The 3rd Annual Joshuas Honors Gala
By Lisa Lynn Morgan
15 music acts, 26 honors presentations, and a whole lot of food and drink were enjoyed by a record turnout at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center for Mental Physics to celebrate contributions to the arts, culture, and conservation. It was a fortunate and gloriously splendid day in what is usually an unpredictable time of year weather-wise.
Mario Lalli and crew managed the stage production like a Hollywood dream team. Hutch sat in the captain’s chair with his lovely wife and co-captain as he finessed the sound and lights, making everything feel like we’d all made it to the “big time.” DJ Dynamic Dave and team kept the music happening for the in-between moments and the afterparty. Raymond Rodriguez and his spectacular team spoiled us all with jumbo shrimp cocktail, hand-carved carnitas, herbed penne pasta, opera cake, assorted desserts, and more. Ed Heethuis from GRND SQRL’s 29 Palms Beer company kept the drinks pouring (thank you, Joshua Tree Distillery and Rancho De La Luna Mezcal)! Joe Alvarez worked the door, while his wife Erin stood by me like an angel making sure the honors were in the order of the presentation, something I’ve yet to master flawlessly. Mary Mulally and Ben Lolwing also stood by all evening, ready to assist, and did so brilliantly.
The music was a testimony to the amount of talent this desert attracts. In three years and just under 50 performances, we have yet to have a repeat performance, and every act has delivered a jaw-dropping performance.
A few things have proven constant and never underappreciated, and that is the love, joy, and kinship shared by the hundreds gathered there to celebrate each other.
The Joshua Tree Voice team is overwhelmingly grateful for the support bestowed on this little idea that became a gala. Thanks to your participation and our incredible sponsors, we will be able to contribute to the good efforts of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert, Joshua Tree National Park Association, and the Joshua Tree Retreat Center for Mental Physics. From the deepest parts of our hearts, thank you all!
Bobby Moses Nichols
Here’s what others had to say about the event:
“Attending an awards ceremony in the high desert is not something that I’m very accustomed to doing often, or indeed ever. In fact, rarely do I get the chance to venture off the mountain of Idyllwild for even a quick visit. After experiencing the Joshuas this year, basking in the brilliant artistry and inspired forcefield that the talented residents of Joshua Tree and the surrounding communities provide, I can declare with all certainty that I will no longer be a stranger to the scene. The high desert holds much wizardry and intrigue, and the Joshua Awards are the perfect vehicle to catch a glimpse of these hidden gems, crystallizing their creativity in the desert biome.” — Brian Parnell, Audiowild Studio, Idyllwild CA
“It was a honor to attend the Joshuas put on by the Joshua Tree Voice. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center hosted an amazing night in the Sanctuary, with great music both indoors and outside. I wasn’t expecting to hear my name called. I love this community and am so grateful to be part of it.” — Louise Goffin
Madame Harlequin (Liesl Cluse)
Paul Moeller
“When I first moved to the high desert in the Spring of 2023, I picked up a copy of the Joshua Tree Voice and it became my guide to everything happening here and the people making the Arts and Culture community in the high desert so vibrant. I saved all of the copies of the monthly publication so I could become better acquainted with the stories of all these amazing folks. Then the Voice began hosting regular gatherings at Taylor Junction and I made a point of attending. Sure enough, I began to meet people who would become my friends—and there was always music, food, and art to boot.
I learned about the Joshuas and attended last fall. There I experienced some of the best players and performers up here, not to mention my new friends and acquaintances. This gala event was held at the historic Joshua Tree Retreat Center which quickly became one of my favorite locations. I attended events throughout the Basin from the Palms in Wonder Valley to the Spaghetti Western in Morongo, and whether I showed up alone or with a friend, I always knew that I would be greeted with love.
So this year, when the Joshuas were announced, of course I got my ticket and dressed to impress this funky and fabulous crowd of attendees. What struck me this year, in addition to the great food, drink, entertainment, and awards was how much I had become part of this wonderful place. I shared so much love and warmth with everyone I encountered. And no one was a stranger, whether I knew them already or not. This is the spirit of Joshua Tree. A spirit of Love and Oneness, egoless acceptance, and that magic spark of Community which exists here. And for me this is what the Joshuas represent—this joyously felt best in all of us. And in this fractured, dangerous and divided world we live in, this is the most valuable quality I can imagine.” — Audrey Philpot
“I’ve played a couple open mics, been to some shows in the area, and have been consistently surprised by the friendliness and encouragement of the local artists and the venues that host events. But to step back and get the macro view, that this is the essence of the culture in the entire Morongo Basin and beyond—I guess saying I’m grateful is an understatement! Self-expression is what life is all about, so to be able to share my story and experience other people’s heart songs, without fear of judgment or negativity was an unparalleled blessing.” — David Westley
“The third annual Joshuas was a truly magical night and one for the record books. The talent pool per capita throughout the Morongo basin is impressive, to say the least. Such a true pleasure to see so many folks recognized for their incredible hard work of their given passion.” — Seth Zaharias
“A lot of us chose the Morongo Basin because of the sense of community and the huge number of creative folks that live here. The Joshua’s are a unique opportunity to see all those things—the musicians, artists, community leaders—all in one room. It’s a great reminder of what makes this place so different. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center was the perfect place for the event. The eclectic architecture of the Sanctuary there is the only place unusual enough to contain our creative community. The Friends of Pioneertown was founded to celebrate and enhance our community, and the Joshua’s is a place where you show up and realize that the entire basin is full of other people and organizations doing exactly the same thing.” — Ben Loesher, Friends of Pioneertown
David Westley on his 100 year old Dobro, a family heirloom.
