Madonna and I share the same birth year. I’d look as young as she did on the Video Music Awards last night except I hate Botox needles with a passion!
She won a total of seven VMA’s including Artist of the Year, recounting her embarrassing last appearance 42 years ago when a wardrobe malfunction nearly ruined her career.
But it was the acceptance speech for Best Dance that caught my attention as she spoke about the significance of dance music in her life. It reminded me of why KGAY resonates with so many across generations and geography. That’s especially true for our LGBTQ+ community where dance both brings us together and melts away the troubles and discrimination of the outside world.
“I came to New York to be a dancer, and dance is where everything happened for me in my life,” Madonna said. “I came to life on the dance floor. I found my community on the dance floor. I fell in love with people on a dance floor. You guys, and I lost many people I loved on the dance floor.”
The people she loved died of AIDS in 80s and 90s. Many of us know that loss. Even today our tea dances from PTown to PV are fueled by music that reminds us of the better times when our friends were dancing with us. We could be who we wanted to be.
Madonna spoke to Interview earlier this year about the album, and an unreleased track called “What Will Save Me”, recounting, “We all talked about feeling like outsiders and how the club life and being on the dance floor make you feel like you’re part of a community, without saying anything. It saves you every time, whenever you’re feeling down, whenever you feel like you can’t get it right, whenever you feel like a failure, whatever. Go out dancing because it will save you.”
I know our three KGAY DJs – Galaxy, Modgirl and Eric Ornelas – understand that their mixes are not just songs strung together. They tell a story. They uplift. They bring back memories, sometimes painful ones. But after the brief moments of sorrow remembering those we lost are euphoric memories of being on the dance floor lost in the beats, the lyrics and the rhythm.
Madonna ended, “Dance brings everybody together, okay? We are all equal on the dance floor.”
Everybody get up and dance indeed….
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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THU: Streetbar 35th Anniversary & Patio Ribbon Cutting
Streetbar is celebrating their 35th Anniversary, and on Thursday, October 1 at 12 pm, a ribbon-cutting will commemorate the refreshed patio with new tables, benches, and misting fans. The festivities continue throughout the weekend, and KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About broadcasting live on Saturday from 12–2 pm, plus live entertainment all day. As one of Palm Springs’ most iconic LGBTQ+ bars, Streetbar brings together locals and visitors for a lively mix of community, cocktails, and celebration. More info
THU: VillageFest Starts at 6 pm Again
Thursday Night – VillageFest returns to its in‑season hours, taking over Palm Canyon Drive on Thursday, October 1 from 6–10 pm along the downtown corridor. The weekly open‑air street fair transforms the heart of Palm Springs into a lively mix of food, art, entertainment, and local shopping, bringing together valley businesses and makers for a festive night under the desert sky. Guests can stroll the pedestrian‑only stretch between Baristo and Amado, explore handcrafted goods, enjoy live performances, and take in the community spirit that makes VillageFest a beloved Thursday tradition. More info
WED–SUN: The Dinah 2026
The Dinah 2026 runs Wednesday–Sunday, September 30–October 4 at Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Zoso, offering five days of queer women’s music, parties, and community. Produced by BellaRose Productions, the festival features themed nighttime events, daytime pool parties, celebrity workouts, comedy hours, and the iconic Black & White Ball. Highlights include Down the Rabbit Hole at Spirit Animal, the L‑Word Pool Party, Sapphic Splash, and multiple late‑night celebrations across both host hotels. With a stacked lineup and a legacy spanning 35 years, The Dinah remains the world’s most legendary queer women’s weekend. More info
THU–SAT: Marvelous Marilyn Maye!
