Snapshot: Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Awards and Celebration
December 09 2016Representatives of many of the Coachella Valley's top businesses, groups and organizations gathered on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Copa Nightclub for the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Party.
The revelry was the culmination of a process that started back in August, when first-round voting in the third annual Coachella Valley Independent readers' poll began. The top three to five vote-getters in each category then moved on to a second round of voting, which took place through October. The results were announced at CVIndependent.com on Nov. 28 and in the December edition of the Independent.
Held at Copa, the Best Nightclub winner, the party was hosted by Independent editor/publisher Jimmy Boegle. After the awards, Best Local Band winner Venus and the Traps treated the audience to a set.
Below are pictures from the evening, by Independent contributor Cory Courtney. Enjoy!
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Brian Blueskye at the Check-In Desk Brian Blueskye at the Check-In Desk
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Frank Skalsky, Dan Wheat, John Robbins Frank Skalsky, Dan Wheat, John Robbins
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Jimmy Boegle Gets the High Five Jimmy Boegle Gets the High Five
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Lea Goodsell of Renova Solar Lea Goodsell of Renova Solar
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Urban Yoga! Urban Yoga!
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Copa Crew Copa Crew
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James Montenegro and Perla Martinez James Montenegro and Perla Martinez
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Jeffrey Norman of the McCallum Theatre Jeffrey Norman of the McCallum Theatre
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Augustine Casino's Jef Bauer Augustine Casino's Jef Bauer
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Lea Goodsell Speaks Lea Goodsell Speaks
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Bobby G's Bobby G's
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Dan Wheat of Bridger Dan Wheat of Bridger
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Dominick “Miami” Scharff of Copa Nightclub Dominick “Miami” Scharff of Copa Nightclub
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Sarah Scheideman of Coachella Valley Art Scene Sarah Scheideman of Coachella Valley Art Scene
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Sofia Enriquez Sofia Enriquez
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Raju Mehta of El Paseo Jewelers Raju Mehta of El Paseo Jewelers
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Robert Del Mas and Bianca Nolasco of Empire Polo Robert Del Mas and Bianca Nolasco of Empire Polo
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Sullivan's Steakhouse Sullivan's Steakhouse
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Kristin Olson of Urban Yoga Kristin Olson of Urban Yoga
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Ginger Jeffries of KMIR Ginger Jeffries of KMIR
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Ginger Jeffries Ginger Jeffries
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Derik Shopinski of Palm Canyon Theatre Derik Shopinski of Palm Canyon Theatre
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Brad Guth and Eddie Pizarro of The Hood Brad Guth and Eddie Pizarro of The Hood
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Bill Sanderson of Townie Bagels Bill Sanderson of Townie Bagels
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Wilma and Frieda's Wilma and Frieda's
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Mindy Reed of Zin American Bistro Mindy Reed of Zin American Bistro
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Kim Funkey of Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill Kim Funkey of Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
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Jesika Von Rabbit Jesika Von Rabbit
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Venus and the Traps Accept Their Award Venus and the Traps Accept Their Award
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John Robbins John Robbins
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DJ Day (Damian Beebe) DJ Day (Damian Beebe)
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Jimmy Chats With James Jimmy Chats With James
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Having a Laugh Having a Laugh
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Perla Sings Perla Sings
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Venus and the Traps Rock Venus and the Traps Rock
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Best Local Band Best Local Band
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Venus in B&W Venus in B&W
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The Lights Come Up The Lights Come Up
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Rock Out Rock Out
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Play That Bass Play That Bass
https://cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/best-of-cv/itemlist/tag/evening%20under%20the%20stars#sigProId437558a598
Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017: Readers' Picks
November 28 2016Here are the results of the third annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
An all-time-high number of people voted in both rounds this year—and the slate of winners and finalists represent all parts of the valley.
Come celebrate the winners with us during the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Awards Show and Celebration, presented by Renova Solar. It will take place at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Copa Nightclub—this year's Best Nightclub winner.
Thanks to all of you who voted in this year's poll!
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017.
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ARTS
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. CODA
3. Heather James
4. Melissa Morgan
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. McCallum Theatre
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
Venus and the Traps
Runners up:
2. The Flusters
3. Brightener
4. The Myx
5. War Drum
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Pwee
5. Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Nico Flores
3. Keisha D
4. Kal David
5. EeVaan Tre
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
4. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3 TIE
Regal Palm Springs Stadium 9
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Century Theatres at the River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Coachella Valley History Museum
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote StageWorks
5. Dezart Performs
LIFE IN THE VALLEY
Best Alternative Health Center
La Quinta Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Healing Center
3. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. Certified Farmers’ Market Old Town La Quinta
3. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs VillageFest
5. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Desert
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. Desert AIDS Project
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Runners up:
2. World Gym
3. EOS Fitness
4. In-Shape
5. Planet Fitness
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
3. TIE
Evolve Yoga
Yoga Central
5. Bikram Yoga University Village
Best Bowling
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
Runners up:
2. Desert Classic Cars
3. Desert Lexus
4. L&L Automotive
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Indio Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Petco
Runners up:
2. Bones ’n’ Scones
3. PetSmart
4. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
5. Desert Feed Bag
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
3. Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert)
4. Dinner in the Canyons (Agua Caliente Cultural Museum)
5. Center Stage (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Local Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. K-News 94.3
5. La Ponderosa 96.7 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Mozingo, Mix 100.5
4. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, Sunny 103.1 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Public Library Booknook
3. Revivals
4. The Book Rack
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
2. Desert Oasis
3. Interstellar Comic Books and Collectables
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. The Riviera
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Spencer’s Gifts
4. GayMart
FASHION AND STYLE
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
2. Wil Stiles
3. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Angel View
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Gypsyland
4. Penny Lane Boutique
5. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley Furniture Homestore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
TIE
The Estate Sale Co
Victoria’s Attic
Runners up:
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Classic Consignment
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
Leeds and Son
Hephaestus
Daniel’s Jewelers
Robann’s Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Salon 119 and Spa
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Revive Salon and Spa
5. Read Brown
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Spa La Quinta (La Quinta Resort)
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa at Miramonte
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Desert Zen
3. Studio M Salon and Spa
4. Revive Wellness Center
5. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
TIE
Art and Ink Tattoo Studio
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
3. Flagship Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Milauskas Eye Institute
4. Walmart
5. Old Town Optometry
OUTSIDE!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Downtown Palm Springs
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Sunnylands
4. El Paseo
5. Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
La Quinta
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs
3. Palm Desert
4. Highway 74
5. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon
3. Whitewater Preserve
4. Lake Cahuilla
5. Coachella Valley Preserve
Best Hike
Bump and Grind
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Palm Springs Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. TIE
Freedom Park (Palm Desert)
Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Las Flores (Coachella)
5. Demuth Park (Palm Springs)
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Cyclery
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
5. PGA Tour Superstore
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. PGA West
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs
4. The Golf Club at Terra Lago
5. The Lights at Indio Golf Course
FOR THE KIDS
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Mirage Community Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Mr. G’s for Kids
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Childrens Place
3. Tillys
4. Fallas
5. Revivals
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Old Spaghetti Factory
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Boomers
4. Chuck E. Cheese
5. Desert Ice Castle
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Boomers
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Desert Ice Castle
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. In-n-Out Burger
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eureka!
5. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Cello’s Pantry
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
3. Elmer’s
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Whole Foods
4. Harvest Health Foods
5. Clark’s Nutrition
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace
Best Custom Cakes
TIE
Over the Rainbow
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Brandini Toffee
5. Creamistry
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
2. Beach House
3. Golden Spoon
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
French Corner Café
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Best Burger
In-n-Out Burger
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Tyler’s Burgers
4. Eureka!
5. Smokin’ Burgers and Lounge
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Trio
5. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
4. Piero’s PizzaVino
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Wingstop
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Einstein Bros. Bagels
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up
4. Beach House Yogurt
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. IW Coffee
4. Vintage Coffee House
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Old Town Coffee
4. IW Coffee
5. Ernst Coffee
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Teavana
4. Koffi
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Sunshine Cafe
5. John’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Cliffhouse
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Trio
Best Brunch
Pinocchio in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Louise’s Pantry
5. The Tropicale
Best Chinese
PF Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Miro’s Restaurant
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Athena Gyro
Best French
La Brasserie
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Le Vallauris
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Shogun Restaurant
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Cafe
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Castelli’s
4. Trilussa
5. Livreri’s Palm Springs
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Shogun Restaurant
Dragon Sushi
Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. TIE
Morgan’s in the Desert
Steakhouse at the Spa
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai House
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Blue Orchid
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Pho Na
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. Café Jasmin
Best Upscale Cuisine
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
4. Lavender Bistro
5. The Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Alicante
4. Smokin’ Burgers
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
La Casita
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill’
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Las Casuelas Quinta
5. Felipe’s
Best Burrito
Taqueria Guerrero
Runners up:
2. Castaneda’s Mexican Food
3. Chipotle
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
SPIRITS AND NIGHTLIFE
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Bart Lounge
5. Score the Game Bar
Best Cocktail Menu
Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Eureka!
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Trio
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. The Tropicale
5. Spurline
Best Happy Hour
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Applebee’s
3. The Tropicale
4. La Quinta Cliffhouse
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hair of the Dog
4. Red Barn
5. Score
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Mitch’s on El Paseo
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. The Tropicale
5. Trio
Best Nightclub
Copa
Runners up:
2. Zelda’s
3. Hunter’s
4. Bart Lounge
5. Chill Bar
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Alicante
5. Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. La Rue Wine Bar
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Dead or Alive
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Costco
4. Trader Joe’s
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. The Tropicale
4. Matchbox
5. Workshop Kitchen+Bar
May 2015 Arts Listings From ArtsOasis!
May 02 2015Comedy
Gabriel Iglesias
The famously fluffy comedian performs. 8 p.m., Saturday, May 2; and 6 p.m., Sunday, May 3. $45 to $75. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com.
Film
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
This unique festival features an eclectic mixture of landmark and obscure vintage movies from the classic film noir era. Various times and prices, Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. Arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com.
Music
Dueling Pianos
America’s top dueling-pianos show returns for one night only of energetic song, fun and audience participation by two extremely talented piano performers. What makes this show unique? The audience chooses all the songs. The audience also chooses what not to play and when to stop. 7 p.m., Saturday, May 2. $10. Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 800-838-3006; purpleroompalmsprings.com.
Fantasy Springs Rock Yard Concert Series
At 7:30 p.m., full-throttle rock music fires up, and the live music continues until midnight. Friday, May 1: Tribute to Duran Duran. Saturday, May 2: Tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Saturday, May 9: Tribute to Queen. Friday, May 15: Tribute to ZZ Top. Saturday, May 16: Tribute to Van Halen. Saturday, May 23: Tribute to Prince. Saturday, May 30: Tribute to Guns N’ Roses. Call for other shows. Free. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. 888-331-5645; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
For the Love of Broadway With Carole Cook
Meet a true Broadway star, Carole Cook, of 42nd Street and TV shows The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23; and 1 p.m., Sunday, May 24. $30. Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 800-838-3006; purpleroompalmsprings.com.
Grooves at the Westin: Hiroshima
Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. The intoxicating mix of traditional Japanese folk music and instruments interwoven with jazz, R&B, salsa and more has been a pioneering voice in contemporary music since the 1970s. 7 p.m., Saturday, May 16. $45 and up. Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-770-2150; www.westinmissionhills.com.
Vanessa Sheldon, Harpist, With PSHS Orchestra
Vanessa Sheldon will perform a variety of solo harp music and the Handel Concerto with the Palm Springs High School Orchestra. Soloists from the high school will also be featured on flute, saxophone and viola. 4 p.m., Sunday, May 10. $15. Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47321 Highway 74, Palm Desert. 760-861-0350; www.gold2ivory.com.
Special Events
AIDS Assistance Program’s Evening Under The Stars Gala
The 22nd annual Evening Under the Stars gala will feature a performance by music legend Darlene Love, followed by dancing to a high-energy band. Love has had several Billboard hits and was featured in the Academy Award-winning movie Twenty Feet From Stardom. The event includes cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions of extraordinary trips, one-of-a-kind collectibles, marvelous merchandise and more. 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9. $395 and up. O’Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-8481; aidsassistance.org/evening-under-the-stars.php.
