BY DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
“It’s not easy being green,” sighed Kermit, the shyly fearless leader of The Muppets (watch for a return to TV!), singing and picking at his mandolin, decrying blending in with so many “ordinary” things, but finally deciding that as “the color of Spring,” big as a mountain, important as a river, tall as a tree and other living things, that is what he is and it’s beautiful. So there. And now that Spring’s arrived with more spring-like temps thank you very much… we want something new—we’re going for the green. Like Lime Green Margaritas inspired by picking the low, hanging fruit in our valley, plus fresh asparagus, avocados, scallions, artichokes, even broccoli we ask you do your part for the movement: Eat your greens! Spend the weekend picking at local Farmers’ Markets. And pencil in these events to enjoy as worthy, delicious accompaniments.
Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2 PM and 7 PM. For Immediate Release and your instant gratification: Curtain Up TONIGHT! Open to the Public! The McCallum Theatre Institute (MTI), the education division of the McCallum Theatre presents the Open Call Talent Competition 2015, the ultimate variety show. The Valley’s best vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists and novelty performers will appear on stage in four performances on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 at 7PM and Saturday, April 18 at 2PM and 7PM. This annual sell-out event has become an audience favorite and is fun for the entire family. Open Call 2015 will showcase 88 performers in 23 acts that were selected by audition. You can meet this group of talented performers by reading the “Meet the Finalists” document at www.mccallumtheatre.com/education/opencall.php. The final performance will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded to an audience favorite, 2nd place and grand prize winner. The Helen Turner Grand Prize Award winner will receive $2500. Through the years Open Call has provided 1110 local artists the opportunity to work with and receive guidance from a professional artistic and production team and perform on the McCallum Theatre stage. $104,300 has been awarded to Open Call finalists since the first show in 1999. For the 7PM performances on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 and 2PM performance on Saturday, April 18 tickets are $10, $15, $25, $35 with a special ticket price of $10 for children 12 and under. For the final performance at 7PM on Saturday, April 18 tickets are $15, $25, $45 and $55. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the theatre box office, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, by calling (760) 340-ARTS or online at www.mccallumtheatre.com. Wowee! Zowie! Don’t miss these performances, or you won’t get bragging rights to say, you knew them when!
Sunday, April 19, 6:30 PM. Pardon our sigh, but there’s no more romantic evening, more swoon-worthy, in a more spectacular setting than “Opera Under the Stars,” featuring operatic arias, classic Broadway and operetta performances by world class singers, and the presentation of the St. Cecilia Patron of Music Award to Palm Springs Life magazine in memory of Milt Jones, publisher. The setting? On The Rose Lawn of The Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells, where no ceiling interrupts the flow of the musical masterpieces as they seem to reach the stars above the appreciative audience. OperaArts, created from the collaborative dreams and efforts of a small consortium of community residents and opera aficionados, is a non-profit organization whose goal is to present quality musical performances, with emphasis on Opera and operetta, accompanied by high quality visual arts and art experiences, to the Coachella Valley community, with emphasis on our youth and senior citizens. Ticket per person, $125, full sit-down dinner at The Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel, 44-400 Indian Wells. Lane, Indian Wells. For information, visit www.OperaArtsPalmSprings.org or call 760-323-8353.
Friday, April 24, 6 – 9 PM. R.S.V.P. Now! Follow the White Rabbit to Meet the Museum 2015! Now in its tenth year, the Meet the Museum membership drive party will take place on the Friday of White Party Weekend. An annual event to encourage new museum membership, it offers discounted admission to this signature party, along with the extensive benefits of museum membership for one full year. Last year nearly 1,000 people attended Meet the Museum and the one-night event raised more than $70,000. It is expected to sell out again this year. All proceeds benefit museum operations, exhibitions and education programs. This year’s fabulous Alice In Wonderland themed party is crammed with treats and surprises, including Matt Elson’s Infinity Boxes located in the Picture Parlor for photo ops for posting and souvenirs. Set amidst the museum and its art, the evening includes complimentary valet parking, surprise performances and musical acts with entertainment by Live It Up Productions, DJ entertainment by Pride Nation Radio & Proud Television’s DJ Corey D, and keepsakes featuring Matt Elson’s Infinity Boxes, multiple open bar stations, delectable edibles including the notorious Candy Bar by LuLu California Bistro, and much, much more! Financial adviser and philanthropist Jim Casey returns to chair the event with his Integrated Wealth Management as sponsor of Meet the Museum since 2011. Reserve now for exclusive admission to the VIP Lounge. The $100 ticket provides instant entry and exclusive access to the VIP Lounge and VIP-only bar. Secure your ticket by contacting the membership department at 760-322-4807. $75 (includes one-year individual membership and one ticket to the event). $135 (includes one-year dual membership and two tickets to the event) Existing members can purchase a ticket for $40, or VIP ticket for $100, per person. Business level for $750 includes a one-year business membership, sponsorship acknowledgment on all publicity, 2 VIP Lounge tickets, and 6 museum guest passes. VIP admission upgrades are available for new members as well. For more info, please visit www.psmuseum.org/meet-the-museum.org or contact the museum’s membership office at 760-322-4807, membership@psmuseum.org. Tickets are not issued; names will be at the door. To make sure yours is listed, hop to it!
Saturday, April 25, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. The massive, prancing horses with big hooves and light, happy gait are more than horses, they’re Clydesdales of Scottish origin and one of the highlights of Spring in Palm Desert is a return visit from the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales on April 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Arriving in an eight-horse hitch they will be harnessed and hitched to the red beer wagon on a side street at the west end, and will start their journey on El Paseo, stopping to make deliveries along the way. They will be accompanied by their iconic traveling pal, a Dalmatian, which in the early days of brewing were trained to protect the horses when the driver made deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be remembered recently for Super Bowl XLIX, with a new commercial, “Lost Dog,” a sequel to the previous year’s “Puppy Love.” (Spoiler alert: Tear jerker! The series of commercials date back to the 1986 Super Bowl, when the Clydesdales tromped through the snow while a chorus chirped “when you say Bud you’ve said it all.” Indeed. Bring the whole family to welcome them!
“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!
