IT’S BACK! FANTASY SPRINGS’ IMPROV COMEDY SERIES MAKES A COMICAL RETURN FOR THE 7th SEASON
You’ll be laughing all the way to the slots in the coming months. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Improv Comedy series opened for a 7th season on January 10th with some of the biggest names in comedy.
Top-name comedians such as Fritz Coleman, Dat Phan, Rondell Sheridan, Jack Gallagher, Bob Zany and many more, will hit the stage and make audiences roar with laughter. You’ll see well-known acts, as well as get introduced to some rising stars in the industry.
The Improv series runs every Friday and Saturday night through April 12th. Three comedians perform at every show, which take place each Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 8pm & 10pm. Tickets are $20 per show and are available by calling 800.827.2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com. Guests must be 21 or older to attend Improv performances.
CELEBRITIES ANNOUNCED FOR COYOTE STAGEWORKS BENEFIT
Star-Studded Cast to Perform “The Man Who Came to Dinner”
Coyote StageWorks is pleased to announce a roster of celebrities scheduled to appear in “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. The one-night-only performance will benefit Coyote StageWorks, a not-for-profit company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley.
Veteran stage, television and film actor G. W. Bailey has been cast as the famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside, the role played by Nathan Lane in the show’s Broadway revival in 2000. Bailey (Captain Harris of “Police Academy”) is joined by funnyman Fred Willard (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind”), and his “Major Crimes” and “The Closer” co-star Phillip P. Keene. Additional celebrities named to the growing cast list are Joyce Bulifant (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Airplane!”), Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort,” “Hollywood Squares,” Broadway’s “Hairspray”) and Mo Gaffney (“Absolutely Fabulous,” “That 70’s Show,” “Kathy and Mo: Parallel Lives”).
Local celebrities also slated to appear in the performance include Valley philanthropists Annette Bloch, Barbara and Jerry Keller (Acqua Pazza, Lulu), and Terri Ketover. Wells Fargo financial professional Gary Hall will play a role, as will popular radio host Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans, and restaurateur Tony Marchese (Trio, Purple Room).
Tickets are $75 and $125 per person for the performance only; $250 and $500 tickets include a VIP cast reception following the performance. Artists are subject to change without notice.
For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2014 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760-318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions call 760-325-4490 or visit annenbergtheater.org.
DESERT HORIZONS COUNTRY CLUB PRESENTS THE LETTERMEN IN CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NON PROFIT ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP
HAVE FUN & HELP ANIMALS! Grab your guy or gal, polish your dancing shoes, and get ready for a memorable night with Reunion, formerly known as The Lettermen, for a not-to-be-missed concert that will raise much-needed funds for Keeping Animals Safe Everyday (KASE). Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells is hosting the benefit concert on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Nostalgia will reign supreme when Reunion performs all their chart topping hits including, “When I Fall in Love,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Theme From a Summer Place,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and many more.
“This concert is going to be a blast from the past, and every audience member will be helping us save animals,” says Nanci Kovac. “We’re hoping to raise enough funds at the concert to save at least 20 animals during the first half of the New Year.”
KASE is an animal welfare organization that specializes in providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to lost and abandoned animals in the Coachella Valley. For the volunteers of KASE, helping a wounded or abandoned animal regain health and find a loving home is a labor of love. Yet, treatment and surgeries to save injured animals is expensive. Some of the many animals rescued by KASE include Ringo, who suffered an acid attack before being abandoned; Sydney, a hit and run victim who went through seven hours of surgery; and Jilly, who lost a leg due to an old, untreated injury. For these three animals, the outcome was positive and they’re all now healthy and in loving homes.
“The work we do is hard, heart wrenching, and expensive, but for those of us who love animals, there’s really no other option,” says Kovac. “We are dedicated to helping injured animals regain health, and by doing so, lower the Coachella Valley animal euthanasia rate.”
All concert proceeds will benefit KASE. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the concert, and $20 to attend a VIP after party with gourmet appetizers and a no host bar. The VIP party gives fans an opportunity to meet and mingle with members of the group for conversation and photos.
Desert Horizons Country Club is located at 44-900 Desert Horizons Drive, Indian Wells. For tickets, or more information, call 760-567-1989 or go to www.kaseanimalcharity.com.
About KASE:
Keeping Animals Safe Everyday (KASE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of injured, lost, abandoned and otherwise homeless animals. Contact KASE at kasekids@gmail.com. Donations can be sent to K.A.S.E., P.O. Box 682, Thousand Palms, CA 92276. For more information, go to www.kaseanimalcharity.org.
COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE HONORS THE NEW MOON AND CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 – The Joshua Tree Retreat Center at the Institute of Mentalphysics will host a New Moon/Chinese New Year’s Eve Drum Circle on Thursday, January 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. The circle, facilitated by well-known Morongo Basin percussionist Sam Sloneker, will be held in the center’s Sanctuary.