Brew at the Zoo
"Save Wildlife One Beer at a Time." Enjoy a sampling of handcrafted beers, food and live entertainment from more than 50 local breweries and restaurants. Proceeds help The Living Desert care for more than 500 animals and 1,600 protected acres, and provide scholarship programs for thousands of visiting school children. 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2. $50; $40 members; $125 VIP. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. 760-346-5694; www.livingdesert.org/event/brew-at-the-zoo.
Discover Indio Block Party
Join the city of Indio and the Indio Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Indio with a free community block party. Included in the festivities will be a motorcycle show, classic car show, carnival rides, food trucks, barbecue, kids activities, mini-train rides, art installations, live bands and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 16. Free. Indio Chamber of Commerce, 82921 Indio Blvd., Indio. 760- 347.0676; indiochamber.org.
The Geology of Gold and Silver
This lecture by D.D Trent, a professor emeritus at Citrus College, is part of the Old School House Lecture Series, which started in 1999 and is run in partnership with the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. 7 p.m., Friday, May 8. $5 at the door. Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms. 760-367-5535.
Memorial Day Flower Drop and Air Fair
This special day at the Palm Springs Air Museum includes a brief memorial service dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. In their honor is a fly-by and flower drop of more than 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. 1 p.m., Monday, May 25. $16 with discounts. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. 760-778-6262; palmspringsairmuseum.org.
Visual Arts
Summoning Ghosts: The Art of Hung Liu
This exhibition of art by prominent Chinese artist Hung Liu features more than 65 works, including 34 large-scale paintings, ephemera (sketch books, photos, informal paintings) and studies from private and public collections from around the world. On display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, through Sunday, May 24. $12.50, with various discounts and free periods. Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. 760-322-4800; www.psmuseum.org.
Submit your free arts listings at calendar.artsoasis.org. The listings presented above were all posted on the ArtsOasis calendar, and formatted/edited by Coachella Valley Independent staff. The Independent recommends calling to confirm all events information presented here.
Snapshot: The Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015 Party
December 05 2014There were a whole lot of winners at Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge on Thursday night, Dec. 3.
Numerous Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015 honorees joined Independent staffers, contributors and readers on the rainy evening to celebrate the results of the annual readers' poll, which were published in the December print issue of the Independent, and online at CVIndependent.com.
Photographer George Duchannes was on the scene to photograph the brief awards ceremony and other goings-on. The photo gallery is below.
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Evening Under the Stars Evening Under the Stars
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Coachella Valley Art Scene Coachella Valley Art Scene
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The Twin Palms Crew The Twin Palms Crew
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Fantasy Springs Fantasy Springs
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Bar Bar
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Over the Rainbow Over the Rainbow
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Plummers Furniture Plummers Furniture
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McCallum Theatre McCallum Theatre
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Shabu Shabu Zen Shabu Shabu Zen
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Palm Springs Animal Shelter Palm Springs Animal Shelter
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Elena Bulatova Elena Bulatova
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Alf Alpha Alf Alpha
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Best of Coachella Valley Best of Coachella Valley
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Revivals Revivals
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Not So Innocent Not So Innocent
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Bikram Yoga University Village Bikram Yoga University Village
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Best Yoga Studio Best Yoga Studio
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Brian Blueskye Brian Blueskye
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CVI Covers CVI Covers
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Jeffrey Norman Jeffrey Norman
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Best Japanese Best Japanese
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Smiles for the Camera Smiles for the Camera
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The Beer Goddess and Friends The Beer Goddess and Friends
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The Men of Not So Innocent The Men of Not So Innocent
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Unity Foundation Unity Foundation
https://cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/best-of-cv/itemlist/tag/evening%20under%20the%20stars#sigProId3071ddbbd8
Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015 Readers' Picks
November 24 2014Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015!
Here’s how these results came to be: Between Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, Coachella Valley Independent readers voted at CVIndependent.com in an open ballot in the categories listed below.
No finalists were selected in advance; readers had to write in their selections.
We then took the top three to five finishers in each category and put them on a final-round ballot, which ran at CVIndependent.com from Oct. 8 to Nov. 7.
Readers had to provide an email address, and were allowed to submit only one ballot in each round. We sent an email to each voter; if the email bounced, we did not count the ballot associated with that email address.
Here are the results of this first-ever Coachella Valley Independent readers’ poll.
Enjoy!
Arts
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. Gallery 446
3. Heather James Fine Art
4. Archangel Gallery
5. Stewart Gallery
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Show at Agua Caliente
4. The Hood Bar and Pizza
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. TIE
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. Backstreet Arts District
Best Local Band
Queens of the Stone Age
Runners up:
