Deepak Chopra Coming to Town; Icons & Idols Concert Resurrects Music's Biggest Stars, & More!

Icons & Idols Benefit Concert To Pay Homage to Janis Joplin, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, and Prince

The Foundation for the Palm Springs Unified School District is proud to announce that “Grab Your Seat: Icons & Idols,” its annual benefit concert, will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7 PM at the Richards Center for the Arts (formerly Palm Springs High School Auditorium, located at 2360 Ramon Road in Palm Springs). The concert is a musical tribute to Janis Joplin, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, and Prince, and is presented by Michael Childers with Frank Goldstin.

This annual fundraising concert celebrates four musical legends who influenced the worldwide musical scene in a new production created by the celebrated Michael Childers with Frank Goldstin. “Grab Your Seat: Icons & Idols” pays homage to Janis Joplin (performed by Mary Bridget Davies), Freddie Mercury (performed by Von Smith), George Michael (performed by Jake Simpson), and Prince (performed by Rogelio Douglas, Jr.). These four singing sensations will bring new life to classic and cherished songs originally performed by these entertaining legends, and all proceeds will benefit Palm Springs Unified School District arts education programs. More Info

Deepak Chopra MD's Headed to Palm Springs for First West Coast Appearance

Deepak Chopra MD, is the founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing. He is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. He is the author of more than 85 books translated into over 43 languages, including 25 New York Times bestsellers. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century.”

The good doctor will be appearing February 3 at 7:30 PM at the Richards Center for the Arts as part of the Palm Springs Speaks series. More Info

Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue

Beginning next weekend for the rest of the month, The Indio Performing Arts Center presents Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue, which takes the sisters on a brand new adventure.When a parishioner volunteers to donate $10,000 to the sisters’ school if they will perform in a club in Las Vegas,

Mother Superior is hesitant to accept. However, after being convinced by the other sisters that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” Reverend Mother agrees. What follows is the most feather-filled,sequin-studded, fan dancing Nunsense show ever! Performing in “The Pump Room” at the Mystique Motor Lodge, the sisters experience “show-biz” like never before. You’ll meet Sin-City Sue, find out who’s Black and White with Her Money on Red, and try tow in a new car with the “Holy Rollers Giant Slot Machine.” Taking a line from another show, a critic pointed out, “It’s a whole lot funny and a little bit naughty, but there ain’t nothin’ dirty goin’ on!” Don't miss the Desert Theatreworks production. More Info

West Coast Artists present The Desert Arts Festival

The show is sponsored by West Coast Artists and takes place again this weekend at Francis Stevens Park in North Palm Springs. Their goal is to bring to appreciative new audiences a wealth of ever-changing art from accomplished artists and craftsmen. The artists provide the patrons a finer appreciation that comes from sharing time and space with a piece of art, watching the sun color and shade a work over the course of an afternoon.

West Coast Artists' shows are distinguished by scope of diversity and the wide variety of fine art. Presented are innovative works in differing styles of contemporary, traditional, modern, and southwest art for the discriminating individual or corporate collector. Hundreds of talented artists are proud to present their unique work in acrylic, collage, etchings, mixed media, oils, pencil, watercolors, digital and traditional photography. In addition to fine art, fine crafts will also be presented. Festival attendees will find blown glass, turned wood, semi-precious jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and an array of high-quality crafts.

This free event runs from 10 am to 4 pm from Friday through Sunday, January 12-14, 2018, at Francis Stevens Park is located at 550 North Palm Canyon Drive. More Info

Aspen Gay Ski Week 2018

Beginning Sunday, snow bunnies converge in Aspen for the 41st Gay Ski Week. A winter wonderland event set in the majestic Aspen Snowmass area. Featuring daily skiing & snowboarding, apres ski, dining, shopping, art, comedy, dancing, pool parties and so much more.

If you've been coming for years or it's your first time, you're sure to have a blast and enjoy all that Aspen has to offer. Get more information on lodging and events at www.gayskiweek.com. See you there!