“Legend identifies the New Moon as a particularly auspicious time; it’s a time of birth and beginnings, a time to plant seeds, to start new projects, to begin relationships, and it often brings a burst of dynamic and creative energy,” says Sloneker. “And this New Moon is also on the eve of the Chinese New Year of the Green Wood Horse, so we have even more to celebrate. The Wood Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better. Energy is high and production is rewarded. Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. Those born in horse years are cheerful and clever, skillful with money, perceptive, witty, talented, and good with their hands. This is a wonderful time for our first community drum circle of 2014, and drumming together is an experience that can take us all right back to our creative and expressive roots, so come play with us, and bring your family and friends to share in our merriment!”
Studies have shown that participants in group drumming receive a number of worthwhile benefits, including creative self-expression, an expanded sense of self, community connection and a heightened sense of belonging, increased rapport with others, relief from stress, emotional balancing, and strengthening of the immune system. Participants are encouraged to bring drums, shakers, tambourines, etc.-a number of instruments will also be available at the event. There is no charge to attend, though a suggested donation of $5 per participant or $10 per family will be gratefully received and appreciated.
The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is located at 59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy. in Joshua Tree-on the north side of the Highway, just east of the intersection of La Contenta Rd./Yucca Mesa Rd. The Sanctuary is the building with the tall spire (follow the signs to the Drum Circle). For additional information please call the Center at 760-365-8371.
Tickets Available Now for the 5th Annual Spa Tour!
Celebrating the beautiful healing hideaways of California’s Spa City, the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce along with the Hoteliers Association of Desert Hot Springs will host the 5th Annual Spa Tour on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Overlooking the Palm Springs area, Desert Hot Springs is home to dozens of boutique resorts known world-wide for their natural, healing, hot mineral waters and represent various styles to include Mid-century Modern, Moroccan, casual, classic and clothing optional. Spa Tour is an amazing opportunity to see several of these properties in one evening, and the beauty that rests within.
Tickets are available for the 5th Annual Spa Tour and can be purchased Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm by calling the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 760-329-6403 or in person at 11-999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Available ticket levels and prices are as follows:
VIP Tour: $125 if purchased by January 10th, $150 from January 11th
(VIP Tour ticket includes: Welcome Reception at the new Essense restaurant located in Two Bunch Palms Resort, swag bag, spa robe, guided coach tour, one additional drawing entry and an After-Tour Party at Miracle Springs Resort)
Guided Coach Tour: $40 if purchased by January 10th, $50 from January 11th
Self – Guided Tour: $20 if purchased by January 10th, $30 from January 11th
*All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable
Palm Springs Writers Guild At The Rancho Mirage Library Features Panel Discussion on: “Writing a Reality Novel”
February 1st Program From 2:00pm-4:00pm Featuring Three Established Authors Offering “Insider Insights On Researching, Writing and Publishing Reality Topics For Today’s Market.
Meetings Are Open To Non-Members. There is no charge for this event sponsored by Palm Springs Writers Guild
The Palm Springs Writers Guild’s monthly meeting and program is on Saturday, February 1 from 2:00pm -4:00pm at the Rancho Mirage Library. The afternoon’s panel features; Stephen Maitland-Lewis, Author of Ambition and Jim McFarlin – Author of Aftershock: A Novel. The panel will be moderated by noted author, Jim Misko. Those attending will hear first-hand about the realities of researching, writing and publishing reality topics for today’s competitive marketplace.
Author Stephen Maitland-Lewis had a long career as an attorney and investment banker before turning to writing. An award-winning author, he is a member of the Executive Advisory Committee of the International Mystery Writer’s Festival. His first novel, Hero on Three Continents, received numerous accolades. His second novel, Emeralds Never Fade, is the 2012 Benjamin Franklin Award winner in the category of Historical Fiction and the 2011 Written Arts Award winner for Best Fiction.
James McFarlin’s new thriller AFTERSHOCK takes you on an electrifying journey where soaring political ambition and military overreach propel the nation toward global conflict where few, if any, winners will emerge. McFarlin speaks and writes on the subject of cyber threats facing the United States. A former Air Force officer, he spent his career in computer technology and served as CEO of two high-tech firms in Silicon Valley. He is a member of the Cybersecurity Technology Forum, is active in major national cybersecurity events and was a recent participant in The Economist debate series on cyberwarfare.
Moderator, Jim Misko worked as a schoolteacher, journalist, roughneck, mink rancher, truck driver, logger, and real estate broker. During his real estate career he authored four books on the subject, two were published by New York publishers and two were self-published. In 2007, he self’ published THE MOST EXPENSIVE MISTRESS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY. It took second place in the nation for fiction from Independent Presses. His third novel, THE CUT OF PRIDE was accepted by a literary agent in NY for representation but after six months of rejections he self-published it. He now hopes that like Pat Conroy and Mark Twain, his self-publishing period is over and his fourth novel AS ALL MY FATHERS WERE, will be sold to the highest bidder in New York.