2. Machin’
3. The Rebel Noise
4. TIE
CIVX
Slipping Into Darkness
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. All Night Shoes
3. House Whores
4. TIE
CoffeeBlvck
Femme A
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Mark Gregg
3. Giselle Woo
4. Charles Herrera
5. Gene Evaro Jr.
Best Local Visual Artist
Elena Bulatova
Runners up:
2. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
3. Michael Weems
4. Jennifer Stern
5. Lon Michels
Best Movie Theater
Camelot Theatres
Runners up:
2. Cinemas Palme d’Or
3. UltraStar Mary Pickford
4. Regal Palm Springs
5. Century Theatres at The River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley History Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
4. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
5. Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Desert
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Empire Polo Club
3. Pappy and Harriet’s
4. Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs
5. The Palms Restaurant
Life in the Valley
Best Alternative Health Center
Stroke Recovery Center
Runners up:
2. Nature’s Health Food and Café
3. All-Desert Wellness Centers
4. Live Well Clinic
5. Palm Springs Healing Center
Best Farmers’ Market
Palm Springs VillageFest
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3. Old Town La Quinta
4. Palm Desert (Chamber of Commerce)
5. Joshua Tree Certified
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
4. Shelter From the Storm
5. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
Best Gym
Gold’s Gym Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. World Gym Palm Springs
3. World Gym Palm Desert
4. Palm Springs Fitness Center
5. 24 Hour Fitness
Best Public Servant
Congressman Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Mayor Steve Pougnet
3. County Commissioner John Benoit
4. Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez
5. Assemblyman Brian Nestande
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga University Village
Runners up:
2. Urban Yoga
3. TIE
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Power Yoga
5. Evolve Yoga
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Lanes at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Best Sex Toy Shop
Not So Innocent
Runners up:
2. Skitzo Kitty
3. Q Trading Company`
4. Gay Mart
5. Red Panties Boutique
Best Auto Repair
Desert Classic Cars
Runners up:
2. Performance Plus Automotive
3. TIE
Chuck’s Automotive
European Auto Service
Palm Springs Tire and Automotive
Best Car Wash
TIE
Airport Quick Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash (pictured)
Runners up:
3. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
4. Executive Car Wash
5. Red Carpet USA Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Vintage Nursery
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Cactus Mart
5. Moorten Botanical Gardens
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. Bones ’n’ Scones
4. Cold Nose Warm Heart
5. Exotic Birds
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars, by the AIDS Assistance Program
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Walk, by the Desert AIDS Project
3. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, by the Desert AIDS Project
4. Paint El Paseo Pink, by the Desert Cancer Foundation
5. Center Stage, by the LGBT Community Center of the Desert
Best Place to Gamble
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Spotlight 29
5. Augustine Casino
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. CBS Local 2
3. KMIR Channel 6
Best Local TV News Personality
Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
Runners up:
2. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
3. John White, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Brooke Beare, CBS Local 2
5. Thalia Hayden, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Big 106 (KPLM)
3. KDES FM 98.5
4. TIE
KWXY FM 107.3
K-News 94.3
Best Local Radio Personality
Jeff Michaels, Big 106 (KPLM)
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
4. Joey English, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, EZ-103
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Just Fabulous
3. Revivals
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
3. Best Buy
4. Barnes and Noble
5. Video Depot
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Hoodoo
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Video Game Store
GameStop
Runners up:
2. TIE
Video Depot
Walmart
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Riviera Palm Springs
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Saguaro
5. Renaissance Palm Springs
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
Runners up:
2. Glossy Boutique
3. R&R Men’s Wear
4. Fine Art of Design
5. Wil Stiles
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Resale Therapy
3. Angel View
4. The POP Shop
5. Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Plummers
Runners up:
2. Ashley Furniture HomeStore
3. Marc Russell Interiors
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Erik’s Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Gypsyland
4. Pioneer Crossing Antiques
5. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
2. Smoke Tree Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Hephaestus Jewelry
5. ASC Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Heads Up Hair Designs
3. Brien O’Brien Salon
4. Turquoise A Salon
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Spa
DHS Spa Hotel
Runners up:
2. JW Marriott Desert Springs
3. Studio M
4. The Canyon Spa
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Jensen’s
5. Blooming Events
Best Tattoo Parlor
Strata Tattoo Lab
Runners up:
2. TIE
Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
Bloodline Tattoo
TG Tattoo
5. Flagship Tattoo
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. TIE
Elegant Eye Optometry
Oh La La de Paris Eyeware
5. Desert EyeCare Center
Outside!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Downtown Palm Springs (general)
3. College of the Desert
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Moorten Botanical Gardens
4. Ruth Hardy Park
5. El Paseo
Best Place for Bicycling
Palm Springs (general)
Runners up:
2. La Quinta (general)
3. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness (Top of the Tram)
4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area
5. Tahquitz Canyon
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Mount San Jacinto
4. Tahquitz Canyon
5. Mission Creek Preserve
Best Park
Whitewater Park
Runners up:
2. Demuth Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Wellness Park
5. Dateland Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Off the Grid
4. Second Amendment Sports
5. Walmart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Cyclery
3. BikeMan
Best Sporting Goods Store
Big 5
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Sports Authority
4. Lumpy’s
5. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Creek
3. Indian Wells
4. Eagle Falls
5. Escena
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Demuth Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. La Quinta Park
5. Whitewater Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Mr. G’s for Kids
Runners up:
2. Toys “R” Us
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Goodwill
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Janie and Jack
4. Goodwill
5. Justice
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Ruby’s
4. Islands
5. Dickie O’Neal’s
Best Place for Family Fun
Wet ’n’ Wild
Runners up:
TIE
2. Boomers!
Rock-N-Roll Mini Golf
4. Palm Desert Aquatic Center
5. Chuck E. Cheese
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Children’s Discovery Museum
Runners up:
2. Chuck E. Cheese
3. Boomers!
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. Sherman’s
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Caterer
LuLu/Acqua Pazza
Runners up:
2. Lynn Hammond
3. Fusion Flair
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Savoury’s
Best Diner
Elmer’s
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. Sunshine Café
4. Rick’s
5. John’s
Best Organic Food Store
Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
Runners up:
2. TIE
Sprouts Farmers Market
Whole Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Café
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. Appetito
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Pastry Swan Bakery
3. Sherman’s
4. Exquisite Desserts
5. Jensen’s
Best Desserts
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Crave (now Plate | Glass)
5. French Corner Café
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Lique at Fantasy Springs
5. Ben and Jerry’s
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Hadley Fruit Orchards
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Lappert’s Ice Cream
Best Frozen Yogurt
TIE
Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Tutti Frutti
Runners up:
3. Beach House
4. Yogurt on Tap
5. Cactusberry + Frozen Treats
Best Bakery
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery
4. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Café
5. TKB Bakery
Best Barbecue
Pappy and Harriet’s
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Cowboy Way
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Big Willie’s Catering
Best Burger
In-n-Out
Runners up:
2. Grill-A-Burger
3. Woody’s
4. Tyler’s
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Grill-A-Burger
Runners up:
TIE
2. Woody’s
Ruby’s Diner
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Aspen Mills
5. L’Atelier Café
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza
3. Piero’s PizzaVino
4. Giuseppe’s
5. Ciro’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. LuLu California Bistro
4. Bar
5. Village Pub
Best Bagels
New York Bagel and Deli
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s
4. Townie Bagels
5. Bagel Bistro
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Juice It Up
4. Jamba Juice
5. Luscious Lorraine’s
Best Buffet
Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3 TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
3. Old Town Coffee Company
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Ernest Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Espresso Cielo
Best Tea
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Teavana
3. Ristretto
4. Old Town Coffee Company
5. Espresso Cielo
Best Breakfast
Elmer’s
Runners up:
2. Cheeky’s
3. Sunshine Café
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Louise’s Pantry
Best California Cuisine
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TRIO
3. Acqua Pazza California Bistro
4. Jake’s
5. POM—The Bistro at Fantasy Springs
Best Brunch
Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Pinocchio’s
4. Escena Lounge and Grill
5. Las Casuelas Nuevas
Best Chinese
Wang’s in the Desert
Runners up:
2. China Wok
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. New Fortune
5. Supreme Dragon
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
3. Miro’s Restaurant
Best French
Le Vallauris
Runners up:
2. TIE
Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Café
Pomme Frite
4. La Brasserie
5. L’Atelier Café
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Shabu Shabu Zen
Runners up:
2. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
3. Gyoro Gyoro
4. Otori Japanese Cuisine
5. No Da Te
Best Italian
Nicolino’s
Runners up:
2. Giuseppe’s
3. Il Corso
4. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante
5. Mimmo’s
Best Sushi
Wasabi
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Edoko Sushi
5. The Venue
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Ruben and Ozzy’s
3. Shanghai Reds
4. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
5. Oceans Seafood Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Chop House
3. Mastro’s
4. The Bistro at Fantasy Springs
5. The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai Smile Rancho Mirage
3. Peppers Thai
4. Le Basil
5. Thai Kitchen 1
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Bangkok Noodles
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Figue Mediterranean Cuisine (no longer in business)
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Spencer’s
4. Las Casuelas Terraza
5. The Falls
Best Late-Night Restaurant
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Village Pub
3. Bar
4. Alicante
5. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel
Best Mexican
El Mirasol
Runners up:
2. El Gallito
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. La Tablita
5. Tlaquepaque
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Nuevas
Runners up:
2. Rincon Norteno
3. Maracas
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Margaritas
Best Burrito
El Gallito
Runners up:
2. TIE
La Tablita
Santana’s
4. El Taco Asado
5. Jalisco Restaurant
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
TIE
2. The Beer Hunter
Eureka!
