Welcome to the 10th Amado newsletter! Full of things to love and do in the hi-desert (™️ forthcoming).
Real talk, it’s been a hot minute, eh? After all, it being New Year’s Eve…and the last Amado having published back on Halloween… I bet it is a surprise to get a thread from me in your inbox this evening.
Being the last day of 2021 makes everyone on the internet enter self-reflection, and I am no different. I have been thinking deeply about expectations all week. What I thought 2021 was going to be, what 2021 ended up actually being, the amount of edibles I took to cope. I say that with an air of tongue-in-cheek, but it tracks with what I pledged from the beginning. I have always been transparent regarding my successes and struggles with you all, dear readers, in hopes to not only humanize the person behind this endeavour called Amado - but to also prove that you’re not alone.
When this newsletter was birthed back in June, I did not know what to anticipate. Originally I wanted to create something that was for residents who lived in the hi-desert like me, interested in events and local issues in the direct community. There was a part of me that wanted to dust off my old journalism skills and provide a resource that, at the time, was lacking. I admit that another part of me wanted to blab across the web about my own life happening in Joshua Tree in hopes I would meet folks and make a connection. Those early days of 2021 still had that cocktail of despair and hope, of longing to find others in which to commiserate with and be compassionate with while also making fun of people who were wearing chin diapers exclusively.
Fast forward six months. So much has changed in my own sphere, not to mention locally and globally. I had expectations for a baller professional life, as we all did, in addition to a secure personal life, which we all hoped would float our sanity. For me, my relationships, my dreams, my goals, my fears - they often came to a head and asked me to truly identify what was important…what I was invested in? What was I truly interested in? I’m pleased to say that this year, I often attained what I was striving for. My approach however made failures that much more barbarous because for a time, I moved into an all-or-nothing model. Things “had” to be perfect and “had” to shine. It felt like for months we often had one shot at making shit fly. Otherwise, what was the point?
As a classic planner, worrier, overthinker, first child, and Leo sun / Taurus moon / Virgo rising combo, I will say this for 2021: the pandemmy was not kind, to me and e v e r y o n e else. I know it sounds like something Captain Obvious would say, but it’s accurate. My only job this year was to survive. And I did. Scrapes and blood and tears later, but I am still fucking here. That is cause for celebration when the ball drops tonight.
I am curious what the next year will bring (and also, how I can stop wondering why Sex & The City was so problematic and somehow I missed that when I originally watched). As for the future of Amado - who knows? I want to keep doing the damn thing. I’ve enjoyed these first 10 editions. What it looks like to continue on is up for grabs. Based on this experience so far, the best anyone can do is learn, be accountable, and adapt towards a future of stability and adventure combined.
Don’t let me gatekeep the wonderful whimsy and mysticism that is the Mojave. Here are some additional sources of information and/or entertainment to follow as we move towards a world without Betty White (I fucking KNOW):
Joshua Tree Gateway Communities
Happy New Year, loves.
HAPPENINGS
If you are in need of some fun - or distraction - to say goodbye or fuck off to 2021, there’s several options across the Basin for your partying or sorrow needs.
Friday 12/31 - New Year’s Eve events
Red Dog Saloon is throwing a Desert New Years party, featuring DJ Ceviche for tracks and their signature (strong) cocktails for the imbibing. Free admission, 9pm start time.
Kitchen In The Desert is offering music by sax player, DJ & producer ITAI tonight for their festivities. The prix fixe dinner option is now sold out, but those wanting to cut a rug on the dance floor with a champagne toast can arrive at 10pm after dinner service to begin the night.
The Palms Wonder Valley originally were to present an out-of-this-world performance with locals Rosa Pullman, James Eliot Jones and The Sibleys performing live. However, a Plan B has been instituted and Jon Hanford will be laying down tunes alongside The Sibleys instead. No cover, 7pm start time.
Pappy & Harriet’s brings the return of The Sunday Band, Herb Benham IV, and My Lucky Brass to the indoor stage for a locals fave spectacular. Non-ticket holders can snag restaurant seating 5pm-7:30pm before the venue becomes exclusively available to concert patrons. Check the website and socials to see if the limited additional tickets that were released for the sold-out show are still available.
Lastly, Giant Rock Meeting Room hosts a live performance by The Blank Tapes with a special opening by Karma Dealers and the Yucca Sign Guy (yes you read that correctly). GRMR opens at 5pm for dinner and drinks before the party kicks off at 7:30pm.
Saturday 1/1 - New Year’s Day events
The Palms first show of 2022 is Sheldon McCloskey, kicking off the indoor Wonder Valley space with live music - 6:30pm start time.
The Glass Outhouse presents A Cut Above, new paper art works by Selina Phanara. The opening and outdoor reception runs 1pm-5pm, with music by Paul Gerkin.
Grab hearty ribs and brisket from TWP Texas BBQ, who will be posting up at Desert Paradise (49670 29 Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley). Serving starts at 2pm.
Sunday 1/2 - end of New Year’s weekend
Catch the last day of Black Magick Circles at La Matadora Gallery. The art show, comprised of 25+ artists using vinyl records as their medium, includes pieces from Cat Celebrezze, Kate McCabe, and Wendy Lee Gadzuk. The exhibition statement says it best: “Whether or not one chooses to differentiate between black and white magick, one cannot deny the power of those black vinyl circles holding our favorite music.”
