As Barry Manilow joined forces with Modern Men to close out The Chase awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center, the party next door was just getting started. White Party, that is.
Both events shared something in common: drag performers in attendance. Palm Springs Life published a great piece over the weekend that provides a great insight into our local drag culture.
Les Dames du Soleil were in full regalia at Saturday night’s White Party, then appeared as civilians – Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy – at Sunday’s Tea Dance where I caught up with them. They told me that many of the men didn’t know who they were out of drag, which is always entertaining when the realization hits. And that’s been the case since drag began.
As the article lays out, we have a corner on both midcentury modern architecture and drag performers. Seems like every venue is getting in on the “act”. “You can find drag 10 days a week in Palm Springs,” says Rosemary Galore in the Palm Springs Life article. And there’s only one place to find them all – Gay Desert Guide.
A personal note: Retiring after 11 years today is our listings editor Alex McCune. He has wrangled info on every drag show and bar night in the valley since we started GayDesertGuide.com. Alex was already retired from a career as an educator, but I pulled him back to work part time. He’s been a great sounding board for me as well as my longest “employee” in my local media venture. Thanks Alex!
And we must also acknowledge the retirement of Tommi Rose and the Playgirls from Toucans after 22 years. As our Pride theme so aptly stated: “Drag Now – Drag Forever”!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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KGAY Night at the Firebirds – Discount Ticket Offer!
Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Firebirds for clinching their spot in the American Hockey League playoffs, we are looking forward to KGAY Night at the Firebirds next Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm! Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on the plaza with music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy; enjoy $5 beers, cheer on the Firebirds against the Ontario Reign and watch KGAY’s John Taylor and your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr ride the Zamboni machine! Get your discounted tickets today with our exclusive KGAY Night offer: Get tickets
Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
Musician Jennifer Corday presents Desert Legends this Friday–Sunday, April 5–7 at various locations in Palm Springs with a party scene catering to the 40+ lesbian demographic. Friday features a Women’s Golf Tournament from 9 am–2 pm at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort and a Kickoff Cocktail Party from 4–7 pm at 360 Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, and the Desert Legends Concert with Jennifer Corday and special guests from 7–9:30 pm in the Cascade Lounge. Saturday is a Women’s Pickleball Tournament at Demuth Park from 9 am–2 pm, and Fortune Feimster brings her comedy to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage at 8 pm. On Sunday from 11 am–2 pm at Hunters, it’s a Sunday Brunch and live show featuring Marisa Corvo with a Tea Dance with DJ Dawn Michaels from 2–5 pm. Get tickets
Fortune Feimster at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Fortune Feimster: The Live, Laugh, Love Comedy Tour on Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm. Fortune Feimster has had one-hour and half-hour specials on Netflix, Comedy Central, and other platforms. Feimster has appeared on shows such as The Mindy Project, Bless the Harts, and The L Word: Generation Q. She currently co-hosts a daily SiriusXM radio show with Tom Papa and a weekly podcast with her partner, Jax. Get tickets
DBA Networking Mixer at Blackbook
The Desert Business Association (DBA) invites you to a Networking Mixer at Blackbook Bar on Monday, April 1 at 5:30 pm. Blackbook is a long-time DBA member and community supporter. Their space has been used for numerous non-profit and community events over the years. They serve award-winning craft cocktails and classic American comfort food that was named Palm Springs’ Best Restaurant in 2020. Come for networking, food, drinks, and a raffle supporting scholarships! More info
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns hand crafted by artisans. Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Note: Another Adults-Only night is Thursday, April 11. Get tickets
Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City: The Dreamboats
The City of Cathedral City’s Communications & Special Events Department presents Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City with a performance from The Dreamboats on Tuesday, April 2 from 5–7 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences while listening to live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Free and open to the community! More info
Movies in the Park – Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Dust off your lawn chairs and blankets and bring them to the Downtown Palm Springs Park for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant eras of the 80s and 90s, for the Movies in the Park series, all under the twinkling stars. On Tuesday, April 2 at 7 pm, the movie will be Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Bring your own snacks or grab a delicious bite from one of the nearby eateries in Downtown Palm Springs for the ultimate picnic experience. More info
Rock the Park – Garth Guy
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce presents Season 3 of their free Rock the Park concert series, continuing with Garth Guy: The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute Show on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Downtown Park. Performer Dean Simmons has 5000+ live performances over 28 years under his belt, making him the busiest and most experienced Garth Brooks tribute artist in the world. He never tires of giving audiences across the globe a live Garth Brooks experience that is performed with respect and amazing accuracy. (Next up in the series: May 1 – WANTED: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi). More info
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Lang Lang | Wed. Apr 3
- Kathy Griffin – My Life on the PTSD-List | Thu. Apr 4
- The Four Phantoms | Sat. Apr 6
- Andrew Evans – Travel: A Bridge to Enlightenment | Sun. Apr 7
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
Faux Fur Ball Online Auction Now Open
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter presents their (SOLD OUT) Faux Fur Ball 2024 on Saturday, April 6 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This “Black And White Affair” raises critical funds for the Shelter. This year will feature an extended reception time, shorter program, entertainment and a cap of 500 attendees, so they sold out fast! You may, however, bid on some incredible auction items, whether you’re able to attend or not. Check out their e-catalog, open for pre-bidding until 12 noon on Friday, April 5.
