Joshua Tree Association of Musicians and Songwriters
A division of New Moon Records
PO Box 203
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
www.new-moon-records.com
Editorials and comments for the week FEB 18, 2009
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Hey, Hey, Hey-
Well, oops! Late post this week. Busy week mastering a great classic Native American (2 disk) recording for Condor Records. I had been planning to retire in the next few years and devote all my time to pet projects (like JAMS). Crunching the numbers currently, I should be able to retire by age 135.
Still, despite the absence of my wiseacerings (some would say that improves the post!), we have a lot of good comments and a very good ‘announcements’ from Al. Barbara also has current gigs up on the site.
Following is a very important piece on the environment relating to what’s going on politically with renewable energy:
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Could green kill the desert? If we're not careful, our rush to produce green energy could do irrevocable damage to some fragile California ecosystems. By Bruce M. Pavlik February 15, 2009
California's desert lands are in some ways a perfect fit with the renewable energy industries necessary to combat climate change. There's sun. There's wind. There's space.
But without careful planning and regulation, these "climate solutions" could irrevocably damage the planet they are intended to protect.
The biologically rich but arid desert ecosystems are remarkably fragile. Once topsoil and plant life have been disrupted for the placement of solar arrays, wind farms, power plants, transmission lines and CO2 scrubbers, restoration would be cost-prohibitive, if not technically impossible. And widespread desert construction -- even of projects aimed at environmental mitigation -- would devastate the very organisms and ecosystems best able to adjust to a warming world.
Nevertheless, there is a public land rush underway. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is processing more than 180 permit applications from private companies to build solar and wind projects in the California deserts.
One such venture, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, will begin construction this year in a beautiful valley near the California-Nevada border in San Bernardino County. It will occupy 3,400 acres, and that doesn't include the land needed for transmission lines.
Most projects are even larger, averaging 8,000 acres, with a few exceeding 20,000 acres. The total public land under consideration for alternative energy production exceeds 1.45 million acres in this state alone.
The scale of some proposals borders on fantasy. One Columbia University scientist, Wallace Broecker, has proposed installing 60 million CO2 scrubbers, each a 50-foot-tall tower, throughout the world's deserts -- 17 million of them in the United States -- for the purpose of capturing greenhouse gases.
One appeal of locating projects in remote regions is that there isn't as much NIMBYism in those areas, so approvals can be easier to get. But there is another way. Why not install scrubbers in parking garages, skyscrapers, transit tunnels and other existing structures? Existing commercial and residential rooftops, landfills, marginal agricultural lands and mine sites could readily accommodate these green technologies, and we would be creating energy closer to where it is needed.
At this point in the evolution of our ecological psychology, we need to acknowledge the true costs of any energy development. When a dam is built, a river is lost. But people who turn on their tap and draw that water rarely think about the river that was destroyed to produce it. Similarly, if we choose to place our "ugly" industrial technologies in the wilderness, there will be less awareness of the damage, less incentive to conserve.
The out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach to solving such problems exacerbates parochial thinking and reduces the obligation of each citizen to contribute by consuming less, or by allowing solar panels to be installed on rooftops.
Besides, haven't we learned these lessons from the destruction of other valuable ecosystems? We now spend billions of dollars every year to repair levees and restore wetlands that never should have been "reclaimed" in the name of land development.
Although the government should be encouraging alternative energy, the cumulative effects of projects need to be analyzed across the entire desert landscape. Many are within or adjacent to designated wilderness, desert tortoise habitats, archaeological sites and the BLM's areas of critical environmental concern. Roads, rails and aqueducts already harm desert bighorn sheep and other sensitive species while spreading weeds, increasing fire frequency and degrading the life-giving qualities of the native vegetation.
Such large-scale effects cannot be addressed on a project-by-project basis, as is done through the existing environmental review process. We need effective, desert-wide planning that engages the major public and private stakeholders that determine the fate of California desert land.
The costs of industrializing the biologically rich California deserts will be measured in terms of species extinction, ecosystem degradation and the perpetuation of human self-deception.
We know better than to rush. A cautious, informed and integrated approach will secure sustainable, clean energy without sacrificing the future of these precious lands.
Bruce M. Pavlik is a professor of biology at Mills College, Oakland, and the author of "The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery."