4. Village Pub
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Local Brewery
TIE
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
La Quinta Brewing Co.
Runner up:
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
TIE
Hunters
Palm Springs Lanes
Runners up:
3. Pappy and Harriet’s
4. The Beer Hunter
5. Sharky’s Family Billiards
Best Cocktail Menu
Bar
Runners up:
2. Purple Room
3. Eureka!
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Workshop Kitchen and Bar
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Streetbar
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
4. Score
5. Digs
Best Happy Hour
Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
Runners up:
2. LuLu California Bistro
3. TIE
Hunters
Stuft Pizza
5. Village Pub
Best Dive Bar
Neil’s Lounge
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Score
4. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Maracas
5. Blue Coyote Grill
Best Martini
The Falls
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Copley’s
5. Workshop Kitchen and Bar
Best Nightclub
Hunters
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. LIT at Fantasy Springs
4. TIE
Schmidy’s Tavern
Village Pub
Best Sports Bar
Burgers and Beer
Runners up:
2. Yard House
3. The Beer Hunter
4. TIE
Tilted Kilt
Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro
Runners up:
2. TIE
12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar at Fantasy Springs
Zin American Bistro
4. Wine Bar Bistro
5. Fame Lounge
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro
4. Fame Lounge
5. LQ Wine
Best Bar Ambiance
Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Melvyn’s
4. Schmidy’s Tavern
5. Copa
Staff Picks
Best Story From an Annual Festival
“The Moneymaker”
A woman who appears to be about 65 and who is here for the American Heat Bike Weekend event in downtown Palm Springs comes in to Crystal Fantasy and wants to use some tape, because her “moneymaker” is broken. I give her some packing tape, and she takes something out of her pocket she is trying to fix.
After a few moments, she says, “OK, I’ll see if it works”—and proceeds to swallow a foot-long (now-taped) all-beef hot dog down her throat; she then pulls it out of her mouth. The tape wasn’t really sticking, and all I had otherwise was some purple duct tape.
That seemed to do the job. She very professionally deep-throated the hot dog, thanked us and left.
—Joy Brown Meredith, as told to the Palm Springs Neighborhoods Group on Facebook, adapted with permission by Jimmy Boegle
Best Band Militia
Machin’
I first met David Macias of Machin’ for an interview at Starbucks in Desert Hot Springs, and I was rather surprised when he told me about what he called the “Machin’ Militia”—the band’s loyal fans who turn up for their shows.
Well, I’ve seen Machin’ perform several times over the last year—and I’m not surprised that the Machin’ Militia is growing rapidly.
Perhaps David’s military background explains his terminology. He was born in Mexico and completed two deployments to Iraq as a Navy corpsman. When he gets together with classically trained violinist Bri Cherry and upright-bass-player/accordionist Andy Gorrill, they make attention-grabbing music that combines Latin, hip-hop and rock sounds. Their sound is instantly recognizable wherever they go.
Crowds of all sorts adore Machin’. They have a weekly residency at the Purple Room in Palm Springs; they busk on street corners in various places while on tour. Wherever Machin’ is, people can’t help but clap or dance along when the group performs.
Machin’ is truly what the name means in Spanglish slang—supremely excellent.
—Brian Blueskye
Best Food and Drink Trend That’s Finally Arrived in the Valley
Craft Cocktails
Tucson, Ariz., the city in which I used to live, is the home of one of the leaders in the craft-cocktail revolution. Scott and Co.—a speakeasy-style bar that’s received national attention for its amazing and innovative drinks—was perhaps the place I missed the most when I moved to the desert several years ago.
Look at the Best Cocktail finalists here, and you’ll see why I used to miss Scott and Co. so damned much: When I first started making preparations to move here, four of the five finalists picked by our readers weren’t yet in existence.
Today, however, I don’t miss Scott and Co. all that much—because over the last couple years, the craft-cocktail revolution has belatedly arrived in the Coachella Valley. In addition to our readers’ five Best of Coachella Valley finalists (great picks, readers!), you can find fantastic hand-crafted beverages at locations all across the valley, from Indian Wells’ Vue Grille and Bar, to retro-tiki newcomers Tonga Hut and Bootlegger Tiki in downtown Palm Springs, to Citron at the Viceroy (pictured), also in Palm Springs.
Cheers, folks. The local craft-cocktail scene is getting better by the month.
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Local Social Trend
The Increasingly Busy Summer
Let’s face facts: The business and tourism cycle in the Coachella Valley will always have seasonal highs and lows. The power of the weather is undeniable: Temps in the 70s and 80s will always draw people to the valley during the winter, and temps in the 110s will always push people out during the summer.
However, that seasonality is beginning to lessen—just a little.