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye performs Thursday–Saturday, October 1–3 (Dinner at 6 pm, Show at 8 pm) at The Purple Room Supper Club, bringing the legendary cabaret icon back to Palm Springs. A Grammy‑nominated artist and beloved star of jazz and cabaret, Marilyn Maye has earned rave reviews for her sold‑out Carnegie Hall performance and holds the record for 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Her shows blend impeccable phrasing, timeless standards, and decades of musical mastery. More info
OPENS FRI: Charged Stillness Exhibition
Charged Stillness, a new exhibition showcasing the work of artist Tina Roy, runs through October 29 at Rubine Red Gallery. Raised in the Arizona desert, Roy’s paintings capture the drama, fragility, and magic of desert life through both realism and abstract expression. Her pieces reflect monsoon storms, hidden wildlife, and the vivid textures of the desert landscape, offering viewers a deeply personal connection to the natural world. More info
FRI: The Phil Collins Story
The Phil Collins Story performs Friday, October 2 at 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. delivering a dynamic docu‑concert celebrating the music and legacy of Phil Collins. The show blends immersive storytelling, stunning visuals, and world‑class musicianship to honor Collins’ chart‑topping career—from Genesis classics to his solo hits. Part of a 55‑city North American tour, this performance brings fans closer to the stories behind the songs that defined generations. More info
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
Three standout performances light up the McCallum Theatre this weekend, offering a rich blend of dance, vocal harmony, and classical mastery. On Friday, October 2 at 7 pm, Pacifico Dance Company brings Mexican folklórico to vivid life with rigorous technique, striking costuming, and women-centered storytelling drawn from regions across Mexico. Saturday, October 3 at 8 pm features The Doo Wop Project in Echoes of the Street, a high-energy 90‑minute celebration of classic Doo Wop favorites alongside contemporary hits reimagined in vintage style. The weekend concludes Sunday, October 4 at 3 pm as Jeffrey Siegel returns with Keyboard Conversations®, pairing insightful commentary with performances of Beethoven’s Polonaise, Für Elise, and Bagatelles, plus Schubert’s Waltzes, F Minor Impromptu, and Ave Maria. More info
SAT: The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change
The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change comes to the Annenberg Theater on Saturday, October 3 from 11 am–12:15 pm, offering a thoughtful look at how one groundbreaking MTV series reshaped conversations around identity, sexuality, and representation. This special program brings together Jonathan Murray, creator of The Real World, and cast member‑turned‑author Judd Winick for a conversation moderated by Karen Tongson, the Barbra Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies at USC. Through archival footage and personal reflection, the discussion explores the show’s cultural impact, including the legacy of Pedro Zamora, whose 1994 appearance brought unprecedented visibility to queer life and living with HIV/AIDS. More info
SAT: Unbuttoned, A Boylesque Social Experience
At The Social Cafe & Lounge, Unbuttoned, A Boylesque Social Experience takes the stage on Saturday, October 3 from 7–8:30 pm, with seating beginning at 6 pm. The show centers on the electrifying talent of Michael Silas, known worldwide as one of Lady Gaga’s original dancers. Silas blends dance, storytelling, and sharp comedic flair into an audience-focused experience crafted specifically for Palm Springs. More info
SAT: Rickie Lee Jones
The Plaza Theatre welcomes Rickie Lee Jones on Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm, offering an intimate concert with the two‑time Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter. Known for her smoky, atmospheric delivery and fearless creativity, Jones has shaped American music for more than four decades through her blend of jazz, folk, rock, and pop. Audiences can expect classics like “Chuck E.’s in Love,” selections from her Grammy‑nominated Pieces of Treasure, and stories drawn from her acclaimed memoir Last Chance Texaco. More info
SAT: Bea Arthur: The Documentary
Bea Arthur: The Documentary – “I’ve Done Everything Except Porn” premieres at Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October 3 at 7 pm, offering an intimate portrait of the Emmy and Tony winner anchored by a never‑before‑seen interview with Arthur herself. Arthur reflects on her life, career, and iconic roles in Maude and The Golden Girls in her own unmistakable voice. The film pairs her recollections with new interviews from friends and collaborators, exploring her stage triumphs, television legacy, fierce individuality, and longtime LGBTQ+ advocacy. More info