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Be well
“Work like you don't need the money… Love like you've never been hurt… Dance like nobody's watching… Sing like nobody's listening… Stay in tune”…. Da prez
We now (thanks to Mike Mucklow) have the gig calendar set up on the JAMS website, and now you can post your own gigs there. Check it out at:
http://new-moon-records.com/jams/index.php?option=com_gigcal&task=calendar
(Thanks to Barbara Buckland for “who Is’, and editing the gigs, and Al Murdy for editing the announcements (attached)- you can find both and much more at:
http://new-moon-records.com/jams/index.php
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**Comments**
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Michael Phelps needs to give NO apology, he was just acting like a normal kid! Besides of course winning NINE GOLD MEDALS at the Olympics? BUT, Neil Phelps owes the Morongo Basin a HUGE apology for coming here from Vegas or KY and trying to ruin our scenic area! Blotting out our night skies after slaughtering several Joshua Trees for what? Cars???!!! Something no one needs and is SO not even of interest. Joshua Tree Hugger, Babs
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You can join the movement to indict Bush Administration officials who committed war crimes, "legalized" torture, and engaged in massive illegal spying and wiretapping against the American people. Click this link if you support the indictment of George W. Bush and other high officials.
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Attached are the comments we made to the Eagle Crest Energy Company's proposed hydroelectric project at Eagle Mountain (see ‘dump comments’)
In Solidarity, Donna Charpied, Executive Director Citizens for the Chuckwalla Valley PO Box 397 Desert Center CA 92239 stopthedump@yahoo..com
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Hi Steve,
the band and i will be out there friday and saturday playing the palms and pappy's with me and my 3 amazing singers - the rhthym section will be joining us at pappy's. We're called The Honorable DHC. thanks, dean (chamberlain)
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Subject: Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino Video
If you wonder how good 60's music ever got, you can say you saw it here. Three of the iconic rock masters jamming it old school. If this doesn't get to you, call 911 because you may have a life threatening problem . . .(These are not my words, but they are pretty close-Dale)
http://vodpod.com/watch/1116988-ray-charles-jerry-lee-lewis-fats-domino
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Intro to Salsa Dancing Workshop (101) Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
11am to 1pm Cost: $7 per person Pre-registration required. Call us at 760-534-9696 or pay online at www.icandance.com/payment.asp to save your spot. See you on the dance floor, Lori & Luis luis@icandance.com www.icandance.com
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2009 11th Annual Los Angeles Salsa Congress “Creating Unity Through Salsa” MAY 21st to MAY 24th, 2009 -LAX Radisson Hotel The Hotel at the Los Angeles Airport
6225 W. Century
Rosa Ficara Chef at Ricochet www.rosaatricochet.com www.ricochetjoshuatree.com (760)366-1898
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Friday Feb. 20th 2009 -The Sibleys, Shari Elf, Faye Davis, & Mike Neal, Dean Chamberlain and friends Music starts @ 7:00 p.m
Saturday Feb 21 2009 -The Sibleys Whispering Pines Music starts @ 8:00 p.m.
@The Palms
83131 Amboy rd 29 Palms, 361-2810, www.palmswv.com
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Hi Steve, Just wanted to let everyone know that the play "Marion Bridge" that just opened at the Groves Cabin Theater is EXCELLENT. If you are interested in theater this is one you don't want to miss. Our friends Donette Swain, Sue Bradley and Julie, give great performances. Don't miss out! Call 365-4323 for reservations.