Sunset & Swing with Todd Murray
Todd Murray performs Sunset & Swing live at Living Out Palm Springs on Friday, April 5 at 6:30 pm. Watch the sun set and soak in Todd’s luscious baritone voice backed by a 7-piece jazz band (with cocktails by Alice B, of course). Like Sinatra and Bublé? You will LOVE Todd Murray in his first Palm Springs appearance in almost 5 years. Get tickets
Just Remember / Cabaret on Stage feat. Neil Cohen
To raise funds benefitting PSUSD Elementary Schools with the purchasing of musical instruments, Just Remember is a 100-seat capacity event on the stage at the Richards Center for the Arts on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 pm, featuring vocalist Neil Cohen with musical direction by Michael Orland and special guests Albert Gonzales and the Students of Musical Theatre University. Get tickets
Western Xposure Bear Weekend
Western Xposure returns to the CCBC Resort for a long weekend this April 4–7. This 100% clothing-optional event features daily pool parties, with poolside DJ’s Carrera, Bulldog, E. Feld, Evil JP, and BodyRolls. Enjoy the trails to explore, grassy areas to relax in, dark rooms and outdoor play spaces, and much more including hot tubs, a steam room, and cold plunge waterfall. This is Western Xposure’s biggest event with over 1000 hot bears, free lunch BBQ on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, and more. You can go as fast and hard as you want, or take it easy and get some sun. With no interruptions or show, the event rolls on so you can strip down, eat, drink, relax, and enjoy it. Get tickets
Desert Theatricals Broadway Series: Damn Yankees
Desert Theatricals presents Damn Yankees, this Friday–Sunday, April 5–7 under the stars at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Winner of eight tony Awards including Best Musical, Damn Yankees tells the story of Joe Boyd, who makes a deal with the devil to become young Joe Hardy and lead the Senators to a victory against the Yankees ball team. A retelling of the Faust legend set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C. Get tickets
The Lalas at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents The Lalas on Friday, April 5 at 8 pm. The Lalas is the best in burlesque, and they perform sexy & hilarious burlesque shows around the world. Set to a soundtrack of classic rock & blues, you’ll be mesmerized by perfectly choreographed dance moves, and so much fringe you’ll wonder how The Lalas got it all on the plane. Get tickets
Tuesday, April 2
Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon – 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Palm Springs Convention Ctr.
Lesbian Hikes with Kim Kieler | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Positive Life Series: CROI Update w/ Golkoo Morcos, Medical Director BIOS Clinical Research | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center and Zoom
Queer Colon Care Collective (Q3) Colorectal Cancer Support Group | 6 pm at The Center
Wednesday, April 3
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Defying Gravity Preview Concert | 7 pm at The Center for Spiritual Living
The ABC’s of Parkinson’s Disease | 1 pm at Cathedral City Senior Center
First Wednesday Art Walk at KEE Gallery | 5–7 pm at Backstreet Art District
Thursday, April 4
PALS Death Cafe | 2 pm on Zoom
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Jose Barracuda | 7 pm at Acrisure Arena
Friday, April 5
First Fridays El Paseo | 4–7 pm at The Shops on El Paseo
Desert Art Center’s Final Gallery Show of the Season | 5–7 pm Opening Reception
Saturday, April 6
Broadway Sings for Cancer Support Community | 5 pm, Palm Springs
Sunday, April 7
Screwball Sundays: Sullivan’s Travels | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
THIS WEEKEND
The Pink Ball w/Margaret Cho
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center presents The Pink Ball with special guest Margaret Cho on Saturday, April 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Palm Springs. Prepared to be dazzled when the spirit of celebration meets the vibrancy of Pink. With the incomparable Margaret Cho as guest of honor, laughter and charm will fill the air. Slip into your finest Pink attire and come for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and camaraderie. Get tickets
Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam
Freestyle Explosion is bringing the power of throwbacks to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 pm. Get ready for a night of irresistible nostalgia and chart-topping hits when this highly anticipated event brings together legendary Freestyle artists who have left an indelible mark on the music industry: Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Exposé, Lisette Melendez, Noel, Connie, Pretty Poison, and Nocera. Get tickets
Gayming Awards 2024
Gayming Magazine presents the 2024 Gayming Awards on Sunday, April 7, from 5 pm–midnight at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. The Gayming Awards are the world’s first and only award ceremony celebrating all that is great about LGBTQ video gaming including games, characters, streamers and much more. Launched in 2021, the Awards set out to celebrate the achievements within the global gaming culture that represent and champion the LGBTQ experience. More info
Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now on Friday and Saturday, April 5 & 6 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). The show will include highlights of his repertoire of nearly fifty years as a cabaret performer, bringing Broadway to rhythm and blues and rhythm and blues to Broadway. Revisit some of his Award-winning performances from Guys and Dolls, The Wiz, Cats, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ and some of the behind the scenes stories that went along with those amazing theatrical events. Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
Mid-Century Moderns, the hit jukebox musical comedy, is at Revolution Stage Company with its final two performances this Friday and Sunday, April 5 & 7, at 7 pm. The pop hits of the 1960s come to life as a Wisconsin widow is transformed from frump to fabulous when she finds herself in an exciting new world in 1966 Palm Springs. Get tickets
Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Palm Springs Drag Legends, hosted by Burna Cross, bring you the 2nd Annual Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Awareness on Saturday, April 6 at 3 pm at The Barracks. This will be a raunchy good time with several rounds of Bingo and with prizes, entertainment and drinks, plus a 70’s themed costume contest. Bingo continues on Saturdays all month raising funds for the cause. More info
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LOOKING AHEAD
Spring 2024 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our NEW Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY 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. Look for the latest edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
On Saturday, April 6 get ready to laugh your socks off with the one and only Fortune Feimster at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage [Get tickets]. This stand-up sensation is everywhere – from your radio to the big screen and everything in between! Catch her hilarious one-hour special, Sweet & Salty on Netflix, nominated for Best Comedy Special at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and Enter to Win Tickets on the KGAY Contest Page
You can WIN TICKETS to KGAY Night at the Coachella Valley Firebirds, on Wednesday, April 10 when the Firebirds take on the Ontario Reign. Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on The Plaza with live music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy, $5 Beer Night, giveaways and more! Puck drop is 7 pm. Get tickets or Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy 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 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV FM
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 weekdays from 10–3 pm! – 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Rock the Park: The Garth Guy Show Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute
Wed. Apr 3 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park - Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
Tuesdays through April 9 from 5–7 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now
Fri. & Sat., Apr. 5 & 6 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Mid-Century Moderns: A New Musical, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Fridays & Sundays (plus select Saturdays) through Apr 7 - The Pink Ball feat. Margaret Cho
Sat. Apr 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs - Fortune Feimster: Live Laugh Love Comedy Tour
Sat. Apr 6 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - KGAY Night at Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wed. Apr 10 from 5:30–9 pm at Acrisure Arena - Nice Work If You Can Get It, presented by CVRep
Apr. 10–21 - World Art Day Festival
Sat. Apr 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park - The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute
Sat. Apr 13 at 7 pm at Fuego Events Space - Sherlock Holmes Confidential, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Apr 12–21 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Mr. Parker, presented by Dezart Performs
Apr 12–21 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future Event
Fri. Apr 19 from 5–8 pm at the Prescott Collection Hangar - Defying Gravity with Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Thu.–Sun. Apr 25–28 at the Annenberg Theater
Welcome New Partner!
Thompson Palm Springs, the much-anticipated new luxury hotel in the Design District opening later this summer, is taking shape. Your author had a hardhat tour this week, and saw the progress firsthand! This chic urban oasis will offer unique rooms, suites with private pools, and unrivaled amenities—available to locals and visitors alike—including a signature restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine helmed by an award-winning chef, two large outdoor pool venues, and over 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space. Learn more
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V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar offers a large selection of California boutique and old world wines by the glass, throwback cocktails, craft beers and cheese plates in their beautiful mid-century lounge. With our HOT DEAL you can save 30% and get a $50 gift certificate for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Thai Smile, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, Desert Zen Day Spa, and more! See All Deals
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 2023-24 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” 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 now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.