DON’T BE CLUELESS in the Coachella Valley

BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX

Busy month. Getting into our California dreamin’ mood, we’d like to know why the most important election in our lifetime (presidential, the 6th, for those really comatose) is held in early November? Why not in July when we’re rootin’ around for something to take our minds off the heat, humidity and overhead misters that straighten (or kink) our hair at our favorite summer haunts? No lie, here’s a clue from Adam Carolla, a BFF of Bill O’Reilly (Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor) and former #1 morning radio personality in Palm Springs. He posits that priorities among the “laid back” California citizenry go no deeper than “good vibes” and good “surf.” Hey, only when the weather is good. Catch Adam Carolla’s Podcast in a live show with music legend Graham Parker, and other characters on Thursday, October 25, 8pm, Indio Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at www.AdamCarolla.com, or at the door for $30. Or not. We offer you many eclectic electives for your vote herewith. Read on.
Saturday, October 20, 11:30am. Legendary child actress Margaret O’Brien speaks at the premiere speaker’s luncheon of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television. Striking a pose for a photographer at the tender age of 3, Margaret O’Brien was mesmerized by the lights and her future. She determined to be a serious actress. Her starry pathway to the firmament was assured by her film debut in Babes on Broadway. From a one-minute scene, critics labeled the budding thespian as a “sensation,” and “America’s Favorite Sweetheart.” In the 40s she stole creds from the biggest names above the title: Joan Fontaine (Jane Eyre), Charles Laughton (The Canterville Ghost) and Judy Garland (Meet Me in St. Louis) in the role of ‘Tootie’ which won Margaret an Oscar. Tickets PSWIFT Members $30, Non-members, $45. To RSVP, call 760-238-0306, or go to www.pswift.org. Location: Ironwood Country Club, 73-735 Irontree Dr., Palm Desert.
Saturday, October 20, 8:00pm. Howie Mandel, “a constant force in show business for more than 30 years” has a resume that would take you that many years to read. His career kick-off began with a dare-yah on a trip to “La La Land” in 1979, when friends coaxed him to get up on the stage at the Comedy Store and do his thing. “You’re hired!” screamed the producer of “Make Me Laugh,” a comedy game-show who was there looking for new talent. We exaggerate, but not by much. Mandel, producer/director/actor/comedian for television/film/stage, a guy who cops to acronyms OCD and ADHD (his memoir is on the NY Times best-seller list), opened for Diana Ross among other headliners, judged “America’s Got Talent,” received Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Reality/Competition Host” and a syndicated children’s show “Bobby’s World,” appeared in “St. Elsewhere” (Dr. Wayne Fiscus), has his own syndicated talk show and appears with other names in the know (Jay Leno) and also performs as many as 200 concerts a year in the U.S.A and Canada. We could continue, but we’re exhausted. Suffice it to say, he will be at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. Call the box office at 760-340-2787, or online www.mccallumtheatre.com. Tickets are$35 to $85. Content alert: Mature. We’re not scared.
Sunday, October 21, 3 – 5pm. Once Upon a Time…a fairy tale afternoon at an exquisite private home (been there, seen it!) to benefit SafeHouse of the Desert, a welcoming place where services are provided for runaways, homeless youth, and victims of human trafficking 24 hours a day. The beautiful program will include enchanting music by soprano Dr. Lisa Lindley, tenor Christian Quevedo, pianist Tim Bruneau and members of the Coachella Valley Symphony. Cocktails and a home tour begin at 3 pm, with concert and program that includes information on the planned SafeHouse Campus Expansion, Transitional Living Apartments and a Green Technology School. Location: 1 St. Petersburg Court, Rancho Mirage. Tickets, $50 per person. Valet parking. Space is limited! Please RSVP, call 760-409-0902.
Thursday, October 25, 11am. Hey, honey-bunny, swirl your mascara on tight because here’s your chance to be one of six Girls of Playboy Golf who will represent the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino during key events for one year! The modeling competition takes place with a walk on the runway followed by smart and scintillating answers to a variety of questions from the panel of judges. Open to the public, beautiful girls from all over the state will compete before a crowd of cheering family and fans for a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the final Playboy Golf Tournament. The 6th Annual Playboy Scramble will be held November 9 and 10 at Eagle Falls Golf Course in Indio. For more information, go to www.fantasyspringsresort.com/playboygolf.
Thursday, October 25, 10am – 3 pm. Angel View Fall Fashion Show. SOLD OUT! The theme to this year’s “always sold out” luncheon and show featuring Angel View Resale Store fashions is “Wild Thing,” a Nancy Whitlock Production. This event is a fitting ‘rumble in the jungle’ among the predators and prey who inhabit our desert landscape who girdle their loin-ettes and fight to get in, and around each other, every year for the best pickin’s of the racks of designer dresses, sportswear, evening feathers and finery, accessories and jewelry. We’ve heard tell of a woman who donated a pricey label outfit from her prestigious wardrobe, went to the luncheon, decided she couldn’t live without it and bought it back. You might say it had her name on it. (She did.) If you want to be added to the “wait list,” call Shelly Lee at 760-322-2440, or (866) 670-8666. All proceeds benefit Angel Views’ programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Location: Melvyn’s Restaurant, 200 West Ramon Road Palm Springs, 760-325-2323.
Saturday, October 27, 6 – 9pm. Nicole Barosi Gallery seeks artists for Day of the Dead fundraiser to benefit Food In Need of Distribution (FIND). Register at the Gallery and select a cigar box at $5 each to transform into an altar artfully inspired by “The Day of the Dead” (Dio de los Muertos), a holiday celebrated by Mexico and globally that begins November 1 to honor friends and family members who have passed away. Return your completed altar to the gallery prior to the special Reception and Costume Party on Saturday, October 27, 6 – 9 pm, where prizes will be awarded to the best costumes. On Wednesday, November 7, judges will determine the best altar at 5 pm with the winner receiving $250. Sale of the altars will begin at 6 pm, during Backstreet Art District’s monthly Art Walk and will continue through Sunday, December 2. They will be priced at $77 each with $67 going to FIND. Artist’s name will not be revealed until transaction is complete. Nicole Barosi Gallery, HWY 111 and Cherokee Way within the Backstreet Art District, Palm Springs, open Thursday through Saturday, Noon until 4pm. To pick up cigar boxes outside of Gallery hours, call 760-464-9203.
“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!