THEATRE 29
Press release
For immediate release
​February 8, 2019
Contact: Gary Daigneault, 760-366-8471

​Let’s get intimate – and try your best not to laugh…
 
The Baker's Dozen, Theatre 29’s resident improvisation troupe, have set the standard for improvisational comedy, craziness, mayhem and good old-fashioned gut-busting laughter. Now they are back, with a new attitude, a new look and a trimmed down layout that will be faster, funnier and more inventive than ever before. If you’ve seen them before, you’ve never seen them like THIS!
 
Our February 16 show, “Couples Therapy,” features host Katie Fleischman leading a fearsome foursome of star-crossed improvisers – Graham Cooley, Chris Fleischman, Charles Harvey, and Cody Joseph – through a series of games, each with their own unique, unscripted hijinks. Guest performing with the familiar faces of the Baker’s Dozen will be one of the stars of Theatre 29’s upcoming production of Oklahoma, Grace Rodriguez.  It is the season of love, or not, as the case may be. We're gonna have some fun with this one!
 
In addition to debuting several new games, this month’s featured troupe members are excited to perform in this more traditional format. With such an intimate gathering of passionate improvisers, expect record levels of hilarity in this high-energy, rapid fire format.
 
Ticket prices for General Admission, Military, and Seniors $10.00 and $7.00 for students with ID. Theatre 29 2019 Season Ticket holders can attend one performance at no charge. Reservations can be made online at www.theatre29.org or by calling the theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.  These shows sell quickly, don’t miss your seat! 

Graphics:
Gary Daigneault
Program/News Director, KCDZ, Z107.7FM
Associated Press Hall of Fame, 2010
 
President, Theatre 29
President, Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms
 
760-366-8471
www.z1077fm.com
www.theatre29.org

29 Palms, CA – Amateur photographers and astronomers are set to descend on the Mojave Desert from February 8-10 to celebrate the third anniversary of Mojave Trails National Monument. The weekend’s festivities are open to the public: a photo-led talk by the monument manager, a 29 Palms birthday celebration, an Insta Meet and star gazing party, and volunteer stewardship. Events are being coordinated by Visit 29 Palms and the Mojave Desert Land Trust and will include the participation of the Bureau of Land Management.
 
February 12, 2019 marks the third anniversary of the designation of Mojave Trails National Monument, which at 1.6 million acres, is the largest national monument in the 48 contiguous states. Linking Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve, Mojave Trails National Monument provides critical wildlife corridors, and protects archaeological and scientific wonders, stunning scenery, and important bighorn sheep and desert tortoise habitat. To celebrate the anniversary, Visit 29 Palms and the Mojave Desert Land Trust have planned events in Joshua Tree, 29 Palms, and within the monument at Amboy Crater.
 
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark is an incredible natural wonder, and an example of a very symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. It’s around 80,000 years old, and is one of the most pristine cinder cones in the Mojave Desert. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973. The crater used to be a popular stop for travelers on Route 66 between the 1920 and 1960s, before the I-40 was built. Mojave Trails National Monument is home not only to rugged mountain ranges, pristine sand dunes, historic Native America trading routes and incredible WWII history, it is also home to the longest, undeveloped stretches of the iconic Route 66. As the Mother Road, it is arguably the most famous highway in America—perhaps in the world. “Mojave Trails National Monument is a true desert experience. It has everything from pristine sand dunes and sweeping vistas to ghost towns and the open road. It is also a chance for people to experience utter silence. This weekend is a perfect opportunity to learn about everything these stunning public lands have to offer.” Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications, Mojave Desert Land Trust
 
“29 Palms is proud to be one of the gateway cities to Mojave Trails National Monument. At a time when our national parks are experiencing record visitation, we are thrilled to be able to offer visitors a chance to explore other incredible landscapes that are on our doorstep. Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark is the perfect backdrop for an Insta Meet and star party, and we are pleased to have 29 Palms Astronomy Club and the Bureau of Land Management joining in the events.” Breanne Dusastre, Director of Marketing and Tourism Development, Visit 29 Palms
 
Schedule of events:
 
Friday February 8th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Campfire Talk and Photo Show with Kyle Sullivan, Mojave Trails National Monument Manager
Mojave Desert Land Trust Headquarters, 60124 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA
A photo essay highlighting the remarkable ecology of Mojave Trails National Monument and a discussion of the history and future of this incredible landscape.
 