I live in downtown Palm Springs, and last summer, the streets near my home weren’t as lonely as they used to be in years past. In fact, on some summer weekend nights, Palm Canyon Drive foot traffic was even something approaching busy. (Not April busy, but still.) The reason? More people are starting to brave the toasty temps to come to the valley, thanks to great events like Splash House (which was so nice, they did it twice during the summer of 2014; pictured), fantastic deals (like those offered during Restaurant Week) and the realization that the slower summer pace here has its benefits. (No snowbirds on Highway 111?! YES!)
Can one argue that the Best Season here in the Coachella Valley is, in fact, the summer? No … we won’t go that far. But the summers here are certainly not as dead as they used to be—and that’s something worth celebrating.
—Jimmy Boegle
Photo credits: Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash courtesy of elephant-carwash.com. The Living Desert courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB. Machin’ courtesy of Chris Miller via Machin’ Facebook. Splash House by Guillermo Prieto/IROCKPHOTOS.NET.
May Arts Listings From ArtsOasis!
May 02 2014Film
MOVIES IN THE PARK: THE CROODS
Bring chairs, kick back and enjoy the start of summer! The movie will begin the second the sun goes behind our mountains. 6 p.m., Friday, May 9. Free. Mecca Community Park, 65250 Coahuila St., Mecca; apm.activecommunities.com/desertrecdistrict.
SHORTFEST ‘SHOOTING STARS’
In preparation for June’s ShortFest 2014, the Camelot will host a program of the best of the “Shooting Stars” programming, featuring major Hollywood names appearing on screen or behind the camera. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 15. Free. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. 760-322-2930; www.psfilmfest.org.
Music
BEST OF COACHELLA VALLEY SYMPHONY
In Coachella Valley Symphony’s season finale, local physician and soprano Dr. Lisa Lindley headlines this gala event with selections from both the opera and pop worlds. This special evening will include a grand VIP reception and auction following the concert for those patrons who purchase a $125 ticket. All proceeds from the auction will go toward youth education programs. 7 p.m., Friday, May 9. $25 to $125. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com.
MARIACHI EXTRAVAGANZA
Don't miss the dynamic sounds, the rich colorful costumes and the cultural celebration of the Mariachi Extravaganza. Embajadores Del Mariachi, Mariachi Sol De Mexico, led by Jose Hernandez, is a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling group that has performed to sold-out audiences around the world for more than 30 years. Las Primeras Damas De Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles is the first female mariachi ensemble in the United States. 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 24. $20 to $40. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. 800-585-3737; startickets.com/venues/item/spotlight-29-casino.
MARIACHI VARGAS DE TECALITLAN
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan has been in existence for 100 years and has been credited with revolutionizing the style of music. They've recorded albums, starred in more than 200 movies, and performed all over the world. 4 p.m., Sunday, May 11. $40 to $100. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com.
PEPE AGUILAR
Five-time-Grammy winning artist Pepe Aguilar is an impressive master of fusion with an undisputed capacity to inspire audiences. 8 p.m., Friday, May 2. $39 to $79. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. 800-827-2946; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
ROCK YARD AT FANTASY SPRINGS
The Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs brings music fans free, live rock shows. At 7:30 p.m., the full-throttle rock music fires up with cover band Rok of Ages and gets audience members out of their seats. At 9 p.m., the tribute band takes over and plays audience favorites. At 10:30 p.m., the cover band comes back out and continues the live music until midnight. Friday, May 2: Pat Benatar. Saturday, May 3: Tribute to U2. More shows to be announced; check the website for more information. Free; 18 and older. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. 800-827-2946; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
STAYIN’ ALIVE: A CELEBRATION OF THE BEE GEES
Stayin' Alive offers the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees concert, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive,” along with video clips, photos and dazzling imagery. 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10. $20. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. 800-585-3737; startickets.com/venues/item/spotlight-29-casino.
Performing Arts
THE FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES’ FINAL SEASON
The Follies’ final edition, entitled “The Last Hurrah,” will conclude on Sunday, May 18. The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies has been seen by nearly 3 million patrons, and celebrates the music and dance of mid-century America with a cast ranging in age from 55 to 83 years young. Various dates and times through Sunday, May 18. $29 to $95. Palm Springs Follies at the Historic Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-327-0225; www.psfollies.com.
Special Events
BIRDS OF JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
The deceptively barren Mojave Desert landscape is home to and resting grounds for numerous endemic and migratory bird species; more than 240 species of birds have been recorded in Joshua Tree National Park. Kurt Leuschner, professor at College of the Desert, will guide this three-day field class through the Mojave and Colorado deserts to identify common and rare birds. Leuschner’s focus will be on identifying individual species and separating summer and winter residents from true migrants. 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 2; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3; 7 a.m. to noon, Sunday, May 4. $125 to $135. Black Rock Visitor Center, 9800 Black Rock Canyon Road, Yucca Valley. 760-367-5525; www.joshuatree.org/desert-institute/field-classes/birds-of-joshua-tree-national-park.
BREW AT THE ZOO
“Save wildlife one beer at a time.” Enjoy a sampling of handcrafted beers, food and live entertainment, with participation by more than 50 local breweries and restaurants. Proceeds help The Living Desert. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3. $35 to $125. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. 760-346-5694; www.livingdesert.org.
AN EVENING AT THE PUEBLO
Join Cabot’s Pueblo Museum for a fabulous cocktail and dinner celebrating the placement on the National Register of Historic Places and the preservation of the integrity of Cabot Yerxa’s history, pueblo and collection of artifacts. 6 p.m., Saturday, May 17. $150. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, 67616 E. Desert View Ave., Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-7610; www.cabotsmuseum.org.
EVENING UNDER THE STARS’ 2014 GALA: FIRST LADIES OF DISCO
The 21st annual Evening Under the Stars gala to benefit the AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) will feature a star-studded performance by fabulous female pioneers of the ’70s disco scene. Scheduled to appear are Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamala Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha Wash and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin and Norma Jean. The event includes cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions, one-of-a-kind collectibles, marvelous merchandise and more. 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3. $395 and up. O'Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-8481; aidsassistance.org.
