La Quinta Cove

LQ impresario, Eddie Gilreath, pulled together a wonderful evening for First Friday (on the 3rd).  Another overflow crowd heard a balance of biographical sketches on Eubie Blake, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, and Paul Robeson, interspersed with video clips and live renditions of some of their most notable music.  Instructive and entertaining. Here’s Eddie at the podium:

Here’s Yve Evans singing Lena Horne’s “Stormy Weather” http://youtu.be/vrOedqTugQ0

And here’s Perry L. Brown’s rendition of Paul Robeson’s “Ole Man River” http://youtu.be/JDqB_-S5_Aw

In honor of La Quinta’s 30 years since incorporation, the LQ Historical Society is sponsoring a series of four history discussions beginning tomorrow, January 20.  Each will take place from 5-7 p.m. and is free of charge. Here’s the lineup.  And you’ll be reminded each month again, as the new event nears:

• January 20: Pre-History & Native Americans, Bradshaw Trail, and Point Happy Ranch: Harry Quinn and Louise Neeley
• February 17: La Quinta Hotel and Ranches: Judy Vossler, Barbara Irwin, and Tom Kennedy
• March 23: The Desert Club & Historical Casitas of La Quinta Cove: Johanna Wickman and Maggie Gordon
• April 13: City Incorporation, Arts Foundation, and Historical Society: Kay Wolff and Terry Henderson

Mark your calendars now so you don’t get double booked!

An overflow crowd welcomed Yve Evans on First Friday at the Museum.  She really wowed the audience. 

Missed her?  She’ll be back next month on February 3 as a part of Black History Month, along with Perry L Brown and members of the E&J Movement.  They will reprise key black musical pioneers: Eubie Banks, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne and Paul Robeson.  You DON’T want to miss this presentation, on February 3 from 5-7 p.m.  Mark your calendars now and …….. come early to get a seat!

Free at YOUR LQ Museum!

Confederate President Jefferson Davis didn’t make it on to yesterday’s posting so here he is…. http://youtu.be/L8ugeYMZBNo

How to load a musket (in 20 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/user/CovePotato#p/a/u/0/it-14-56nWU

Company blacksmith http://youtu.be/tixbWrtY1gg

Field hospital surgeon: http://youtu.be/35ksaVUKOzU

These great days were brought to you by the City of La Quinta, the La Quinta Museum, and the La Quinta Historical Society.  A wonderful educational experience for the whole family.  Thanks to all!

You still  have time to gt out to Lake Cahuilla today (Sunday, 20th) for the interesting and exciting Civil War action.  Sunday’s battles are at 11:00 and 2:00, with plenty to do in between….talk to all the “soldiers, the surgeon, blacksmith, camp seamstress” etc.  There was a large and enthusiastic crowd at Saturday morning and here are some scenes:

Confederate President Jefferson Davis: http://youtu.be/L8ugeYMZBNo

Battle scenes: opening salvos…REALLY loud! http://youtu.be/9hTE-aFPvK0

Battle progresses: http://youtu.be/kimzJBdR5qo  http://youtu.be/93ke1n-wyiM   http://youtu.be/AG_Uy-aBbLQ

Come out if you POSSIBLY can.  Lots of fun, and a wonderful learning experience for kids.  One child was heard to ask, “Who are the bad guys?’  Good luck on explaining that one…..

Those who attended the September 9 grand opening of the California Pioneers exhibit were treated to a great history lesson on California’s role in the Civil War.  Who’d have thought???  Give a listen to a “Confederate soldier” telling the story…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xhtxQmiIKQ

And even though the pioneer enactors are long gone, the great exhibit is still there, covered wagon and all…

Another enactor at the recent Museum opening was this gold prospector, who tells of his adventures in the gold fields.  Take a look:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXYFsauMkPk

And don’t forget, this great California Pioneers exhibit is free to the public on Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10 – 4:00.  Fun for the whole family….

There’s lots of fun to be had at the new “California Pioneers” exhibit, including a “three hoop” covered wagon, train depot (with telegraph) telegraph office (with telegraph), and lots of info besides.  Among the characters that entertained us at the exhibit was this cowboy:

In addition to GOLD at the grand opening, attendees were treated to history lessons and lighthearted stories by an array of enactors: Confederate officer, prospector, cowboy and…..here’s the station master: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKQrg03gFI

The new LQ Activities Guide is out, so don’t lose it:  It contains important events in the city between now and March.

Items that occur regularly that you might want to note are:

• Nature Walks along the Bear Creek Trail and Fred Wolff Nature Preserve are on the THIRD Saturday of each month, beginning on September 17.  They begin at 8:00 a.m. and always feature an expert on some outdoor topic.  In January, the Walks for Kids and Families will be on the SECOND Saturday, starting at nine.  It’s FREE.
• The Old Town Farmers Market begins on September 25, 8-12:30.  These will be every Sunday, with music starting at nine. 
• Story Time for toddlers continues at the Museum on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.  Parents and kiddies come for free.
• Art under the Umbrellas will have a full season in Old Town on selected Saturdays from 10 – 4. The first one is October 29.
• SilverRock will be closed during the month of October for overseeding.  Have fun in the meantime..
• The City of LQ sponsors some great excursions during the season.  The first is called “Museums Galore” scheduled forSeptember 24 to the museums and attractions in LA’s Exposition Park.  DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS THIS FRIDAY (9th).
• Don’t forget the beautiful and busy Fitness Center open Monday – Saturday in the Community Center.
• The possibility of an earthquake or other disaster always looms: are you ready?  Call Paul Hess at city hall for info on getting yourself and your household prepared.  777-7061.  Classes and written info await you….
• Look through your Activities Guide a hundreds of courses and activities.  Never a dull moment in La Quinta