 
Saturday February 9th, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Mojave Trails Birthday Celebration in 29 Palms
29 Palms Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce, 73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy, 29 Palms
Learn more about the City of Palms status as an official gateway community to Mojave Trails and Route 66. Celebrate with cake, MDLT Desert Adventure Kits, and meet Mojave Trails National Monument Manager Kyle Sullivan and 29 Palms Mayor Steven Bilderain.
 
Saturday February 9th, 4:00pm to 10:00pm
lnstaMeet and Star Party with BLM photographers and the 29 Palms Astronomy Club at Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark 
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark, 16700 Crater Road, Amboy, CA 92304
Photograph the dynamic contrast of wildflowers and black lava at the Crater. BLM staff will be on hand to talk about public access opportunities and history. Then take a tour of the night sky with expert astronomers as they guide you through our celestial surroundings with large telescopes and binoculars. Follow along on Instagram #MeetUsonRoute66 #DiscovertheDesert 
 
Sunday February 10th, 7:00am to 11:00am
Trail maintenance and restoration at Amboy Crater 
Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark, 16700 Crater Road, Amboy, CA 92304
Volunteers are needed to help maintain and improve the 1.5-mile trail to Amboy Crater. This work includes defining and delineating the trail, constructing rock alignments and raking debris from the tread.
 
 
Media Contacts:
Visit 29 Palms
Breanne Dusastre, Director of Marketing and Tourism Development
Phone: (415) 827-0420
Email: bdusastre@29palms.org

​Mojave Desert Land Trust
Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications                                                          
Phone: (760) 820-2275
Email: jessica@mdlt.org
 
For more information:
https://www.visit29.org/mojave-trails-national-monument-anniversary-celebrations/

Mojave Trails National Monument Anniversary Celebrations - Visit 29
www.visit29.org
Join us for a three-day celebration Mojave Trails National Monument this February 8-10, 2019! Events include a Campfire Talk, Birthday Party, Insta Meet, Star Party, and Amboy Crater community trail work!



https://www.mdlt.org/events/

Upcoming Events - MDLT
www.mdlt.org
News. Here’s why you shouldn’t damage Joshua trees (if it’s not already obvious) “It’s heartbreaking to see these remarkable plants cut down,” Mojave Desert Land Trust Director of Plant Conservation Programs Madena Asbell said in an email.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect and care for lands with natural, scenic, and cultural value within the Mojave Desert. Since its founding in 2006 the land trust has conserved more than 72,00 acres, donating more tracts of land to the National Park Service in the last decade than any other organization. In addition to acquiring land, the land trust established a seed bank to ensure the preservation of native species. MDLT operates an onsite nursery at its Joshua Tree headquarters which propagates native species for ecosystem restoration. MDLT educates and advocates for the conservation of the desert, involving hundreds of volunteers in our work. For more information, visit mdlt.org.
 
Visit 29 Palms is the official tourism organization for the City of Twentynine Palms, a small desert city located in the Morongo Basin, California. Twentynine Palms is the proud home of Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters and north entrance, home to the 29 Palms Marine Base, and is an official gateway community to Mojave Trails National Monument and Route 66. Nestled in the Mojave Desert, its sprawling terrain is scattered with monolithic rocks and sprinkled with wildflowers during the spring season. Its skies are painted with color at dawn and dusk, with night skies bringing an abundance of stars and the stunning Milky Way. This friendly community attracts visitors and artists from all over the world who seek wide open spaces where peace and quiet flourish. Stargazing, hiking, rock climbing, wildlife, bird watching, wildflowers, cultural arts, events, food and lodging, desert hospitality and a rich history in 29! . . . It’s the perfect desert getaway. To learn more, visit Visit29.org
 

Scott Clinkscales
Reach Out Morongo Basin
(760) 361-1410
vcoordinator29@reachout29.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

