing to play our music.

CV: What are you trying to get in place for the new album now?

AS: I really want to get the drums and bass set before the tour (with Godsmack). This album will be out by summer, for sure. It’s part of the schedule of things.

CV: What’s your approach?

AS: Do it right and go hit hard! We’re gonna have some fun with it. Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll get a private link to SoundCloud and be able to listen to some of our new recordings. It’s a way to thank every one for supporting us! There will be free songs coming for download, too. We don’t want to bug, just update people who like our music and let them see a bit of the process behind the scenes. We’ll be filming it, making our own reality series and putting out webisodes on the process. We’ll probably do a mini-doc, too.

CV: Looking forward to seeing you guys at the show, It’s a great line up.

AS: Yeah, it’s gonna be fun. We really wanted to do this benefit. It’s a great cause with friends.

Take a look at HOBP’s new website (which is still being updated with new content) at: www.houseofbrokenpromises.com and be sure to “like” the band on Facebook, too. www.facebook.com/HOBPMUSIC