BY DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
The Vernal equinox sprang (Boing!) with great joy into all its Spring Fever, all its Spring Break, all its Spring Showers bringing May Flowers,(or more transparently Spring Flurries) on last Friday, on the 20th of March . And according to John Ruskin, English art critic and writer 0f the Victorian age, “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of good weather. “ We’ll buy that. We’re easy. But, then again what else can we do? We live in Paradise. Spring: Breathe it in. Get busy. Read on.
Friday to Sunday, April 3-5. The Second “Objet Trouvé” Found Art Festival comes to the Coachella Valley in conjunction with the Indian Wells Arts Festival for a festival within a festival. To our way of artful thinking you can never have too much of a good festival! Objet Trouvé, the idea of using everyday objects and “found” materials to create stimulating works of art, are in the tradition of Picasso, Duchamp, Man Ray and Braque, and artists from all over the United States will exhibit and create one-of-a-kind artworks for sale. Featured Objet Trouvé categories will include assemblage, collage, sculpture, jewelry, painting and ceramics. In addition, hands-on, found art demonstrations will take place during the three day festival. Also featured during the festival will be a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower made entirely from found materials; and “Think inside the Box” competition for students throughout the Coachella Valley. Objet Trouvé Found Art Festival is the genesis of two Coachella Valley –based art organizations, the Coachella Valley Arts Alliance and the Student Creative Recycle Art Program (S.C.R.A.P. Gallery). Working together with the Indian Wells Arts Festival, rated one of the “100 Best Fine Art Shows in the country” by Sunshine Artist magazine, the Found Art Festival seeks to celebrate one of the most cutting-edge and innovative forms of art. For more information visit http://objettrouvefoundartfestival.com/ or call 760/861-6479. Mais oui!
Friday, April 10, 8 PM. A McCallum smooth jazz favorite, acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti returns by popular demand to The McCallum Theatre and Fitz’s Jazz Café. Hitting the road for 250+ days per year, Chris and his band have performed with many of the finest symphonies and at the world’s most prestigious venues, including performances at the World Series, the White House, and the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. His recordings and his ongoing association with PBS have led to multiple #1 jazz albums, Gold and Platinum albums, and Grammy Awards. From the release of his first solo album, Chris has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. With Impressions and the albums that preceded it, Chris Botti has thoroughly established himself as one of the important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world. This performance is sponsored by Desert Lexus, Avis Lending, CBS-TV2 and Easy 103.9. Tickets are $99, $89, $79 and $59 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Saturday, April 11, 5:30 Reception, 7 PM Concert. Season finale concert for Coachella Valley Symphony features world-acclaimed piano humorist Wayland Pickard and guest conductor Marco A. Mejia. First up at 5:30, enjoy gourmet appetizers especially prepared under the guidance of Chef Howard Merrick by the award winning culinary students from the Culinary Arts Food Education (CAFÉ) Academy of 
Rancho Mirage High School, plus music by Coachella Valley Symphony’s youth ensembles and a high energy live auction in an exclusive private area in the theater with special in-house access to watch the orchestra warm up. Now that you’ve warmed up, get ready for evening of great symphonic music under the direction of maestro Marco A. Mejia with a special performance by Wayland Pickard who will provide an evening of music and comedy channeling Victor Borge, Roger Williams and Liberace all rolled up into one. Pickard presents a riotous and fun-filled program of symphonic piano music in a unique fusion of musical styles with hilarious comedic patter. CVSymphony is a nonprofit community organization that promotes the development of music programs which entertain, educate, and actively engage the diverse citizens of the Coachella Valley in music experiences intended to encourage active learning and performing. It also strives to make audiences aware of the importance of being involved in music, whether as listeners or as performers, that can promote well-being and contribute to the development of our youth. VIP ticket and reception donation costs $100 or for concert only $25, $35, $45 individual general seat admission pricing. $55 if you would like to attend the reception and you already have a ticket. Tickets may be purchased at www.hgpac.org or for more information please call 760.360.2222. Coachella Valley Symphony information: www.cvsymphony.com or 408-348-5815.
Friday, April 24, 6 – 9 PM. 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!
“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!
