Friday, March 14th @ 8pm Sharp!
By Lisa Morgan
Before I write anything else, allow me to dispel any and all rumors that this event has anything to do with the celebration of, the making of, throwing of or eating of PIE. (I know. I was disappointed too. After all, who doesn’t love pie?) Instead, it is the musical celebration of the mathematical constant; the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately equal to 3.14159. Ok, it’s not really about that either. Basically, it’s 3/14 and the owners of Schmidy’s Tavern and the guys from the local rock band, Pictures From Eden decided it would be a great day to raise some money for charity. So they enlisted the help of three more bands: The Hive Minds, Burning Bettie and Spankshaft, and gave it a cool name. (Besides, Pi-Palooza is just fun to say.)
This Friday, March 14th starting at 8pm sharp, Schmidy’s Tavern will be hosting the first annual Pi-Palooza to raise money for two very meaningful and important local charities: Christopher’s Clubhouse and Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelters. The event, sponsored by many local businesses, Crater Lake Vodka and Coachella Valley Weekly will be MC’d by none other than the charismatic, award winning radio personality, entertainer and movie producer, Brad Mercer. The Rockabilly Mafia girls will be serving up Crater Lake Shots and ice cold beer, prizes will be raffled and even the bands themselves will be auctioned off to support these very necessary organizations that make our community better.
Christopher’s Club House, born from tragedy, is a non-profit organization that helps protect our kids with their commitment to bring comprehensive safety education to children and families. Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter, supports a no-kill shelter for animals and encourages their adoption and foster care in safe, loving homes. Both charities will be on hand to answer any questions regarding opportunities to volunteer, give and participate in upcoming activities.
Starting off the night with some of the best local original music will be The Hive Minds. The Hive Minds is Derek Jordan Gregg, guitar virtuoso, crooner and stellar songwriter joined by friend and expert rhythm keeper, Sean Poe on drums. With only two pieces, these guys manage to create a full band sound. The only thing more impressive than their musicianship is the passion in which Gregg delivers his beautifully penned, melodically creative original songs. They will captivate you.
Next in the lineup, is Burning Bettie, a rock band based in the Coachella Valley. The band consists of Giorg Tierez on vocals and guitar, Josh Ballard on drums, percussion and vocals, Frank Michel on lead guitar and vocals and Shawn “Stretch” Fisher on bass. Burning Bettie’s unique take on rock music comes from eras ranging from Buddy Holly to the Beatles with even hints at 80’s to 90’s rock blended in, making them a one of a kind, great original band to follow.
Pictures From Eden will take the stage at approximately 10 pm. This band has played the world famous Whiskey in Hollywood on multiple occasions, opening for bands Missing Persons and Gene Loves Jezebel, and most recently opening for Modern English here in the desert. The band, made up of singer/songwriter Paul Brian Cotterell, guitar demi-god and face melter, Tom Collins, the loveable Dennis Gallagher on bass and drummer Steve Ussery (school teacher by day, drum monster by night). Together they deliver powerful alternative rock reminiscent of all that was good and memorable of the 90’s rock scene.
Closing out the night, the award winning pop/ska/punk band Spankshaft will create their own weather system with their high energy original rock music complete with horn section. Brothers Brandon and Brent Simpson on guitar and bass deliver emotional and at times, hilarious songs while dancing alto and tenor sax players, Clint Stoker and Jeremy McCormick, respectively, push this bands energy straight into your face. Keeping it all together rhythmically is Russel Waldron on drums. You cannot listen to this band without a smile on your face.
VIP tables are available for $300 ($150 going directly to the charities) and are stocked with Crater Lake Vodka, mixers and will receive VIP table service. The Rockabilly Mafia girls will be serving $2 Crater Lake shots in souvenir glasses for $2 and ($1 of each shot going directly to the charities). Raffle tickets will also be sold for a plethora of great items. But perhaps the best part of the night will be the auctioning off of the bands. Each participating band will be put up for auction and 100% of that money will go to the charities. Winners of this auction will receive a free 1 hour concert at a time and place of their choosing, based on the band’s availability.
This evening is guaranteed fun that will support two incredible causes. The event is already confirming a large turnout, so we recommend that you get there early. There will be a $5 charge at the door, 100% of which will also go to the charities.
Schmidy’s Tavern, a venue that is quickly becoming a local favorite for their friendly atmosphere, service and great food, is located at 72286 Highway 111 (at Fred Waring and 111). For more information regarding sponsoring, donating, or attending the event, call Paul Cotterell at (760) 275-5757 or Lisa Morgan at (760) 464-6773.
