A Note from the Publisher

Thank you to our advisory board whose talents, insights, and passions
contribute to the quality of this publication

Jacqueline Guevara
Executive Director, Joshua Tree National Park Association
Barnett English
Festival Founder and Director, Joshua Tree Music Festival
Dave Catching
Owner, Rancho De La Luna Recording Studio, Musician, Producer
Mario Lalli
Musician, Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man
Bobby Furst
Owner/Creator of FurstWurld, Artist

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eric Simpson (Big Scenic Nowhere)
Ridge Ben Ben (Surf’s Up PS)
Dakota Mullins (Surf’s Up PS)
Aaron Checkwoood (Surf’s Up PS)
Paolo Baraldi (King of the Hammers)
Kathy Burrett (King of the Hammers)
Ernesto Araiza (King of the Hammers)
Jay Carroll (Sunny Atema)
Carly Foulkes (Sunny Atema)
Paul Moeller (Backgrounds)
Matthew Hall (Backgrounds)
Alexandra Hicks (Rattlesnake Season & Hibernation)
Joe Schaeffer (Cover Photo)

Happy New Year Joshua Tree Voice family! In my attempt to consider new goals and resolutions, I came across this quote from CS Lewis:

“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”

My first thought was, “Yep, reading my list of past resolutions would indeed be like reading a fairy tale.” But a tiny bell went off in my heart as I remembered childhood days of reading Hans Christian Anderson and others… there was a lot of childlike fun and joy in that (sometimes a little bit of horror – “The Red Shoes” for example). I’d really like to set a new year’s resolution to recapture some of that childlike joy again, minus the horror, of course. So, to all of us (please hold an imaginary glass in the air with me), may our inner child find nourishment and a safe place to play, even while we are busy trying to be better adults.

We would not be here without our amazing team and the following businesses that have partnered with us. Please, whenever you can, show them some love!

29 Palms Inn, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, The Saint Boniface Boutique Hotel, Cabots Pueblo Museum, Casuelas Café, Compound YV, Copper Mountain College, Cork Tree Restaurant, Coyote Cone, Desert Dog Coffee, Desert Vacation Rentals, Fans Sports Bar & Grill, Karen Martin of Farmers Insurance, Healthy Generations, Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Karen Lowe of Inspire Realty, Jenifer Halbert Realtor, Joshua Tree Saloon, Joshua Tree Excursions, King of the Hammers, Kitty’s Wildlife Refuge, Larry & Milt’s Western Café, Let’s Feast Premium Catering, MazAmar Art Pottery, Nature’s Health Food & Café, Palm Desert Bike N’ Brews, Peace of Mind Retirement Planning, Pointed Pearl, Recapitate Hats, Tac/ Quila, Tortoise Rock Casino.

If you would like to partner with Joshua Tree Voice through digital and print marketing, please contact us at (760) 237-0124.

The photo of Mickey Thomas and his bandmate, Cian Coey, was taken by the amazing Joe Schaeffer. Mickey Thomas has anthemed songs that have remained relevant for decades and are time stamps for our lives. Most of you will have heard his hits, “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” with Elvin Bishop and “We Built This City” with Starship. There are so many others. But Thomas is more than a voice. In all my years of writing and interviewing, I have never known a more down-to-earth, gracious legend. I’ve reached out to him several times since I first interviewed him in 2015, asking if he’d participate in charity events. He has always said yes if he wasn’t already booked. Thomas and his family are also desert residents and business owners, invested in health, community, and local animal charities. It’s a great honor to have him as our cover story. If only the cover came with sound! He and his stellar band will be at Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio on Saturday, January 20th with fellow classic rock legends, Foghat. As fantastic as Thomas’ voice is recorded, it is one of those voices you must hear LIVE AND IN PERSON to truly grasp how special it is. See you at the rock show, “Knee Deep in the Hoopla”!