by Lola Rossi-Meza
In addition to all the festivities mentioned in the Cover Story about the Loving All Animals Super Pet Adoption Fair, Johnny Meza and Lola Rossi of Prestige Entertainment, have added an exciting line-up of Musicians to the two day event. Starting at 10 a.m., emcees Steve Kelly and Jenifer Daniels will take the stage and introduce Lola Rossi who will sing the National Anthem and then, Lindi Biggi, animal lover and founder of this non-profit organization, will welcome everyone. “The City of Rancho Mirage has been very supportive,” said Biggi. “Whitewater Park is the perfect location for our annual event.”
Other personalities who will emcee over the weekend, include Patrick Evans, Valerie Kattz, Mayor of Rancho Mirage Scott Hines, Katie Markum, Samantha Cortese, Rich “da Coach” Gilgallon, Victor Cruz, Ford Michaels, Denise Goolsby, Michael Schlange and Assemblyman Manuel Perez. Under the direction of Catherine Demonchaux, The Desert Dance Academy will present two exhibition dances each day.
Music on Saturday continues with pianist and vocalist Johnny Meza and vocalist Lola Rossi performing a variety of music. They welcome dancers to the large dance floor provided, for the many fans who enjoy listening and dancing to the music performed by the various musicians. Joining them at 10:30 a.m. is guitarist, singer and songwriter John Allen Bowman, who recently finished recording his first CD on Indie Label, Palm Springs Records.
Guitarist and vocalist Mark Guerrero performs Latin Rock at 11:15 a.m. Next to entertain at 12:10 p.m. is vocalist and guitarist Suzanne Oliver who will perform her Original Music along with a few Rock songs.
At 12:35 p.m., pianist and vocalist Gilbert Quesada performs with Sal Frisaura, the drummer for the day, along with percussionist Ernie Gurolla Joe Canoura on saxophone and flute Jack Pina on Congas. Joining them for a few songs is Valley favorite Pat Rizzo. They will perform a mix of Swing, Standards and Latin Jazz. Following at 1:10 p.m. is guitarist Todd Ashley and saxophonist Michael Dooley performing Smooth Jazz. The Gilbert Hansen Band featuring Devon Dean will perform Blues and Rock Music at 2 p.m. Country singer Marlene Adams performs at 2:35 p.m. This veteran singer has performed in the Desert since 1965.
The final performance for the day at 3 p.m. is the Heatwave Jazz and Show Band comprised of students from the Boys and Girls Club of La Quinta. They now have a new facility in Palm Desert and are an inspiration to students who dream of being musicians. Director Jim Little is to be commended for his drive and determination, knowing that music is a God Given talent, and for teaching the hundreds of students throughout his performing and teaching career.
Sunday begins at 10 a.m. with Smooth Jazz performed by guitarist Joe Baldino, a big supporter of LAA. He is followed by vocalist Bonnie Bowden at 11 a.m. She is traveling from Venura to support LAA and will perform again at 2 p.m. She will be singing Opera, Standards and Pop. Pianist Donnie Beck performs Jazz at 11:25 a.m. with Craig Chesnut, the drummer for the day, along with saxophonist Doug Ledesma.
Impersonator, Steve DiTullio performs at 12:10 p.m. singing many of your favorite Frank Sinatra songs. At 12:35 p.m., the music continues with saxophonist John Bolivar, Beck, Chesnut and Meza playing classic R & B and Jazz. Performing next is Drea and the Jewels at 1:15 p.m. playing Contemporary Rock. Bowden performs again at 2 p.m. Next up at 2:20 p.m. is John Stanley King who will perform some of his favorite Original Compositions on acoustic guitar with Eric Frankson on fiddle. Meza and Chesnut will join them on the stage performing Classic Rock to finish out their set.
The final performance on Sunday at 3 p.m., will be pianist and vocalist Denise Motto, who will sing a few songs and be joined by dance group Rio Colors. Hailing from Rio De Janiero, dancers include leader Eva, Christina, Wallace and Tim. Their exhibition dances will be the Brasilian Samba. Toward the end of their performance, the emcees will finish all the presentations that were going on throughout the day, draw the grand prize raffles and thank everyone for attending. Rio Colors takes the stage for the last time with a grand finale that will sure to have everyone dancing in the park, Carnivale!
Comments are closed.