Upcoming monthly Palm Springs Writers Guild monthly meetings/programs for 2014 include; The Grammar Game, 2014 Annual Short Story Contest, Desert Writers Expo, Cracking Screen Story Structure and the Annual Day of New Works.
La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Rolls Out the Red Lanterns for Chinese New Year
Year of the Horse Celebration Includes “Package of Good Fortune,” Parade, Festivities and Fireworks
It’s a feast for the senses as La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort rolls out the red lanterns for Chinese New Year 4712 – the Year of the Horse. Honoring annual Chinese traditions with a fresh desert spin, the resort announces its first annual Year of the Horse Celebration set for Saturday, February 1, 2014 (public welcome) as well as a new “Package of Good Fortune,” resort food and beverage specials and a value-added retail program.
GIFT A GETAWAY
Set on 45 lush acres rife with colorful gardens, 41 pools and radiant winter sunshine, La Quinta Resort & Club’s new “Package of Good Fortune” includes guestroom accommodations, breakfast for two and a Citrus-inspired welcome amenity for revelers set on celebrating the season in style. Keeping with tradition, guests will also receive a crisp red envelope upon check-in stocked with lucky casino dollars.
The Package of Good Fortune also includes a variety of retail perks including a VIP Coupon Book at Desert Hills Premium Outlets – the quintessential desert shopping experience with 130 retail outlets including Gucci, Versace and Jimmy Choo – 18 percent discount at The Bungalow Shop and Spa La Quinta Oasis Shop, bicycle rental specials ($8.00/hr.;$28.00/day) and complimentary shuttle service to nearby Fantasy Springs Casino.* Available January 27 through February 10, 2014, rates start at $308.00/double occupancy, excluding taxes and resort fee ($27.00), based on availability. To book visit www.laquintaresort.com/resort/special_offers/ or call +1 760 564 4111.
YEAR OF THE HORSE CELEBRATION – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 (Public Welcome)
Celebrated during the second new moon after the winter solstice, Chinese New Year stems from a long custom of honoring family and reunions, warding off evil spirits and beckoning good luck for the future. Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this worldwide event is marked with a traditional lantern festival, dragon dance and fireworks display.
La Quinta Resort & Club will honor the New Year with a “Year of the Horse Celebration” staged at the alfresco Resort Plaza. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event kicks off with a variety of family games and activities, authentic Chinese-influenced food and beverage specials and an ongoing video presentation. At 7:00 p.m., the festivities heat up with a colorful dragon parade and acrobatic performance and culminate with an elaborate fireworks display over the resort on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
*Shuttle service to Fantasy Springs Casino offered Friday through Sunday only, January 30 – February 3, 2014.
Friends of the COD Library Author Luncheon with Hector Tobar
February 8, 2014 at 11:30 am at Rancho Las Palmas Resort, 41-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Description of Event: Fundraising event to benefit the Friends of the College of the Desert Library. Lunch and book signing with guest speaker, Hector Tobar, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author of The Barbarian Nurseries. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the book which was named a New York Times Notable Book for 2011, and won the 2012 California Book Award gold medal for fiction.
Name of non-profit: Friends of the College of the Desert Library
Public contact info: 760-333-0733 or CODLibraryFriend@aol.com
Cost of Event: $60 for members of the Friends of the College of the Desert Library, $65 for non-members.
DAME EDNA IMPERSONATOR TO APPEAR AT THE PURPLE ROOM
Michael L. Walters Performs His Rendition of Famed Character
Renowned actor, vocalist, and female impersonator Michael L. Walters will take the Purple Room stage by storm in “A Royal Audience with Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna,” on Sunday, February 9 and Monday, February 10, 2014. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm with the performance at 7 pm and reservations are recommended. Tickets for the dinner show are $40 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-322-4422 or by visiting purpleroompalmsprings.com. Walters will also make a special late night appearance at 9 pm on Sunday for $20 per person (cocktail and food menus available).
A fun-filled evening of glamour and sidesplitting laughter featuring glittering gowns, outrageous comedy, and original musical numbers, the show is a full-scale homage to the fabulous Dame Edna. Michael Walters, who first donned the wisteria coif and rhinestone glasses in 2001, never dreamed he would still be performing the character today. His impersonation has received the blessing of Dame Edna’s original creator, Barry Humphries, who Walters had the honor of appearing with in 2010.
The legendary Purple Room is open for dinner from 3 pm to midnight Tuesday through Sunday, with a late night menu served from 11 pm until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and top quality entertainment six nights a week (closed Mondays). For reservations and more information about upcoming performances and shows, call 760-322-4422 or visit purpleroompalmsprings.com.