FREE! Palm Springs Premier of the The Freedom to Marry film

Local residents Rich Weissman and J.D. Horn are hosting a 2nd event for the community – Saturday, January 20, at 1:30 PM at the Camelot Theatre – to present this incredible full-length feature film, speakers and event activities. The event is co-sponsored by the Gay Desert Guide and The Palm Springs Cultural Center, which includes Cinema Diverse, The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, The American Documentary Film Festival (AmDocs), the Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM) and the Camelot Theatres.

The film, by Eddie Rosenstein, is the epic, nail-biting, untold story of how same-sex marriage became law of the land. It follows Evan Wolfson, the architect of the movement, and his key colleagues on the decades long battle, culminating in the dramatic fight at the U.S Supreme Court. The film is more than the saga of one movement's history – it’s an inspiring tale of how regular people can actually win, and how activists can effectively change the minds and laws of a nation.

And, Evan Wolfson, the founder and living legend behind marriage equality, will be speaking! Evan was the genius behind and head of the Freedom to Marry organization. He conceived of the concept while a law student at Harvard three plus decades ago, working on every step of the effort, state-by-state and nationally. He now works internationally, bringing marriage equality to many nations throughout the world. It is an honor to have him come to the Palm Springs community and speak.

Evan will be joined by other honored speakers: Kate Kendall (Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights) who appears in the film, Misha Isaak (General Counsel to Oregon Governor Kate Brown) who litigated and won marriage equality for Oregon, and Geoff Kors (Palm Springs Councilmember) who served on the Freedom To Marry national board. And, Modern Men chorus will be singing.

On January 20th, the Palm Springs Cultural Center will unveil the complex's new name on the building and new lobby. Starting at noon, there will be a tent for community activities, including taking photos of people jumping, to become part of the future “Jump For Joy” mural on the theater’s building (come get your photo taken as you jump – you may be in the mural!), and a red carpet step-up for photos with “Married In Palm Springs” backdrop.

There is an another free showing of the film with the same speakers/Q&A, “Jump For Joy” photographer, red carpet step-up, with singing by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, on the same day at 6:30 pm. Reserve Your Free Tickets!

rabbit HOLE On the Local Stage

Beginning January 12 at the Pearl McManus Theatre, Dezart Performs presents Dezart Performs presents rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire.

About the play, "Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. RABBIT HOLE charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day. Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. More Info

HAPPY HOUR FINDER

Looking for somewhere awesome to unwind that’s got something fun going on every day of the week? Chill Bar on Arenas is just that! And you haven’t truly experienced Sunday Funday until you’ve experienced it at Chill. They’ve got everything from drink specials to life size jingo. And not to mention the addicting trail mix offered at the bar that is sometimes your saving grace at the end of the day! Visitors and locals alike love Chill bar because they treat everyone like family! With a happy hour that runs from opening to 7 PM and a late night happy hour from midnight to closing, the fun never stops!

EIGHT4NINE is located in the heart of the fashion district in downtown Palm Springs and is unlike any other restaurant in the area. Their sleek and perfectly decorated lounge and dining room will make you feel like a movie star! Happy Hour in the lounge and bar features a $9.00 section allowing their guests to say “We Ate 4 $9.” Enjoy classic and modern cocktails, alongside expertly selected wines and craft beers.

C'Mon, C'Mon, Get Happy!

Thai Smile is a Palm Springs gem in the perfect location, conveniently located just a block away (if that) from Arenas! The menu offers healthy, high-quality flavors from Thailand. They have a full bar and happy hour specials too! With this deal, you can enjoy $50 worth of delicious food and drinks for only $35!

Oscars Café and Bar in the heart of downtown is full of fun every day of the week. With this super hot deal you can enjoy $25 worth of food and drink at Oscar's for only $12.50! And we already know what you’re thinking and the answer is YES! This hot deal can be used at Oscars very famous Tea Dance! This week Tea Dance features DJ Galaxy, so get there early to get your spot on the dance floor!

Find All Hot Deals Here