Local cabaret producer and entertainer David Christopher and his Chi-Chi Productions company brings two singing stars from Los Angeles/Long Beach and the San Diego areas to present a show entitled “Divas Divine” at the landmark Lyons English Grille Restaurant in Palm Springs, for one night only, Sunday, March 11th at 8 pm.

David Christopher has a long and distinguished career as a talented tenor (his “Danny Boy” rendition never fails to bring a lump to one’s throat) who has performed and toured all over the USA for years with Mae West and her show.  Being the gentleman he is; he always refers to her as “Miss West”. When he performs as a singer, his background stories and anecdotes are rich in show business lore and are worth the price of admission alone.

His Chi-Chi production company has been successfully presenting cabaret performers at Lyons’ English Grille for years.  This time Christopher steps back from the spotlight to perform producer duties for his two singing stars: award winning Joanne LaPointe from the San Diego area and Debi Wheeler-UreUre, a Dramalogue winner from Los the Angeles/Long Beach area.

The two entertainers have been performing a show they call “Divas Divine: From Pop to Op”… living proof that two divas are better than one for more than ten years at venues all over the country.

Their repertoires run the gamut from pop music to the Great American Song Book, to Grand Opera, to show tunes, and beyond.  These two classy ladies are a treat to watch and a joy to listen to.  Rob Wayshner serves as the show’s musical director and piano accompanist.

The dinner and show package is real bargain at only $44.95 per person.  If the show only is your choice, then the cost is just $20.00, plus a two-drink minimum.  Dinner seating at Lyons English Grille, located at 233 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, begins a 6 pm with the show starting at 8 pm.  For dinner and show reservations please call 760-327-1551.  You won’t be disappointed with the food or the show.

[easyembed field=”code1″]

Vladimir Putin, set to win a third presidential term, declared his victory and thanked his voters for their support. Polling at almost 64 percent with almost all of the votes counted, victory seems assured.

“We have won in an open and fair struggle,” Putin said, addressing 110,000 people gathered on Manezhnaya Square outside the Kremlin walls.

He stressed that this victory signals a defeat for those who want to destroy Russia.

“This was more than just a presidential election. This was a very important test for us – a test for the political maturity of our people and independence. We have demonstrated that nobody can impose anything on us. We have shown that our people are capable of telling the difference between the desire for novelty and progress, and political provocations that press for only one goal: to destroy Russia. Today our people have proven that such scenarios are not going to work in our country,” Putin said.

“We will work honestly and intensely, and we will achieve success. We encourage you all to unite for the benefit of our or nation and our homeland.”

Putin, who is likely to win the election with nearly 64 per cent of the vote, appeared on stage with outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev, who also thanked all of Putin’s supporters.

“Thank you all for supporting our candidate. We all needed this victory – our country needed it. Each one of us needs this victory. We will not give it away to anybody,” Medvedev said.

In 2008, when Medvedev won the presidential race, they also appeared together to give speeches.

Speaking at the rally, Putin appeared to have tears in his eyes. This sparked an online frenzy, with many bloggers crestfallen with what was perceived as an emotional reaction, while others were quick to call them “crocodile tears.” Putin later said the cold wind had made his eyes water.

“It was windy, windy it was,” he told journalists, arriving at his headquarters.

At the headquarters, Putin made several video calls to congratulate his supporters across the country and assure them that his election promises will not be broken.

­Click here for full election coverage

­

The Wall That Heals exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Coming to….

“Tri City Park” Placentia, Ca. March 13th-18th…..

$100.00 FLAG Donation includes:

3X5 AMERICAN FLAG

Folded & Presented to you by a Veteran at closing ceremonies….

Donors Name or Business name on 81/2 x 11 sign at base…

All flags to be displayed on the “Walkways” of Honor

Please contact: Donna Oleksa @hvufrgtn88@aol.com or call 714-264-3249

Food Now’s exciting Fund Raiser was on Saturday, February 25th! Brought to you by Desert Valley Disposal, 18 local celebrity chefs come together to face off. There was live music, raffles, and lots and lots of chili!

It was all at the famous and historic Dillon Roadhouse! All proceeds went to helping feed the families in need of Desert Hot Springs.

All photos by Michael Burke owner Burkmedia, for more great photos of this event; just click this link for slideshow!

Palm Springs celebrated its 12th annual Modernism Week from Feb. 17th thru the 26th. Those 10 days showcased architecture, art decor and Heritage of the 1940’s thru the 1960’s heydays. Well preserved homes and businesses held tours of the significantly  architecturally style that were built by renown designers of the period.

The opening preview night was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Feb. 17th. Vendors selling vintage furniture, decor, art, clothing and jewelry sold many items to customers attending. A band played while customers shopped and just looked at all the fabulous items from long ago. Local Businesses set up areas to show where they are located and what they do in Palm Springs. The center was open on Sat. and Sun. too.

Men and women wore vintage clothing as they walked around the show room. They were stopped and asked about their clothing. Food was served at many stations in the room included Sandwiches, pasta and fruit and cheese tables. A bar was set up at the back of the room.

There was a walking tour of business buildings like Oasis Tower, The Bank of America, The Lane Building. Visitor Center to name a few. Buses took guests on tours to homes like the prefabricated green home and the 1949 house plus others.

Lectures on art, decor and textiles, discussions on modernism, Slide shows and Films were all part of the week. A vintage Car show and vintage Airstream and trailers tours were a bit hit.

An event such as this has to have parties too. The Ace Hotel and Swim Club hosted a mid-century Mermaid party. The new Saguaro Hotel was the site of a Shake Your Groove Thang party with food and Boogie Woogie music. Women in retro clothing were dancing to My Girl and other famous songs from that era.Music provided by the Gand Band.

All photos by Pat Krause Copyright 2012