DANCING WITH OUR STARS CELEBRATES THEIR 13TH SEASON
Grab your dance shoes and join us for the original multi-charity dance competition fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars. Always a popular event, local professional dancers share the dance floor with community members for the charity of their choice. Since 2006 we have raised over $350,000 for 76 charities.
Event tickets for Dancing with Our Stars, Sunday, February 16th at 5 pm at the Agua Caliente Casino are $90 and include one vote for the charity of your choice. Votes are $20 each and can be purchased in advance of the live competition to support your favorite participating charity.
The following charities and dancers providing a magical, inspiring evening of dance are:
o CASA – Galiena Jacobs & Dennis Gimenez
o Red Hot Ballroom – Genevert Tan Martz & Isa Lapaj; Traci Kaylor & Don Ramos
o Safehouse of the Desert – Frank Dimick & Kristin Staszek
o Soroptimist House of Hope – Rose Marie Rae & McNeil Atwood
Also enjoy the tantalizing non-charity Pro/Am competition from our dance community featuring Elvia Gomez & Tim Dawson and Lowell Fox dancing with Elizabeth Wood & Nancy Gardea. In the non-charity Amateur competition are Kathy & Mike Rodier and Kathleen Collins & Sonny Routt. A special treat is the competition of three couples from our local schools featuring Red Hot Ballroom’s “Red Hots”.
Celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with the special person in your life and enjoy romantic entertainment by our hostess Sharon DiHaworth, dinner, the dance competition and dancing for all the guests several times throughout the evening. Hosts will be on hand to dance with guests.
For additional information, contact lynne@acharityaffaire.com, 760-218-1687 or go to www.dancingwithourstars.com.
TRIO RESTAURANT’S 5TH ANNUAL “HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT” TO BENEFIT AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
In celebration of the 86th Annual Academy Awards, Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs will once again host “Hollywood’s Biggest Night” beginning at 4:30 pm, on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The glittering evening will include the now signature ‘orange’ carpet arrivals, and a special greeting from dynamo hostess and local celebrity, Bella da Ball. Proceeds from this event will benefit AIDS Assistance Program. Those in attendance will view the Oscars® pre-show and awards presentation on special screens.
“Traditionally, this has truly been a magical evening of dining, drinks, and the greatest awards show on earth,” says Tony Marchese, co-owner of Trio. “You immediately feel the energy and the excitement as our guests wait with anticipation for the winners, and everyone in attendance has such a wonderful time. It’s hard to believe this is our fifth year hosting this event, and each one seems to be more magnificent than the last.”
Tickets for Hollywood’s Biggest Night start at $125 per person for bar seating, $150 for general seating, or $175 for VIP/premium seating, which includes a prix-fixe dinner, well drinks, wine, and champagne. Tickets should be purchased in advance by visiting www.aidsassistance.org or by calling AAP at 760/325-8481.
“You don’t have to be an A-list celebrity to experience the magic and excitement of Oscar night, and Trio is the best place in the Valley to view one of the most entertaining and highly anticipated awards shows in the world,” says Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program.
PSWIFT to honor women who have smashed through the glass ceiling
The film and television industry was founded by a small group of visionary men, but over the past 100 years it has been women such as Mary Pickford, Ida Lupino and Sherry Lansing who have proved it isn’t simply a man’s world.
To honor the pioneering women of the industry and those working today as actors, directors, producers and writers, the Palm Springs chapter of Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT) will present the 6th Annual Broken Glass Awards on March 8 at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.
The event is one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley’s social season!
It includes red carpet arrivals that attract media from all over Southern California, dinner and a show featuring the honorees, presenters and Coachella Valley performers that are all open to the public to purchase tickets.
The 2014 slate of honorees and presenters are set to be announced in January, and as they have in past years, will to honor the women who have dedicated their lives and talents to making the film industry a better place for all women to work.
As they have since the 2008 creation of the Broken Glass Awards, PSWIFT slate of honorees will include Broken Glass Awards who live and work in the Coachella Valley, as well as Los Angeles-based industry leaders.
Broken Glass Awards are given to women who have distinguished themselves as successful pioneers in the arts and philanthropy. Past BGA honorees include Jacqueline Bissett, Della Reese, Suzanne de Passe, Gale Ann Hurd, the Team Todd sisters, Kim Waltrip, Gloria Greer, Donna Mills, Raquel Welch, Shirley Jones, Alfre Woodard, Ruta Lee, Mary Hart and philanthropists Jackie Lee Houston, Helene Galen, Barbara Keller, Lisa Houston.
For more information on the 2014 Broken Glass Awards, contact Judith Salkin at FG Creative at (760) 773-1707 or judi@fgcreative.com.