Regards! Stephanie Kern
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I would like to invite you to join myself and Studio Godot gallery owner and artist Sydney McCutcheon this Saturday evening for the opening reception of Revolutionary Aperture. The show will feature works by Sydney and Fidel Castro's personal photographer, Ernesto Fernandez. Studio Godot is where The Sun Runner is based, here at the Art Queen complex. Cheers, Steve
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Temecula, California – The Temecula Music Fest has announced on its website www.TemeculaMusicFest.com
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Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in his 19th annual California tour at the following locations in Southern & Central California. After 18 years of showing up in January, he decided to stay home with his young family, and to make a new CD, which will be available for the first time for this tour. His complete schedule is always available at http://www.woodpecker.com/concert-schedule.html and you can read a little bit about his new CD "Blues & Branches" at http://www.woodpecker.com/recordings/bluesbranches/blues.branches.html
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The Joshua Tree Retreat Center (Mentalphysics) will host Community Drum Circles Tues., Feb. 24, 7 – 9 PM, and Sat., Feb. 28, 1:30 – 3:30 PM, in Friendship Hall. Both will be facilitated by local percussionist Sam Sloneker. The Tuesday circle will be in honor of Mardi Gras’ “Fat Tuesday” and the New Moon; costumes are encouraged. Participants are invited to bring drums, shakers, tambourines, etc.--a number of instruments will also be available at the event. Those interested in additional playing tips and having individual questions answered are invited to come at 1:00 PM on Sat. There is no charge to attend, though a suggested donation of $5 per participant or $10 per family will be welcomed and appreciated. The JTRC is located at 59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy. in Joshua Tree—on the north side of the Highway, just east of the intersection of La Contenta Rd./Yucca Mesa Rd. Friendship Hall is to the right of the main entrance by the Caravansary. For additional information please call the Center at 760-365-8371 …Sam
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This is a big moment for me..my new EP Lovers and Fools drops March 5!! I play and program most everything, and round out the sound with super good musicians from Nashville and Seattle. There some poprockers (She Makin Me Crazy, Lovers and Fools, Got to Be More), a piano ballad (Leave the Light On for Me), a sad acoustic number (Feel Like Burnin), and a cover of Neil Young's Heart of Gold. I worked on this record all year, and i love each song...You have to check it out! And if you live in Nashville, I'm having a big fat record release show at The Basement on Thursday March 5. I would love for you to come! This is the must-see-Korby show for everyone in the greater Nashville area. Yes, yes. If you can't come, or don't feel like flying across country from the West Coast, all is not lost. You can still get a copy of the record. I will tell you how, next week. One other thing: I have a channel now on Pandora Radio! I found this out when fans emailed to say they keep hearing Billygoat and Papercuts beside Wilco and John Mayer. Go to http://www.pandora.com and search Korby Lenker. Oh, my friends. I love it all….Korby
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stimulate this !
Let's face it, times are tough. Spend wisely and make your travel time really matter with multiple experiences in one locale. Shake it all off with a weekend of music and solidarity and art in the peaceful environs of the magical mojave. Dig phenomenal live music for less than $4 a band, and Just Say No to "convenience fees". Go for more than just music; revel in the great outdoors with a community of celebrants. In the stimulus spirit, we've extended the $80 EARLY BIRD offer thru March 1st. If your friends are fence straddling, spread the good word. Let's boogie to the bottom, and bring it back up again.
Four ways to get in on the experience:
FRIENDS OF THE FEST: Help support our mission of providing phenomenal live music in a magical setting. This happens twice a year sans sponsors & investors, keeping things organic and intimate. All for the love of music & the positive effects it has on the mind, body, spirit & soul. To find out about a raging backstage party & more, check out: FRIENDS
STREET TEAM & ONLINE PROMO: Earn festival passes, cd's & t-shirts by helping spread the good word to fellow music lovers. For all the scoop, click on: : PROMO WE GO
VOLUNTEER: Be part of the festival crew. Help out in return for a festival pass. Download & return the: : VOL INFO SHEET
EARLY BIRD TICKETS: Score a three day festival pass right now for just $80. No Service Charges. No Kidding. Limited amount left. To buy now click on: : TICKETS
Dig hundreds of phenomenal PHOTOS from the festival, click on: SLIDESHOWS. For a recent article in JAMBASE.
Complete line up, info & tix: www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com
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http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-estelle-bennett14-2009feb14,0,2459463.story
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On Sunday, March 1 , Kokopelli's Lounge in Yucca Valley will present their 1940's Swing Dance Night from 5:00 PM to 9 PM. Cover charge is $5 and there is no age limit.
The doors open at 4.00 pm. You can enjoy dinner or take part in an East Coast Swing Dance lesson taught by Christopher Perry at 5:30 pm. Then, from 6:00 to 9:00pm enjoy dining and dancing with vintage Big Band music and rare World War 2 V Discs by DJ and Music Historian "Dr. Swing". You do not need to bring a partner to participate in the dance lesson. Dance partners are rotated throughout the lesson.
For information on any of these dance classes, contact Christopher Perry at 760-365-0475.
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Theatre 29 Spreads The Love With “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”
Theatre 29 and director Charles Harvey proudly announce the opening of the second production of Theatre 29’s 2009 season, the charmingly whimsical Off-Broadway hit musical revue, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”.
This hysterical musical about the foibles and delights of relationships, will take the stage for five weeks beginning March 6th through April 4th.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” will run weekends beginning March 6th, through April 4th, 2009, with performances beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There also will be a Thursday performance, at 7 p.m. March 19th and a Sunday matinee, at 2:30 p.m. March 29th.
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“Groove is everything”
da prez
