May 19, 2008
06:04 PM
The Life

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

By Kip Allen

Guilty as charged! I’m a Baby Boomer. I rocked out in the ’60s and ’70s, and while my body (and I hope my judgment) has matured, many of my tastes emerged from that exciting era. I've been known to plan my evening around a PBS Peter, Paul and Mary special.

Fortunately for us more mature residents, the Coachella Valley has a lot to offer of interest to our generation … more than golf, that is.

Take the Palm Springs Air Museum at 750 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs for example. My dad fought in “The Good War” and I picked up an enduring interest in all things World War II, especially old Warbirds. On Memorial Day this coming Monday, a vintage B-25 Mitchell, the same type that bombed Japan in the daring Doolittle raid in 1942, drops 1,500 red and white carnations in memory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion. Stand tall and salute as the Mitchell flies by.

Some great movies that came out in the post-war era as well. One of the greatest was The Third Man, released in 1949. This classic film noir offering starring Joseph Cotton, Orson Wells, and Tevor Howard is shown free of charge this Wednesday at the Rancho Mirage Public Library, 71100 Hwy. 111 in Rancho Mirage (Where else?)

Remember the music from back then? Boy, I sure do. A lot of the greats still play in local venues. This Friday through Sunday is a Memorial Day Weekend Tributefest at The Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino. Tribute groups will play the music of the Pretenders, Journey, Blondie, and Pat Benatar, among others. The casino is located at 84245 Indio Springs Pkwy. in Indio.

I drank a lot of beer in the ’60s and ’70. While I still like beer (actually, I LOVE beer), I have also picked up a taste for wine. Hey, it happens as we age. There are two tasting events coming up locally. Tuesday evening, Bristol Farms at 73101 Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert, is hosting a bevy of California cabernet sauvignon. On Sunday, Wild for the Vine at 390 N. Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs is hosting a summer wine tasting. Here is where one learns what are the best red and white wines to sip at the pool.

These are just some of the offerings of special interest to a more *ahem* mature individual.

Every Monday, I'll be posting more events of special interest to Baby Boomers.

Until then, ROCK ON!

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