Visual Arts
ART AT SUNNYLANDS
Sculpture Taking Place: Cast, Carve, Combine allows families to wander Sunnylands Gardens and view local sculptors at work in this thematic family day; from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, May 18. Plein Air in the Gardens admits artists for extended hours to paint, sketch or sculpt in the gardens. Pre-registration is required; from 7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 21. Free. Sunnylands Center and Gardens, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. 760-202-2222; sunnylands.org.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': THIRTY YEARS OF COLLECTING
The exhibit includes art works purchased by the Palm Springs Art Museum with funds provided by the Contemporary Art Council and other contributors since 1984. The acquisitions were created by contemporary artists who worked in California or were influenced by spending some time in California during their artistic careers. This is the first time these artworks have been on exhibition together. The exhibit is a celebration of the commitment of the Contemporary Art Council to growing the museum's collection of significant contemporary artists, and is a survey of art in California since the 1980s. On display through Thursday, July 31. Included with museum admission (free to $12.50). Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. 760-322-4800; www.psmuseum.org.
PALM SPRINGS PHOTO FESTIVAL
Connect 2014 offers the opportunity for professional, emerging professional and serious advanced amateur photographers to study with legendary photographers, show portfolios in the celebrated Portfolio Review Program, and attend cutting-edge seminars. The program is intended to inspire, educate and instill or reignite passion for the art and commerce of photography. Various times Monday, April 28, through Friday; May 2. Prices vary. Hyatt Palm Springs, 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 310-289-5030; 2014.palmspringsphotofestival.com.
Spring Has Sprung: There’s Plenty of Theater, Visual Arts, Comedy, Dance and Music Worth Your Attention
March 29 2013Ah, spring in the Coachella Valley. Some days feature the Best. Weather. Ever. Other days make it clear that the furnace we call “summer” is going to be here all too soon.
Whether the weather’s amazing or appalling, there’s no sense in sitting around at home; spring in the Coachella Valley is simply packed with great things to do—no matter your interest, your budget, or what part of the valley you live in.
We here at the Independent have scoured the various press releases and arts websites, and we came up with this selection of eight spring highlights. (OK, the last one occurs when it’s actually summer. But it’s the freaking Village People, people.)
Oh, and before we begin: If you’re part of an arts organization, gallery or special event, make sure to send all of your info to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so we can keep our readers (who, like you, are all stunningly smart and gorgeous) in the know.
Thanks! And enjoy!
What: Roger Ballen Photography
When: Through Sunday, July 28
Where: New Media Gallery at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs:
How much: $12.50; $10.50 seniors; $5 students; free to members, kids 12 and younger, and active duty military and families; free to all every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., and the second Sunday of each month
Contact info: 322-4800; www.psmuseum.org
Why: When it’s hot out, the museum offers an awesome respite.
At some point this spring, it’s going to get hot—so hot that, as Dave Barry once wrote, “nuns are cursing openly on the street.”
And at some point when it’s nun-cursingly hot, you’re going to want to get out and do something, despite the outdoor oven. We recommend the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Among the exhibits the museum has on display this spring is Roger Ballen Photography. Ballen is a New York native who moved to South Africa to work in geology after earning his doctorate in mineral economics. “Fascinated by the uncertain and precarious conditions he found, he began photographing people in small towns at the margins of society. Ballen documented these residents through a series of unsettling portraits that reveal the human condition even as his subjects exhibit idiosyncratic manners and habits,” says a write-up on the museum website.
He’s since shifted away from documentary photography, and today, his photos increasingly “exploit the shallow space between a constructed backdrop and the camera in a way that is immediate and confrontational. However, the overall effect is less aggressive than intimate and challenging,” continues the website.
If you understand all of that art-speak, get thee to the Palm Springs Art Museum. If you don’t understand it, let me translate: His photos look as cool as the air conditioning inside of the museum. So, go.
What: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
When: 8 p.m., Thursday, April 11
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
How much: $49 to $99
Contact info: 340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com
Why: Modern dance doesn’t get any better.
In 2011, Robert Battle became only the third artistic director in the 55-year history of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When he started making his own mark on the lauded modern-dance company—it started as an all-African American modern-dance company in 1958, and went on to become a model organization, both in terms of creative influence and management—some critics were less than pleased.
“Battle faced the tough New York critics when he presented his first Big Apple season as artistic director (in the winter of 2011),” wrote Margaret Regan of the Tucson Weekly (who happens to be one of this country’s foremost arts writers). “Several writers seemed wary of the Ailey troupe’s accessibility and celebratory appeal. A review by The New York Times’ Alistair Macaulay was headlined ‘Trying Always to Please, Rarely to Challenge.’”
What was Battle’s response?
“I was too busy celebrating,” he told Regan. “There’s so much to celebrate. (That is) what is wonderful about the company and what we do. People leave the theater feeling uplifted. It’s an important aspect of what we do. There’s so much cynicism in the world. People can come here and feel connected.”
Now in his second season as artistic director, Battle continues to craft the company in his own way, while still honoring Ailey and Judith Jamison, Battle’s predecessor. The show at McCallum is slated to include works by young choreographer Kyle Abraham; Czech Jiří Kylián; Garth Fagan (the choreographer of The Lion King play) and others, in addition to Battle’s own works—and, of course, dances from Ailey himself, including “Revelations” in its entirety.
Alvin Ailey Dance is just one small part of a packed schedule at the McCallum through May 10, when comedian/flight purser/complete lunatic Pam Ann (aka Caroline Reid) will close out the 2012-2013 season. Check the website for a complete schedule.
What: Tru, the final play in the 2012-2013 season for Coyote StageWorks
When: Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 28
Where: The Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs
How much: $39 to $55
Contact info: 325-4490 (box office); www.coyotestageworks.org
Why: Because a theater company named after margarita-drinking episodes is putting on a Truman Capote play, and that is all-around awesome.
OK, we’re being a bit smart-assed in our description of why this play is worth your attention, although the company is indeed named after El Coyote, the Los Angeles Mexican restaurant where founding artistic director Chuck Yates and his friends—many of whom are involved with Coyote StageWorks—would mark important moments in their lives “by raising a margarita together,” according to the theater-company website.
Nonetheless, this play—starring Yates as a lonely Capote looking back on his life—is rarely performed (the Coyote StageWorks folks say they’re one of the “few” companies granted the rights to perform it), and it’s adapted from the works of Capote, so you know it will be entertaining.