SUN: Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ brings a lively backyard‑style afternoon to The Social Cafe & Lounge on Sunday, October 4 from 2:30–4:30 pm, serving fresh‑grilled burgers, hot dogs, sides, bottomless mimosas, bottomless draft beer, and live male entertainment. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, keeping Sunday afternoons fun, flavorful, and easygoing. More info
SUN: Books, Films & Then Some – Cristy Road Carrera / Meredith Maran
The Books, Films & Then Some series takes place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, October 4 from 3–5 pm. Artist, writer, and musician Cristy Road Carrera discusses her new book Sink or Burn, a punk‑rock love story of resistance and resilience set in a dystopian future. The event includes tarot readings and a conversation moderated by Meredith Maran, the award‑winning author and book critic. More info
SUN: It’s De‑Lovely – Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter
It’s De‑Lovely opens Revolution Stage Company’s fourth season on Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm, celebrating the wit, romance, and sophistication of Cole Porter. Jeff Harnar brings Porter’s timeless standards to life with elegant phrasing and cabaret mastery, creating an intimate performance filled with charm and nostalgia. More info
SUN: Paula Cole – This Fire: 30
Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter Paula Cole brings her celebrated album This Fire to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a one‑night‑only anniversary performance on Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm. The tourhighlights Cole’s fearless, emotionally rich songwriting and the genre‑blending sound that helped shape the singer‑songwriter landscape. She’ll perform the album in full, revisiting the era‑defining music with fresh nuance and power while giving longtime fans a chance to reconnect with songs that have resonated for decades. Special guest Rett Madison opens the evening. More info
It’s Final Round Voting Time — Best of CV
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2026–2027 final voting round is now underway, and this is your chance to help crown the winners across the valley’s most‑loved radio stations, personalities, DJs (and many more categories). Thank you for showing us the love already with a strong nomination phase! Our finalists include KGAY 103.1 and Sunny 106.5 for Best Radio Station; John Taylor, E.J. Tyler and Patrick Evans for Best Local Radio Personality; and the dynamic DJ trio — DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and MODGIRL — for Best Local DJ. Voting continues through Friday, October 23, so cast your vote and help celebrate your favorites in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley! Vote Today
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month heads into its final days with exclusive wellness experiences throughout all nine resort cities. Slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace self‑care your way—whether through a mineral spring soak, a rejuvenating facial, a deeply relaxing massage, a sound bath under the desert sky, or a full day dedicated entirely to restoration. Participating resort spas, day spas, and hot springs spas offer limited‑time treatments and special packages through the end of September. More info
The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption at Desert Theatreworks runs September 25–October 4 in the Blackbox Theatre. This gripping stage production follows banker Andy Dufresne, wrongly convicted of murder, as he navigates corruption, brutality and the faint glimmer of hope inside Shawshank State Penitentiary. His bond with Ellis “Red” Redding and his quiet, decades‑long plan for freedom unfold in an intimate setting where audiences feel the weight of the walls around them. This is not the movie—it’s harder, closer and deeply human, launching the 2026–2027 season with a limited eight‑performance run. More info
- Hot Spot Bingo • Comedians Deven and Ned host an interactive evening of phone-based bingo, comedy, music, and prizes on Monday from 7–8:30 pm at Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
- NSFW – New Season of Work • Art lovers can celebrate the opening of the new local art season through September 30 at Rubine Red Gallery. This special exhibition highlights fresh contemporary pieces by represented artists Russ White, T. Young, Merick Reed, Don Fisher, and Terrence Payne.
- Jeopardy! Bar League at Palm Springs Surf Club • Trivia enthusiasts gather to test their knowledge in official bar trivia inspired by America’s Favorite Quiz Show® on Wednesday from 7–9 pm
- Daughtry • Rock band Daughtry delivers anthemic hits on Wednesday at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • Open through October 18 at Palm Springs Art Museum. Drawing on the reflections of Gloria Anzaldúa, the exhibition showcases works that engage magic as a transformative path toward liberation.
