The Annual Dinner in the Canyons was held on Saturday, October 13th. Guests were parked at the bottom of the Canyon and given a bus ride to this spectacular venue. The scenery is fabulous from this height looking down over the valley. Surrounding huge lit boulders and palm trees are exquisite. A feeling of reverence and awe comes over you at this ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Guests walked thru a pathway of red lights to the dinner area. Michael Hammond Executive Director of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum greeted the guests and gave recognition to the major event sponsors. Mildred Browne, Chairwoman told of the many activities of the Museum and how educating people thru the Museum is so important. A live auction of Indian Jewelry brought more dollars to this cause. The new Tribal Chairman, Jeff Grubbe spoke to the guests and showed his dedication and humor to the dinner patrons.
A portrait of former Chairman, Richard Milanovich was commissioned by PENTA Building Group was unveiled and presented by President Jeff Ehret to Chairman Jeff Grubbe and Michael Hammond for the Tribe. The family of Mr. Milanovich was present to see this unveiling.
Entertainment was provided by Chuna McIntyre and Nunamta Eskimo Singers and Dancers. Chuna McIntyre told guests what the dances meant and explained how the costuming is made from furs and birds of Alaska. Many of the costumes were handed down from families made years ago. No photographs were taken as these dances are sacred to the tribe but guests were told to come up to the stage to see their costumes and ask questions after the dances. Dinner was prepared and served by New Leaf Catering.
The First Annual Oktoberfest was held on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz
Story and photos by Pat Krause
Canyon Way on Saturday October 13th. . The event started at noon and lasted until 6 pm. Over 40 Vendors of all sorts filled the area with beer,wine tasting, and food tastings by local restaurants. 2 bands played during the day, a rock band, Cougrzz Rock, at one end and a german band, Baravian Stew, at the other.
Hundreds of people took advantage of this new event to the city. Some patrons took time to take photographs of the Marilyn Monroe statue on the corner. The area is close to all businesses downtown Palm Springs and there was free parking. Admission fee included one tasting ticket and a souvenier glass. Entrants had to be 21 to enter because wine and beer were served. Some people enjoyed dancing to the different forms of music. Others sat at tables and just enjoyed listening to the great bands. I am sure there will be a 2013 Oktoberfest next year.
The event will benefit CASA,<Court Appointed Special Advocates>, Les Dames d”Escoffier that provides scholarships for female chefs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Nita Walker by Marilyn Monroe Statue ~ photo by Pat Krause
Mike Swanson from Callaway winery ~ photo Pat Krause
Nancy Cottee and Gail Nottberg from Les Dames d’Escoffier ~ photo by Pat Krause
Cougrzz Rock Band ~ photo by Pat Krause
Jackie Donnell and Bart SPencer from Elmers Restaurant ~ photo by Pat Krause
Paint El Paseo Pink Walk was held on Saturday October 13th. Over 1000 people participated and crowded around the Gardens on El Paseo. This is the Desert Cancer Foundations 6th walk to raise funds for free breast cancer screenings for those women without insurance or high deductible insurance. The cost for the walk was $20 which included a Paint El Paseo pink t-shirt. There were so many people this year that they ran out of t-shirts.
People started gathering before 8 for registration. Raffle tickets were sold and prizes by local merchants were given out before the 9:30 program.
Cancer survivor Pattie Daly Caruso was this years emcee. Pink balloons and pink ribbons were everywhere. Pink t-shirts filled the area. Many even decked out their dogs in pink attire for the walk. Some survivors proudly showed their hairless heads and special t-shirts noteing their survival status.
This is what this walk was all about. Comradery with others that have struggled with this disease personally or with loved ones. Being a part of trying to eradicate this
terrible disease of women and even men can get breast cancer.
The Shadow Hills Cheerleaders greeted the walkers as they started their trek down El Paseo. Streams of walkers could be seen on both sides of the street. This event included the young and old alike and all were so proud to be part of this yearly event.
Anne McCabe, Claire Sterritt, Laurel Winston ~ photo by Pat Krause
Eric Brown, Max Fernandez, Matt Geary,Dimiritri Lopez, Roman Putnam,Harley Nyhuis ~ photo by Pat Krause
Mitch Blumberg,Jan Harnik, Pattie Daly Caruso, Mayor Bob Segiel ~ photo by Pat Krause
Palm Springs’ Lyons English Grille restaurant and local theatrical producer David Christopher, present “The Legends at Lyons” series with Academy Award winning actress Margaret O’Brien. Miss O’Brien will share her memories and her anecdotes of working in Hollywood as a child actor at MGM Studios during the golden age of movie making on Sunday, October 21,2012.
The program begins with a 5 pm dinner followed by the show at 7 pm. For aficionados of movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood – 1940’s through the 1950’s – Miss O’Brien has selected film clips, memories, and tidbits about her working days along such luminaries as:
Edward G. Robinson, Robert Young, Orson Welles, Agnes Moorhead, Elizabeth Taylor, and of course, the great Judy Garland in the 1944 film “Meet Me In St. Louis”, for which she received her Academy Award.In addition, Miss O”’Brien will answer questions from the audience who will also have the opportunity to meet and speak with her following the program.