​Twentynine Palms, CA: Hummingbird Haven is the second offering in Twentynine Palms and is the home of Paul Stackel and Lyn Sells. Hummingbird Haven is a 1960’s ranch-style home that was completely renovated from 2002 to 2006 by the owners. They added a dining room, master bedroom and bath, art studio, and garage. The kitchen features high ceilings and bay windows, and the home showcases American and European antiques collected while the owners lived abroad in Germany as teachers for the Department of Defense. A collection of works of art by the owner and other renowned artists grace the walls throughout.
Tickets are currently on sale for Reach Out Morongo Basin’s 15th Annual Parade of Homes. For the first time, tickets are available to purchase online through the Reach Out Morongo Basin website (reachoutmb.org). Along with online purchases, those interested in attending the self-guided home tour can purchase tickets at the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce, the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Z107.7FM Radio Station, the Desert Trail office, Cowboy Attic, Park Rock Café, and ArtFX & Furnishings. Tickets are also available at the Reach Out Morongo Basin offices in Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley and at every home on the day of the tour. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets purchased online are $27 to include processing and fees.
For more information, please call (760) 361-1410, email director@reachout29.org, or visit Reach Out Morongo Basin’s website at reachoutmb.org. See you on the tour!
Reach Out Morongo Basin is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in the Morongo Basin. The purpose of the organization is to network with area congregations and partner with local agencies to provide support, assistance, education, and referral services to people with needs in the Morongo Basin. For two decades, Reach Out Morongo Basin has been providing services such as transportation to medical appointments, yard work, minor home repairs, and more to those in the Morongo Basin who are seniors and/or disabled – some of whom are veterans.

Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Phone: (760) 367-5535/Fax: (760) 367-5583
E-mail: desertinstitute@joshuatree.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joshua Tree, CA– Discover the mystery of the enigmatic symbols left behind by the Indigenous Peoples with Archaeologist Daniel McCarthy. McCarthy will lead participants on an ancient path that provides a glimpse into the life of the Native Nations through pictographs and petroglyphs preserved in stone. This one-day field class will carpool from the Coachella Valley out to Corn Springs into the Salton Sea area and up to Idyllwild and include trips to at least three archaeological sites. Participants will not only have the thrill of seeing rock carvings and paintings in their original setting but will learn what is known of their stories. Class discussions will focus on the people who made these images, how they were created, and their importance to those who created them and to us today. This is a great opportunity to see these images and ponder their significance with an expert archaeologist. The class will also learn about the seasonal patterns across the landscape of the Native Peoples, their places of habitation, and the reason they traveled. Participants will drive about 200 miles during the class. Carpooling is recommended.

Date/ Time: Sunday, February 17, 8 am – 6 pm

Meet at: Pilot Travel Center (SW corner of I-10 and N. Indian Canyon Drive)
6605 N. Indian Canyon Drive, North Palm Springs, CA 92258

Fee: $70 JTNPA members/ $80 non members

Sign up: www.joshuatree.org
(760) 367-5539

For further press information, please call Kevin Wong, Desert Institute Director
(760) 367-5539.

The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Tel. 760 367-5535 / Fax 760 367-5583
Email: desertinstitute@joshuatree.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​
Summit Monument Peak

Cottonwood, CA – This strenuous, cross country hike takes you to the top of the seldom visited high point of the Hexie Mountains, Monument Mountain (Elev. 4814’). The Hexie Mountains are a small range of west to east running mountains within the Park. This 6.4 mile round trip hike follows the southeast ridge of the mountain up to the base of the rocky, cone-shaped summit, where an easy rock scramble leads to the top. Once on top there is a commanding 360 degree view that includes the Cottonwood, Eagle and Pinto Mountains, and portions of the vast Pinto Basin. Total elevation gain is 1700’.

