Desert Messenger

November 21, 2018 www.DesertMessenger.com 23 Music in the desert November 2018 Yes, there's music in the desert. The musicians are fl ocking into town and if you love heartfelt mu- sic, this is the place. The music jams are "busting out all over". Quartzsite music is different: it may not all be on key or in time but it's sincere, soul music and you gotta love it. Thursdays, at the QIA, that's the Quartzsite Improvement Associa- tion for you new folks, ( 2nd and 4th is Gospel, 1st and 3rd is Open Mic) 6:30 p.m. is up and rolling. Last Thursday the stage musicians looked like half of "The Traveler" band –because it was: Ed Bonham, Cookie Shannon and Jan Korinek backed up all comers and also per- formed. Some rousing music tilted the roof of the Desert Sky Theater (the old "big room" at the QIA.) Third and Fourth Thursday is called "open mic", basically a "jam" where anyone can play or sing. Country Western predominates but there's some pop and a bit of gospel too. Martha McKay is jam master with part of the Western Strings Band backing the singers. JR's jam on Friday nights is off to a rousing start. Last week there were 20 musicians performing and they were some of the best. When Jam Master, Deb McClellan and Judy Bagley sing together even the deaf can hear; they harmonize perfectly and they are full of pep and life. In- cidentally they're looking for engage- ments, so if your park or venue would like some terrifi c music call Deb at 970-739-0132. JRs also has Sunday evening services with Deb leading the music. Deb has been chaplain at JRs for three years. To fi nd JRs, go out Highway 99 north til you think you've gone too far and you will see JRs sparkly sign on the left. If you're looking for Wednesday af- ternoon entertainment you must go to Crawford's RV Park at 1 p.m. Gail and Leroy and Cookie create a wel- coming laughter- fi lled atmosphere for some good old fashioned music. Community Bible Church hosts a Tuesday night jam and the church rings with country western as well as gospel music. All evening jams are at 6:30 p.m. AND there's also dancing to the music. Line dancing is taught and enjoyed Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.at the QIA. Now something new, well, actually it's older than the hills, Square Dancing!! One of the fi rst socials at the QIA in the 1960s was square dancing. It kinda died out but now it's coming back and you-all come too. Lessons start Monday and Wednesdays 1-3 p.m. Nov. 26. There's a $3 charge for les- sons and $1.00 for the hall. Dances begin December 2, 1-3 p.m. $5 plus $1 for the hall. Casual attire is fi ne. There are many dance bands; per- haps we can include them in future editions. Martha McKay gave me Bob Anderson's Western Strings band schedule. They'll be at Brenda RV December 19, January 28, Feb- ruary 6, and March 6. There's much more; call me and I'll include your music, Jackie 503- 507-3600. We all say, "Great to see you" to the returning musicians and so sad that some of our favorite musicians are missing. P.S. It was good to hear that sweet, little Rachael is doing well and even sang with the musi- cians who visited her. Hi Jolly Daze Parade planned for Jan. 12 The Annual Hi Jolly Daze Parade is planned for Saturday, January 12th, 2019. Parade starts at 11am and ends with food and activities. The Quartzsite Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is sponsoring the event and invites everyone to be part of the fun. So get your party hats on and come out and enjoy the day! Gather your camels, fl oats, pets, bikes, dance & music groups, classic cars, off -road vehicles, bicyles, etc. and make this a great parade! This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to show off too! And the entry is FREE! All groups, organizations, businesses, individuals, are encouraged to partici- pate. Everyone is invited to honor our past and our future. Parade entry forms are available at the Town Hall at 465 N. Plymouth Ave. and Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism offi ce located at 1240 W. Main Street, across from McDonald's. For more information call the new cham- ber at 928-927-5200. Following a four-week long inves- tigation, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) detectives have arrested seven people in con- nection with two illegal marijuana cultivation operations. The Mohave Criminal Targeting Unit (CTU) co- ordinated residential search war- rants on two properties in Yavapai County and seized a large amount of marijuana and other evidence. Evidence seized included: • 791 pounds of cultivated (raw marijuana) • 67 marijuana plants • 180 grams of THC wax • 107 grams of LSD (hallucinogenic drug) • 1 gram of hallucinogenic mushrooms • 16 pills (unknown type) • Four fi rearms • Over $4300.00 in US currency Seven people were arrested and face numerous charges that include: possession of marijuana for sale, production of marijuana for sale, possession of Narcotics, produc- tion of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and fraudulent schemes. AZ DPS Detectives bust marijuana growing operation in northern Arizona Those arrested are: Keith Arnold Hogave 39, Fort Mohave, Az Wiley David King 71, Quartzsite, Az Tessa Rose Stover Blovin 26, Quartzsite, Az David John Venus 58, Fort Mohave, Az Vanessa Rose Bennett 39, Seligman, Az Mitchell Ray Kirkley 48, Seligman, Az This investigation was conducted by the DPS Northern Investigations District which includes the Mohave Criminal Targeting Unit (CTU), Mo- have GIITEM, Coconino GITTEM, DPS Hazardous Materials Unit, In- telligence Bureau, Western Air Res- cue and the DPS Aviation Unit. "Making communities in northern and western Arizona safer starts with dismantling drug operations like this one. Taking these suspects off the streets and depriving them of their illegal livelihood will hope- fully send a strong message to oth- ers," said Colonel Frank Milstead, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Craft Fair 1st Sat. of every month! Daily Activities! QIA 928-927-6325 235 E. Ironwood St., Quartzsite BINGO Opens at 5pm. Early Birds 6:30pm. Main7pm Concessions Available

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