Throw in the play’s Tony Award-winning pedigree, and the fine reputation Coyote StageWorks has, and this sounds like a winner. Check out the website for more details.
What: Gabriel Iglesias
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, May 4; 6 p.m., Sunday, May 5
Where: Agua Caliente, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
How much: $45 to $75
Contact info: (866) 923-7244; www.hotwatercasino.com
Why: Because fluffy is funny.
In 2006, Gabriel Iglesias appeared on the NBC TV show Last Comic Standing, in which comics compete in a competition to become … well, y’know, the last comic standing.
Iglesias was doing well on the show—which offered him his first real widespread exposure—and was among the final eight contestant-comedians. Then he was caught using a Blackberry to communicate with the outside world. This was a no-no, and Iglesias was thrown off the show.
Despite that bit of cheating and idiocy, Iglesias has had the last laugh: He’s gone on to not only have a bigger career than any of the other comedians on that season of Last Comic Standing; he’s arguably gone on to have a bigger career than any winner of Last Comic Standing.
Also, if you saw Magic Mike: Remember the DJ who got Adam (“The Kid”) in trouble by getting him to deal drugs? Yep, that was Iglesias.
Other performers at Agua Caliente this spring include Melissa Etheridge, Penn and Teller, and even Tony Bennett. Check the website for a complete list.
What: Cyndi Lauper headlines the 20th Evening Under the Stars, a benefit for the AIDS Assistance Program
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, May 11
Where: O’Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs
How much: $395 and up
Contact info: 325-8481; www.aidsassistance.org
Why: It’s a great cause, and Lauper is a class act
Despite all sorts of wonderful medical advances, HIV and AIDS are still around, and they’re still wreaking havoc on people’s lives.
That’s where the AIDS Assistance Program comes in. The program helps low-income folks with HIV/AIDS by distributing $100 in food vouchers to them every month, and by offering counseling and training seminars to help those folks get back on their professional and social feet. According to the AIDS Assistance Program website, some $7 million in direct service has been extended to some 1,500 clients since the program began in 1991—and the AAP receives no state or federal funding.
Therefore, the AAP needs to raise money—and a lot of it, and one way in which the AAP does that is through the annual Evening Under the Stars gala. The event includes cocktails, dinner and dancing, as well as a ceremony honoring three people who have gone above and beyond to help AAP and its clients.
Of course, this year’s event also includes a performance by Cyndi Lauper, who is as busy as ever. Did you know that in 2010, the renowned singer, actress and gay-rights activist released an album called Memphis Blues, which became the year’s top blues album? And that she’s written a musical with Harvey Fierstein, called Kinky Boots, that’s opening on Broadway this April?
Tickets for the gala start at $395 (although $270 of that is tax-deductible). It’s a lot of money, sure, but AAP is an amazing cause—and that money will get you an amazing evening under the stars, too.
What: Bye Bye Birdie
When: Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 26
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
How much: $32
Contact info: 323-5123; www.palmcanyontheatre.org
Why: Because OMG IT’S HEARTTHROB CONRAD BIRDIE!!!
Can we get a round of applause for the folks at the Palm Canyon Theatre? Whereas most local theater companies go on hiatus when temperatures hit triple-digits and the snowbirds exit stage left, these people stick around and provide quality theater almost year-round.
In May, Palm Canyon Theatre will be the home of the classic Bye Bye Birdie. In this musical, set in 1958, heartthrob rock ’n’ roller Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army—but before he departs, he heads to little Sweet Apple, Ohio, to sing to one lucky member of his fan club. Birdie creates quite a stir among the small town and the family of the chosen fan, Kim MacAfee—and the hijinks (and songs) ensue.
Also on the rather-diverse boards for the Palm Canyon Theatre are The Vagina Monologues (April 5-7), Hair (April 19-28), and Pippin (July 12-21).
What: Scotty McCreery in concert
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 1
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella
How much: $45-$65
Contact info: (866) 377-6829; www.spotlight29.com
Why: Because OMG IT’S HEARTTHROB SCOTTY MCCREERY!!!
Scotty McCreery was just a wee lad of 17 in 2011, when he cruised to victory on the 10th season of American Idol.
What has he done since then, you ask? Well, he promptly released his debut album, Clear as Day, which went to No. 1 and achieved platinum status; and he followed that up with a Christmas album, Christmas With Scotty McCreery, that went to No. 2 on the country charts and reached gold status, even though it was a freakin’ Christmas album.
He’s now at work on a new album, taking college classes, and sniveling to the media about how tough it is to date while on tour. And he’s only 19. OK, everyone, say it along with me: Awww, poor thing!
So, yeah, it’s OK to hate McCreery a little. But there’s no denying his talent; with that deep voice of his and his good looks (didja know he’s part Puerto Rican?), he’s a contender to become the most successful Idol alum of all time.
He’ll kick off the month of June at Spotlight 29’s Spotlight Showroom. Other bookings this season include the Spring Love Tour on Saturday, April 6 (highlight: Exposé singing “Point of No Return”!), comedian Brian Regan on Friday, April 12, and Mexican comedian Jo Jo Jorge Falcon on Saturday, May 4. Check out the website for a full schedule.
What: The Village People, in concert with KC and the Sunshine Band
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, July 6
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
How much: $39 to $69
Contact info: 342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com
Why: Because you can stay there, and I’m sure you will find many ways to have a good time …
True story: When I was little, my mother—a conservative housewife who lived on a cattle ranch just outside of Reno, NV—would occasionally clean house to a Village People 8-track. She loved this 8-track, and would turn it up to a volume usually reserved for Boeing 747 engines.
In other words, as a child, I was routinely subjected to disturbingly loud renditions of lyrics like: “It’s fun to stay at the YMCA! They have everything for young men to enjoy! You can hang out with all the boys!”
It’s no wonder I turned out gay.
Anyhow, the Village People and another ’70s mainstay, KC and the Sunshine Band, will be rocking the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center on July 6. (Fun fact: That same day, KC and the Sunshine Band’s Wayne Casey will get his own star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.)
In other words: Start working on your YMCA dance now!
Visit the Fantasy Springs website for a list of other upcoming shows; there’s some good stuff coming up, ranging from John Legend (Saturday, April 6) to Pepe Aguilar (Saturday, May 4) the Doobie Brothers (Saturday, June 15).