Date/Time: Saturday, February 16, 8:00 am – Late Afternoon

Meet at: Cottonwood Visitor Center
Cottonwood Springs Rd exit off of Highway 10

Fee: $35 for JTNPA/PINE members, $45 non members

Sign up: www.joshuatree.org
(760) 367-5539

The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Tel. 760 367-5535 / Fax 760 367-5583
Email: desertinstitute@joshuatree.org
​
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joshua Tree, CA – The ultimate goal of survival training is to prevent survival situations from occurring in the first place. However, when survival is unavoidable, mindset, skills and improvisation are key. Learn the essential considerations needed to safely explore the sometimes harsh and often challenging desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. This workshop will provide an introduction to the fundamental thought processes, skills and knowledge needed to survive in desert regions and the hazards associated with desert travel. In this field class at Lost Horse Campground, students will become familiar with survival considerations, decision making processes, (what works, what doesn’t and why). Concepts such as starting a fire, emergency shelters, water procurement, signaling, an overview of heat and cold-related injuries, hazards, and survival kits for car and backpack, will also are discussed. Kelly Crawford will teach the physical skills, tools and mental processes that will help prepare participants to safely discover some of the most beautiful and most dangerous habitats of the world; and survive, should it become necessary. The class will also emphasize that failing to plan or prepare and over-reliance on personal digital equipment (GPS and cell phones) can lead to catastrophic results. Learn how to be self-reliant and not become a Search and Rescue statistic.

Date/Time: Saturday, February 17, 9 am – 4 pm

Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center
6554 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree, CA

Fee: $70 for JTNPA members, $80 nonmembers

Sign up: www.joshuatree.org
760-367-5539

For further press information, please call Kevin Wong,
Program Coordinator, Desert Institute (760) 367-5539.

JOSHUA TREE, CA — Greater Joshua Tree’s arts education leader and award-winning ARTS|TECH ACADEMY program division of the Hi-Desert Cultural Center is proud to announce its new schedule of over 30 youth and adult arts courses for the Spring 2019 semester beginning the week of January 28th.  Classes for young children, youth, and adults will be held at the Palmer Performance Hall and Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree and also at the new Yucca Valley Visual & Performing Arts Center.
 
The ARTS|TECH ACADEMY offers a wide range of recurring and all new classes this semester, including Art 4 Kids! (joining our music and theater kids classes for 1st through 3rd graders), Ceramics for Small Hands, American Comic Book, Watercolor and Mixed Media classes, Acting, Improv, Movement Improvement, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Musical Theater and Jazz Dance, Guitar, Piano, Music Theory, Drum Set, Percussion Ensemble, and many more.  The academy is proud to welcome to its faculty new teachers this year, including Mariah Austin and Delaina Fields (dance), Jered Palmer (drawing), Haley Kooyman (stage movement), Greg Gordon (percussion), and Selina Phanara (ceramics).
 
Generous financial aid is available so that no child is unable to participate due to his or her socioeconomic situation.  In addition, the Cultural Center is an approved vendor for Valiant Preparatory Academy and Springs Charter School, offering exceptional after school enrichment courses in the visual and performing arts.
 
To learn more about these incredible offerings, as well as future ones—plus the Cultural Center’s sensational season of concerts, plays, readings and art gallery exhibitions—please go to www.hidesertculturalcenter.org and click on “Contact” and “Join Mailing List” or call 760.366.3777 x3.  Online registration and financial aid applications for the Spring can be found at www.hidesertculturalcenter.org/education.
 
PHOTO CAPTION: ArtsTech Academy students perform as part of one of its award-winning programs.  The academy has opened enrollment for its Spring 2019 semester of adult and youth visual and performing arts courses.
_________________________________________________
ABOUT HI-DESERT CULTURAL CENTER
With its multi-venue performing and visual arts centers located in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, California, the Hi-Desert Cultural Center (HDCC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation (Federal Tax ID# 23-7425816) that has been serving as the regional performing and visual arts organization and arts agency for the gateway communities of Joshua Tree National Park for more than 50 years.  The Cultural Center owns and operates its own performance venues and facilities and produces award-winning community and professional live theater, concerts, art exhibits and galleries, festivals, the Joshua Tree Philharmonic symphony orchestra, a master chorus, an artist residency for veterans, an extensive educational arts and technology academy program for youth and adults, and more.  The Cultural Center is the largest and oldest non-profit arts organization in the region with several million dollars in assets, employing over 30 full-time and part-time employees, and with an annual budget exceeding half-a-million dollars.  Having achieved GuideStar Gold status and recognized as an organization of artistic excellence by the National Endowment for the Arts, it instructs over 700 adults and youth weekly and operates a significant financial aid and scholarship program so that no children are turned away from programs due to their socioeconomic situation.  Learn more at: www.hidesertculturalcenter.org

​

"​Pathways” and “Differences in Common” on Exhibit at the 29 Palms Art Gallery.  Opening Reception Feb. 2, 5-7 p.m.

