BY DIANE MARLIN- DIRKX
You better watch out. You better not cry. Better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to …oops that’s not right. Wait, wait…Here comes Peter Cottontail hoppin’ down the bunny trail, Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way. Now we’ve got it right. Brought to America by German immigrants, the supposedly egg-laying hare was the inspiration for artfully dyed egg decoration and candy sweets—hidden for children to find. And what self-respecting kid thinks about calories, cavities or what candy picks up cached in the bottom of a back-pack? So, attention all kids, all ages! Bring out the pastels. The yellows, pinks and lavenders, the ruffles and bows and pleats–big trend this season. Liberate arms, legs and necks with care, not letting libertine-ish Coachella be your guide—after all, too much is too much and distasteful. (And don’t stint on sun-block.) Gather sweets in your Easter basket and join the parade in a bonnet. Oh, and would you pass me a Peep? Thanks. More to enjoy. Read on.
Friday, April 18, 4pm. Award-winning chanteuse Tonia Bern-Campbell presents an evening of song, joy and laughter with “The Colors of My Life ,” accompanied b y Joel Baker on the piano with proceeds to benefit Tolerance Center Theater. Winner of Italy’s “Passerella d’Oro,” “Singer of the Year” award from England’s St. James’ Royal Guard, and the “Desert Theatre League Star Award,” Bern-Campbell “has a personality of a singer who acts,” says one critic, calling her “infectious.” Reservations are advisable, 760-328-8252. Ticket per person, $20. Aprѐs-show meet-and-greet. Tolerance Center is at 35-147 Landy Lane, Rancho Mirage.
Saturday & Sunday, August 16 & 17. Save the Date! The 21st Annual Jazz in the Pines presentation by the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation with over 25 acts on three stages is ready to roll out the featured headliners for this globally recognized event in the next few weeks, so get to the head of the growing line for tickets now. Regularly priced tickets are $65 per day. Until May 15, the “early bird” ticket price is $55 with a special rate of $100 if you buy both days together. Individual tickets and the ever-popular Patron Package (includes: admission to Friday, August 15 Jazz Jeans and Jewels party, preferred parking, preferred seating in the Holmes Amphitheater and a ticket to each day of the festival) are available for purchase at www.idyllwildjazz.com. Gates to the Jazz in the Pines concert pavilion open at 10:00 a.m. both days with acts starting at 10:30 a.m. All three of the music venues, Holmes Amphitheater, Stephens Hall and the ever-popular French Quarter where you’ll hear jazz, blues, R&B and gospel until 5:30 p.m. The festival is located on the grounds of Idyllwild Arts at 52500 Temecula Road in the cool, clean air of the breathtakingly beautiful mountain village. All parking is free with shuttles running continuously town and clearly designated lots. A variety of food concessions with wines, draft beer and margaritas is available. Over 65 world-class artists will be selling handmade items including art, sculptures, jazz memorabilia, jewelry and Jazz in the Pines collector gifts. For more info, call 951-500-4090, or to book accommodations visit www.IDYLodging.com or www.IdyllVacationRentals.com
Sunday, April 20, Afternoon Schedule. Don’t be a drip, Dad & Mom! Bring the kids ages 3 to 10 years old to the first ever “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt” sat the Palm Desert Aquatic Center where all the eggs are hidden under the water!. Bring a water proof basket to take with you into the ‘drink’ and gather up all you can find while spending an afternoon of fun in the sun. Schedule: Recreation Pool Ages 3 and 4 year olds, 2 pm to 2:45pm. Ages 5 to 7 years old, 3 – 3:45pm. Shallow End Competitive Pool Ages 8 to 10 year olds, 3 – 3:45pm. Price $3 per person. For everyone’s safety, parents must accompany children ages 3-5 into the pool. No personal flotation devices allowed. Call today 760-565-7467. Address: 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr., Palm Desert.
Wednesday, April 23, 6pm. Michael Childers’ “ONE NIGHT ONLY” featuring “Tradition, The Jewish Legacy of Broadway,” hosted by TV Star Fran Drescher, will benefit the Jewish Family Service of the Desert. This One Night Only is one show you don’t want to miss for its stars of every entertainment medium known to those who love Broadway musicals, TV specials, sit-coms and, laughter from the Borscht Belt to New York’s Broadway. From appreciative giggles to raucous belly-laughs, get ready to be entertained by the best in the business, many who grew up reciting th
e mantra: “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.” General Admission tickets, $75, $95, & $195 are available at the McCallum Theatre box office, at 760-340-ARTS, or go to www.mccallumtheatre.com. VIP Theatre & Dinner packages, $450 each, call JFS, 760-325-4088. The McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert.
Saturday, April 2 6, 1pm. “Carnival of the Animals” Benefit Tea with a musical performance by the Desert Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christian Chalifour, music director, with a special appearance by New York Metropolitan Opera Diva Janet Hopkins, recognized as one of the most vocally-gifted artists of today and an avid supporter of animal rescue. This magical, musical program will take place in the enchantment of BG Bird Gardens, Meet and greet Ms Hopkins between 1:00 to 1:45pm by purchasing a seat at a table for $125 per person. General Admission, $65 per person with performance at 2:15pm. Limited seating. RSVP no later than April 19, if not sold out sooner. Call 760-834-7003. Or purchase tickets online, www.lovingallanimals.org. BG Bird Gardens, 73-179 Joshua Tree St., Palm Desert.
Monday – Friday, July 7 – 11; July 28 – August 1. 8am – 1 pm. Save the Date! Be an early bird whether you want the worm or not! Critter Camp Returns for kids ages 6 through11 years old and they don’t want to miss a minute of this week-long day camp. Why? Listen up, scout. Right now, Animal Samaritans is accepting sign-ups for its popular, fun-filled, learning-inspired Summer Critter Camps. Our humane pro-active educators will hold two camps for up to 20 children each. These week-long camps fill up quickly, so sign up your kids today! Camp location is at Thousand Palms Chamber of Commerce, 72-715 La Canada Way, Thousand Palms. Activities include hands on animal encounters with therapy dogs, reptiles, birds, and rodents, Animal-themed games, Animal-themed arts & crafts. This is a terrific time to get a well-rounded education about caring for pets, and learning a whole new outlook filled with animal fun facts.Snacks and bottled water will be provided, but campers must bring their own sack lunch. Cost per camper: $85. To register, call Diana at 760-601-3761 or email her at Critter Camper Registration.
“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!
