Welcome to the third Amado newsletter! Full of things to love and do in the hi desert (™️ forthcoming).
Last week I talked about what it means to be “local.” A fun, separate tangent emerged from that contemplation: what it means to belong. Once you get here, how do you find your people?
The older I become, the more I recognize the hardship in finding new weirdos to become staples in my life. Being in school, in a big city, or at a place of work with communal desks - these are all places ripe with new faces and an opportunity to make a friend. But when you’ve graduated college, are living in a remote area, and working from home? Shit’s harder.
I think this is part of the reason I created Amado. Subconsciously at least. That when we talk about being a local, we’re also talking about belonging. Community. Feeling encouraged. In our lowest of lows and highest of highs (with or without the help of a DHS dispensary), who is going to be there? To celebrate and keep it real with you and be your emergency support system? Because once you arrive in the glorious vast void that is the Mojave, what happens after?
Belonging is hard already when you have resources at your fingertips. But if the baby cottontails and quails in my yard prove anything, it’s that anyone can be in harmony if they want to try. (Also, maybe you’ll meet someone at an event listed here today. That would be super cute.)
What’s going on this week? So glad you asked!
HAPPENINGS
Friday 7/9 and Saturday 7/10 - HeyThere Projects has a stacked art weekend planned at their downtown Joshua Tree location. Catch the last day of the “Lost Then Found” exhibition on July 9, featuring artists Seonna Hong, John Broadley, and Richard Nickel. Each creator blends a contemporary, nostalgic, and vibrant feel to the backspace of Mincing Mockingbird. On July 10, the art space debuts “Summer Spectacular Group Show,” featuring multi disciplinary works at an affordable price point. A preview of available pieces can be found here. If you can’t make it to the opening, the group show is open to the public through September 10, and artworks can be purchased online.
Saturday 7/10 - 9am: It may seem counterintuitive to head to a different desert when we already live in one. That’s why it is genius that Mojave National Preserve is debuting virtual programming in honor of ‘Diggin' It, The Science of Breaking Ground.’ In conjunction with San Bernardino County & the Victor Valley Museums, you can sip your morning coffee while also being glued to your phone, learning about the science of archeology. Part of the program will feature a segment called 'Preserve Petroglyphs,' a conversation with MNP archeologist Dave Nichols. View the free live-feed here or here.
Saturday 7/10 - 10am: Basin photographer and multi-media artist Rose Cefalu is debuting summer sunprint (cyanotype) workshops to utilize the strong UV index here in the desert. Drinks, snacks, and a step-by-step walk through are included in the experience. Bring your own objects, or use the wealth of items the artist has in store, for inspiration in making six unique prints. Open to ages 8 and older. Book directly with Cefalu for workshop spots, and see additional dates for her workshop in July here.
Saturday 7/10 - 4pm: Madre Mezcal is hosting a launch party for Desert Water at Red Dog Saloon. Mezcal, music, art, and more is promised alongside DJ sets by Reverberation Radio and Chulita Vinyl Club. Go for the mezcal, stay for the vegan mushroom tacos and epic sunsets. Advance reservation is required.
Saturday 7/10 and Sunday 7/11 - The End is hosting a trunk show by Scarletinni Originals. Score your next vintage-inspired piece here, knowing that it was made by hand using vintage & deadstock fabric (and with love). A two-piece featured in the preview is really speaking to me. The brick-and-mortar store will also be open during the special event. For more info and flyer, click here.
Wednesday 7/14 - 6pm: Swordfish Pub is slowly bringing back its in-person trivia night on Wednesday nights. I personally can’t wait to wolf down a burger and a cold beer in 105°weather. Also crinkle fries. The bar usually posts a day or two in advance if trivia is going to take place; confirm on their Facebook events page before heading over.
DON’T MISS THIS
Wind Walkers Medicine Wheel had a sold out run of their Wild West (Sh!t) Show last month, and July’s production of Shakespeare in Revue promises similar speed. The venue is currently producing a JT Theatre Under the Stars summer theatre series that has been well loved and received. For Shakespeare, the stories of Macbeth, the Taming of the Shrew, and more are reimagined...retold...and maybe re-mixed? As the bio says, ‘Me thinks this is something with which is not to be trifled. Get thee to the theatre!’ Shows begin July 9 and end July 18. Snag your advance tickets here and don’t snooze - the capacity of the outdoor theatre is limited.
The 29 Palms Parks & Recreation Center just released dates for their All Star Arts Summer Program, open to students ages 7-14. Screenprinting, clay, drawing and more are offered sessions during the four week program, culminating with a student exhibition on August 13. The program is free to participate, but advance registration is required. Click here for more info. Classes begin July 19.
Lastly - it seems like everyone this week was talking about The Dandy Warhols being added to the opening night of Pioneertown International Film Festival on August 27. They join a lineup that already includes a showcase screening of ‘The Last Manhunt’ starring Jason Momoa (filmed nearby in Banning), Jennifer Nicholson and Melissa Hellman presenting the Acid Westerns of Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson (yes, their dads!), an Old Timers Pioneertown Story Hour, and more. Festival passes can be purchased here through July 14 or until sold out. Note that the page states that ticketing is limited to full festival passes which encompass the entire weekend event. No individual or separate tickets are available.
SHIT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT
It’s July, which also means just like humans, snakes are trying to find water, shelter, and food. I will not profess to know everything there is about our reptilian friends (I do love a good kingsnake), so I will gladly leave it up to the professionals like Danielle Wall. She has already surpassed 500 snakes that she has relocated and counting. Snakes can get trapped under houses, in chicken wire, in traps, or other precarious situations. In many instances, they are harmless and just looking for refuge. They are vital to keeping the desert ecosystem balanced and I personally love knowing the rosy boa and kingsnakes I see on occasion are handling those kangaroo mice. If you need assistance relocating or removing a snake on your property, click here for more info to contact and support our own local Snake Lady.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Booze and animals have always held a special place in my heart - both separately and together. So when Boozehounds Palm Springs opened their doors recently as a dog-friendly bar, I gave props where props were due. The establishment has been hosting an Adopt Don’t Pop Adoption all week in honor of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and it ends tomorrow (July 9).
The focus for the adoption run has actually been on kittens, as summertime is peak cat mating season. Take home a tiny murder muffin with razor blades for feet today! All kittens are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and ready for a new home. Boozehounds also has assembled adoption starter kits for new would-be fur parents. If you can’t make the adoption event but want to still support the cause, donations can be made here. The PS Animal Shelter is the only no-kill, public animal shelter in the Coachella Valley.
That’s it for this edition. Thanks for reading!
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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 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 is published every Thursday. 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. Like me on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (shameless plug).
Feedback, ideas and more can be sent to thegrandcalavera@gmail.com.