Joshua Tree Memorial Park's 9th Annual Memorial Day Observance & Concert in the Cemetery! - May 22, 2010
9th Annual Joshua Tree Memorial Park Memorial Day Observance, Free Community BBQ, Concert in the Cemetery, and Eco-Friendly Open House!
Joshua Tree, California- For the last eight years a quiet, little desert cemetery has been playing host to a unique annual event that has been growing in popularity. Located along the outside basin of the Joshua Tree National Park and established by it’s original tenants back in 1968, Joshua Tree Memorial Park, formally known as Mountain Valley Memorial Park, has been hosting an annual Memorial Day Observance, free community BBQ and musical concert on the cemetery grounds. All ages, from the surrounding communities and beyond, are invited to attend on Memorial Day. The event pays homage to the fighting men and women of the United States Armed Forces, both past and present, by commemorating and acknowledging their dedication, bravery and sacrifice during their valued service to our country.
Leading the way in Southern California innovative burial practices, Joshua Tree Memorial Park is one of the first cemeteries to introduce Natural Burial. It is also one of the first cemeteries to become a “Certified Provider” of the Green Burial Council. Recent recipient of the esteemed Joshua Basin Water District’s Certificate of Appreciation Award, for implementing conservation measures that resulted in significant water reduction, the cemetery is also certified as a natural nature preserve by the National Wildlife Federation. Joshua Tree Memorial Park recognizes earth friendly practices and water conservation not as marketing trends, but as necessary lifestyle cultivations. The cemetery will be inviting the general public to experience their burgeoning “eco-friendly oasis” during this years memorial day salute and festivities.
This years event will feature a hour long observance chocked full of patriotic celebrations. Corporal Kevin Nally from the United States Marine Corps Base in 29 Palms will be the featured guest speaker. The observance will also showcase additional speakers from the VFW, the United States Marine Corps Color Guard and Reverend Roger D. Mayes, of Grace Community Church, who will perform the Invocation. Local favorite, and regional singing sensation, Kristina Quigley will perform stirring vocal renditions of “God Bless America” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” An “official placing of the wreaths” ceremony, a white dove release and the advancing and retiring of the colors will also be performed. For the first time, a vintage military uniform display will be presented. A must see for all U.S. History buffs and military enthusiasts! Deanna Braswell-Haggerman “Proud to Be an American”
The 2010 event will once again feature a diverse line up of musical acts that follow the Memorial Day Observance. Flag ship performer Shawn Mafia, who has been performing for the event since 2004, will make his annual appearance with his original songs and entertainment. Self-described as “depression era modern”, Mafia presents a unique blend of down and out ballads, barn burning rock, gothic blues, and country zingers.
The Shadow Mountain Band, a favorite of last years event, will be on hand again to perform. The group features mountain-style harmonies with lively acoustic backup. They perform traditional mountain music, hillbilly gospels (think- ‘oh Brother, Where art Thou’) and bluegrass, along with eclectic originals.
New comers to the cemetery stage will be Rabbit & Rutherford, of the psych-rock/electro-pop band Gram Rabbit. Founded in 2004 by Jesika von Rabbit and Todd Rutherford in the desert landscape of Joshua Tree, California, Gram Rabbit quickly gained attention for their offbeat styles as well as their decidedly bent take on modern music. Using beats, twangy guitars, programmed samples, a healthy dose of mind-altering lyrical illusion and super-charged sexual energy, Gram Rabbit were hailed as best new LA Band in 2005 at the LA Weekly Music Awards. The song-writing duo has had songs featured in the NBC television drama “Life”, the BBC show “Long Way Round”, CBS's "CSI", MTV's "The Assistant"' with Andy Dick, NBC's "Life" and “Dateline“, Fox's "Head Cases", ABC’s “10 Things I hate About You”, Bravo’s “Long Way Round”, STARZ’ “Crash”, and FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” to name a few. Gram Rabbit have three full length albums to their credit with a fourth, entitled “Miracles & Metaphors”, to be released this year. Along with a rabid international fan base, often referred to as a self-styled “cult” called The Royal Order of Rabbits, Rabbit & Rutherford’s performance will be one not to miss!
Special guest performances will include Anaheim based indie singer/songwriter, Ray De La Muerte, blues harp legend John “Juke” Logan, and local singing sensation Kristina Quigley!
Joshua Tree Memorial park will kick off their Memorial Day Observance ceremony Monday, May 31st , at 11:00 a.m. Live music will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. and will continue on until 5:00 p.m. From 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. the cemetery will provide a community barbeque. Specified food and beverages will be free to all that attend during that time. Alternate vendors for food and beverage purchases will be available for the rest of the time. Carnival style games for the kids and the young at heart, face painting, balloon animal makers, local area vendor booths and large inflatable jumpers will be on hand. Event admission and parking is free.
Joshua Tree Memorial Park will also be raffling off many great prizes through out the course of the event. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event and at the event only. All proceeds will be donated to the Morongo Basin Humane Societies No-Kill Shelter.
For more information on the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony please call Joshua Tree Memorial Park at (760) 366-9210 or visit them in person at 60121 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, California 92252, or on the web at www.wiefels.com.
For more information on the musical line up for the Concert in the Cemetery, and to access specific scheduled times for any of the acts performing, please visit: www.shawnmafia.com.