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2019) – Images of figurative landscapes and abandoned desert buildings are on exhibit in paintings, multi-media works and photography at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, Jan. 31 – Feb. 24, 2019. Join the artists Janis Commentz, Hunter Johnson, Dennis Johnson, and exhibiting 29 Palms Artists’ Guild members for wine and refreshments at an opening reception, Feb. 2 from 5-7 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Pathways” by Janis Commentz features large and small figurative and landscape oil, acrylic and mixed media paintings that explore four decades of living in the Mojave Desert and how the human figure confronts the elements.

“Art is a pathway to explore ourselves, our relationships with each other and our relationships to the environment,” says Commentz. “Few paths are direct; detours make our existence more interesting.”

“Differences in Common” examines how desert artists Dennis Johnson and Hunter Johnson have explored the American West together over the last five years. (The two share the same last name but are not related). Hunter Johnson uses a mirrorless digital camera to create traditional photographic prints and photogravure etchings. Dennis Johnson is a painter, printmaker and graphic designer. Both focus on buildings and structures where man’s influence has come and gone, leaving an ephemeral mark on the landscape. Their exhibition depicts works of the same scene, from different points of view.

The exhibitions are at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, 74055 Cottonwood Drive, Twentynine Palms. For details, visit www.29palmsartgallery.com or call 760-367-7819, Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The 29 Palms Art Gallery is the oldest arts organization in the Morongo Basin and was founded by a group of desert artists and famed painter John Hilton in 1951. It is located in a historic adobe built in 1936 near the Oasis of Mara as a home for western author Tom Hopkins. Since 1963, Artists' Guild members have operated the non-profit organization, gallery and gift shop in the adobe near Joshua Tree National Park. The gallery also hosts seasonal events and art classes for all ages. To learn more, visit www.29palmsartgallery.com 

 
The 29 Palms Community Food Pantry (Feed 29), and the 29 Palms Elks Lodge #2134 will be co-hosting a Valentine’s weekend Bingo Night on Friday, February 15, 2019. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge, located at 6501 Barranca St, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, with early bird games starting at 6pm. Regular games will follow at 7pm.
Tickets, $25, include one early bird and one regular pack of cards as well as dinner. Dinner will feature homemade chili and grilled dogs with a drink. Additional drinks and food items will be available for purchase.
Participants will be invited to enter a raffle for a large homemade quilt plus the opportunity to bid silently on a basket of local treasures.
After BINGO winnings are paid out, proceeds from the event will be shared between the two local non-profits.
Feed 29 will also be collecting non-perishable foods for donation.
For more information visit our Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/feed29 or contact Ashley Smith at ashleysmithconsulting@gmail.com, 703-268-1787
 


Graphics:
Feed 29 logo
BINGO night event flyer

The 29 Palms Community Food Pantry (Feed 29), hosts a monthly USDA food giveaway at 6450 Stardune Ave. 29 Palms, CA. 92277, on the Tuesday following the third Monday of every month, 9 am – 11am (except holidays). Local residents of 29 Palms, Wonder Valley, Desert Heights and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) are invited to participate. Participants may pick up for their household as well as an additional household with a note. Each household is given the same amount of food no matter the number of occupants. No additional paperwork or identification is required.
Participants are encouraged to bring two grocery bags or a container that is equal in space, to carry food items.

For more information visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/feed29. For information on volunteering, contact Ashley Smith at ashleysmithconsulting@gmail.com or 703-268-1787.
​
2019 Dates
Jan. 15, 9-11am
Feb. 12, 9-11am
Mar. 19, 9-11am
Apr. 16, 9-11am
May 21, 9-11am
Jun. 18, 8-10am (Summer Hours)
Jul. 22, 8-10am (Summer Hours)
Aug. 20, 8-10am (Summer Hours)
Sept. 17, 9-11am
Oct. 22, 9-11am
Nov. 19, 9-11am
Dec. 17, 9-11am
Graphics:
Feed 29 logo
Feed 29 Flyer