- The LPGA Epson Tour Championship Returns to Indian Wells Golf Resort • Rising golf stars showcase elite competition on the Players Course Thursday–Sunday at Indian Wells Golf Resort during this official qualifying tournament of the LPGA.
- Welcoming Yoga at The Center • Facilitator Marci Stonehedge leads a slow basic yoga practice on Saturday from 4–5:15 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
- Cameron Esposito • Cameron brings sharp wit and stand-up comedy on Saturday from 7–9 pm to Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso. Part of The Dinah weekend, this intimate evening includes dinner alongside hilarious live entertainment.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Instructor Andrew Jimenez leads country line dance lessons before an open dance social on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. Dancers can practice two-step, waltz, shadow, and swing styles throughout the evening.
- Jerry Seinfeld • The legendary comedian performs his signature stand-up comedy on Saturday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
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Pet Star 2027 Photo Contest – Final days
Furry, feathered, and scaly companions across the Coachella Valley can shine in the spotlight during the Pet Star 2027 Photo Contest, running now through September 30. This annual fundraiser by Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies invites pet owners to submit photos for a $25 entry in five categories, with votes costing $1 each. The top vote‑getter becomes the 2027 Pet Star Champion and lands the calendar cover, while other high‑ranking pets appear inside. Supporters can also preorder calendars or reserve special dates for $20. More info
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest edition of the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Sep 1–30 at participating Coachella Valley spas - Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Sundays from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge - It’s De‑Lovely – Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter
Sun. Oct 4 at 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company - Joshua Tree Music Festival
Oct 8–11 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground - People, an exhibition of four artists
Oct 8–11 at Impell Gallery - KGAY Out & About at Canyon View
Sat. Oct 10 from 10 am–Noon at Canyon View by Lennar - Perez Art District: 4th Friday and 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Sat. Oct 10 from 11 am–3 pm and Fri. Oct 23 from 4–7 pm - Modernism Week – October 2026
Oct 15–18 at various locations - Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Oct 15–31 at Revolution Stage Company - Palm Springs Pride Walk
Sat. Oct 17 at 8:30 am in the Arenas District & Downtown Palm Springs - PS Leather Pride | 2026 Valhalla
Oct 29–Nov 1 at Hotel Zoso, CCBC, Dick’s, The Eagle, Toolshed - Halloween Palm Springs 2026
Fri. & Sat. Oct 30 & 31 in the Arenas District - Sam Morrison: Sugar Daddy
Fri. Nov 6 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk 2026
Sat. Nov 7 from 7–10 am - 25th HRC Palm Springs Coachella Valley Garden Party
Sat. Nov 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Dinah Shore Estate
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with MODGIRL airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! This week, you can WIN TICKETS to see The B-52’s and DEVO in the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour on October 31 at Acrisure Arena! Lucky Duck Members get insider perks and first dibs on exciting station events — it’s free, easy, and full of rewards for Sunny listeners. 👉 Sign up now
MeTV 92.1 FM
MeTV FM is officially back on the Coachella Valley dial — and there’s never been a better time to tune in. Broadcasting from Palm Springs, 92.1 MeTV FM delivers a “radio gold mine” of timeless, memorable music you won’t hear anywhere else: over 3,500 songs, more than 350 played every day with no repeats. From deep tracks to softer favorites spanning the ’50s through the ’80s, plus themed shows and beloved classics, this one‑of‑a‑kind format is ready to soundtrack your day.
- Restaurant News Bites: Gertie’s Replaces Alice B., Scoop Festival Returns, and More
- Lesbians Are Glamorous and Chic in 2026: The Dinah’s New Era in Palm Springs
- 7 Best Hiking Trails in Greater Palm Springs: Waterfalls, Canyons & Desert Views
- Modernism Week Introduces Curated Southern California Architecture Day Trips
- César García‑Alvarez Named Q+ Art Curator‑at‑Large at Palm Springs Art Museum
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2026-27 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by MODGIRL spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.