It’s a wonderful opportunity rub elbows and be up close and personal with a genuine Hollywood Star. The entire cost of a three course dinner, plus the show, and a wonderful and memorable evening, in the bargain, is only $64.95. Reservations are required.
Lyons English Grille is located at 233 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. For reservations and ticket information call 760-327-1551. See you at Lyons English Grille on October 21st.
The San Diego Repertory Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse, has never shirked from meeting any controversy head on when it comes to presenting politically charged theatrical material to its audiences. If the Rep’s productions are provocative and probing, so much the better as long as they’re entertaining, is the way I see it.
“The Exit Interview” written by William Missouri Downs and directed by Woodhouse, is a perfect example of controversy, political theatre, and entertainment coming together in the Lyceum Space, in San Diego.
For starters, the story is a comedic and existential exploration of religion, sex, and politics as viewed through the lens of the establishment or the anti-establishment depending on your personal point of view. The play opens with a pep talk to the audience concerning the do’s and don’ts, played by JoAnne
Glover and Lisel Gorell-Getz in cheerleader garb, complete with pom-poms, energy and bounce, who then launch into edgy and funny riffs on Religion, Sex, and Politics. It should be noted at this point, that the production contains strong language and mature themes. Those who do not have a healthy sense of humor on the above topics may find various moments in the production somewhat offensive. However, it’s very topical, especially in an election year.
Our guide through this thorny thicket of words, rules, laws, and policies in today’s society is Richard Fig, played with sly intelligence by Herbert Siguenza, co-founder along with Richard Montoya, and Ric Salinas of the highly respected Latino comedy troupe “Culture Clash”.
Fig has just gotten the ax from a nameless university and is receiving the obligatory “exit interview” from Eunice (Linda Libby), an unctuous human resources flunky who condescendingly spouts the corporate party line with smiles, pretense, and patience. Fig gets off to a rocky and confrontational start with Eunice, when a masked gunman (Francis Gercke) rampages through building, and into the “exit interview” room brandishing an automatic pistol (shades of Columbine Colorado).
Meanwhile, Nick Cagle as a pompous, self-absorbed, opportunistic, TV reporter along with Glover and Gorell-Getz – portraying several roles in the comedy – rake-over-the coals
the favorite whipping boys of the establishment: corporate greed, the government’s entrenched politicians, and those who support the alienation of the masses, etc. Fig on the other end of the spectrum explains to Eunice the clarity and the appeal, at least for him, of Brechtian themes and its philosophy. “ …People need to think for themselves, and not be led around by others,” he laments. The result being that neither side moves from their fixed positions (now that sounds familiar).
Sam Woodhouse’s smooth directorial style, however, is what keeps the production from slipping into a total polemic. Granted, the scale tips its balance toward the anti establishment P.O.V. But the loyal opposition has its opportunity to get in a few good licks, as well.
The creative team, as well as the talented ensemble of players, shines with Scenic Designer Giulio Cesare Perrone leading the way with wagons, slides, and movable set pieces. Lighting Designer Wen-Ling Liao provides illumination to create the moods, while at the same time allowing us to appreciate the costumes of Valerie Henderson. A big kudo goes to stage manager Heather Brose, and her crew for quick, crisp, traffic management touches during the scenes changes.
“The Exit Interview”, is an anti-establishment blast that presents interesting and provocative topics for later discussion over a cup of coffee at a Bohemian-styled coffee shop… but no smoking please. The satiric comedy runs at the Lyceum Space theatre through October 21, 2012.
The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade is now taking float, cart and band entries to stroll down El Paseo in front of thousands, dec’d out in the American Pride theme! The event is made possible by the community for the community and officially starts off our Valley’s season.
Calling all businesses, organizations, clubs, churches, big bands, kazoo bands … this is a GREAT opportunity to be creative, have fun with your team, maybe get a little messy, and be included in a 48 year-old tradition.
The Entry Forms, maps (and photos for inspiration) are online at www.golfcartparade.com and search us on facebook. Some general info is here:
48th Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade
The “American Pride” themed Parade will be Sunday, October 28, 2012
Along El Paseo, Steps off at 1pm with the Camp Pendleton Marine Band
Brought to you by: Title Sponsors – City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce & Presented by The Auen Foundation
ABOUT: The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, being the largest parade of its kind in the world, is also the longest running in the desert. Celebrating 48 years this October 28th! The Parade is much more than a fun, colorful and festive event. It serves as a completely unique vehicle for bringing the community together in true desert style! We’re proud to present, with the City of Palm Desert and the Auen Foundation’s generous sponsorship support, a welcoming environment where everyone is invited to participate on one of our perfect sunny desert days … And it’s free to the public!