Mon Petit Mojave debuts the first of its Sunday Brunch Loop Shows with Jeremie Levi Samson. BYOB (bring your own brunch), tailgate, and enjoy classical as well as improvisational stylings for a daytime show - a rare treat. Free with advance and required RSVP here.
Tuesday 1/3: Those who live in the Town of Yucca Valley have until today with Burrtec's curbside service to drop undecorated trees at the curb on trash day. Residents may also drop off their undecorated trees for free at the YV Community Center, Back (North) Lot of Complex, at 57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy. For more information, contact Burrtec at (760) 365-2015.
Thursday 1/6 - 5:30pm: Community soundbaths began in the fall at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center as an opportunity to check-in and acknowledge the power of connection. Hosted by The Sound Mind Garden, these group experiences boast the ability to decompress and reflect. The first one of the year has doors at 5:30pm with a sharp 6pm time; sliding scale fee can be sent up to the Wednesday before the event. If you can’t make the January installment, February 10 will be the next occurrence.
Saturday 1/8 - 8am-1pm: Project Phoenix is nearly ready to make its debut in the city of 29 Palms. The development plan includes a new 4,100 square foot Joshua Tree National Park Cultural and Visitor Center, as well as other features like a three-block long Paseo serving the businesses along Rt. 62. The 29 Palms Farmers Market moves to Project Phoenix officially on January 8 and will call this new location home. Stop by for a mini celebration and peruse local goods.
Friday 1/14 - 7pm: the Old Schoolhouse Lecture series picks back up with a talk by Kim Stringfellow. Part of The Mojave Project - exploring the physical, geological and cultural landscape of the Mojave Desert - "Nevada Test Sites” will be discussed during this lecture offering, presented by The Desert Institute. Doors open at 6:15pm, lecture at 7pm. Admission is $5 paid at the door of the Old Schoolhouse Museum.
DON’T MISS THIS
Inspiration abounds living amongst the Joshua trees, so it’s no wonder you can’t throw a cholla branch in any direction without hitting an artist. Several opportunities are upcoming for visual and performing artists to participate in both local, and international, shows:
The San Bernardino County Arts Council has an open call for artwork for The Land of Milk and Honey. The exhibition will inaugurate in 2022 and continue throughout 2023, with plans to be held at multiple arts institutions in California and Mexico. The call is looking for dynamic proposals that navigate discourses and notions around labor, food (in)security, environmental impacts, land use, farming practices, and food justice in the binational region of California and Baja California. Due January 3; click here for more info.
Joshua Tree Distilling Company has a call out for local artists to grace new works on the walls for guests to enjoy during tours and tastings. The first show, which included works by Carla Seymour, Ilan Leas, and Zachary J.F. Boyles, provided colorful and playful depiction of the natural landscapes of the Basin. The next show goes up January 6; contact JTDC directly to provide your submission.
Art In Public Places 29 has a call out for APRICITY - The Warmth of Sun in Winter running January 8-April 1. Desert artists are invited to submit an original piece of art for the group exhibition. Works can be delivered Friday, January 7 between 11am-1pm. For more information and submission details, click here.
SHIT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT
SYSCA is taking a break for this edition, because my god. We cared about so much shit in 2021 and mama is tired.
WORTH THE DRIVE
The Palm Springs Vintage Market kicks off the first Sunday of next month down the hill. Held monthly at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, it is one of the largest markets in the area boasting modernist furniture and housewares, vintage wares and clothing, and everything in between. January 2’s edition also has killer food options, including:
• Chef Tanya's Kitchen - vegan goodies and chai
• Carousel Bakery - coffee, pastries, desserts and sandwiches
• Mariscos Las Poblanas - fresh Mex foods and jugo frescas
• The Best Cookie - locally made, fresh baked cookies
• Gelato Granucci - locally made Italian style Gelato
Snagging tickets in advance is recommended; entry starts at $5. Click here for more info.
That’s it for this edition. Thanks for reading! See you next year.
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About me:
I’m Jenn, a hi-desert orb since 2019. I moved to Joshua Tree completely independent of the pandemic and now can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Amado in Spanish means “beloved.” It was important to me when naming this newsletter Amado that I focus on the center of it all: events that bring us together. As a new person in a new place, I wanted to immerse myself and get to know the community that would be my support system. In my short time as a local, I have found that the heart of the desert lies in its people - and the way we have formed communities to forge our bonds, especially during COVID-19, has been my own personal saving grace.
I love sharing things that I am interested in, and appreciate you are too! Til the next time.
Amado aims to be published every Friday, pending an existential crisis. If that’s the case, it may be published on Saturday mornings. Sign up here so you don’t miss the next issue. Full archive of past newsletters can be accessed here.
Disclaimer: I founded and run The Grand Calavera, an events and production company for hire. Some events listed here from time to time may be special projects I am working on or have a relationship with. Like me on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (shameless plug).
Feedback, ideas and more can be sent to thegrandcalavera@gmail.com.