Cool, calm and collected. That’s how i spent my weekend making a trek to Idyllwild for a welcome retreat with friends. As we observe Earth Day to start the week, I was reminded of the effects that climate change is having from the mountains to the desert.
The headlines are scary: “L.A. Country faces $12.5 billion in climate costs through 2040”, explains a Los Angeles Times article. We know the effects and the costs here in the Coachella Valley with the frequent closing of Indian Canyon as our barometer for climate change. The number of 100+ degree days put a thermometer to the issues as well. Dust swirls or the road floods from more frequent weather events.
My Headspace app gave me some hope today: The advice from Stanford’s Social Ecology Lab: Lean into a “fresh start” mindset every day. We can celebrate Earth Day 2024 appreciating the positive change all around us thanks to the efforts, dedication and perseverance of so many people over time. We can stay informed on the issues, talk with family, friends and neighbors, and vote on upcoming ballot issues and candidates. Social change happens because we change.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Dining Out for Life is Thursday
Since 2005, Greater Palm Springs has participated in the annual, one-day-and-night-only national HIV/AIDS foodie fundraiser known as Dining Out For Life, taking place this year on Thursday, April 25. Locals, snowbirds, and even tourists swell with pride and come out with a vengeance to raise much-needed funds for DAP Health while enjoying the generosity of participating local restaurants, bars, and bakeries that donate anywhere from 33 to 110% of their entire day and evening’s receipts — not just the profits — to the popular effort. See our event listing for more on participating locations, and plan your day ahead: breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks too! More info
The Center Social
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents the April Center Social on Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30–7 pm at DRIFT hotel. Come for fun, community, and happy hour. Spread the word: everyone is invited to find friendship and connection. More info
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Revolution Stage Company presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, continuing this week from Tuesday–Sunday, April 23–28. An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers. Get tickets
Nice Work If You Can Get it
CVRep presents George & Ira Gershwin’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, playing Wednesdays through Sundays, April 10–28. Additional dates have already been added due to high demand, hitting the CVRep stage with Gershwin songs you’ll be humming the whole way home. This screwball comedy features romance, high-spirited production numbers, and a Tony Award winning script that pokes fun at class snobbery in the prohibition era. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “As the central couple, Jennifer Knox and Hayden Stanes are charmers blessed with wonderful voices and bring a sense of romance to “S’ Wonderful”, their long dance number which recalls Fred & Ginger as they danced their way to romance.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert – Final Week
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through this Sunday, 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. Get tickets
Defying Gravity with PSGMC
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) presents Defying Gravity, their annual spring concert, this Thursday–Saturday, April 25–27 at 7 pm and Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm at the Annenberg Theater. Come for a concert that celebrates the human spirit and inspires us all to break the bounds of gravity and soar beyond the limitations put on us. The program includes traditional choral selections, spirituals and Broadway hits; with music by Josh Groban, Coldplay and P!NK, with selections from Wicked, Pippin, the Greatest Showman and more. PSGMC will join guest star Kristine W for iconic #1 hits “I’ll Be Your Light” and “The Wonder of It All,” among others. Get tickets
A Cabbello Men’s Vocal Ensemble presents Brasilanova
Men’s vocal ensemble A Cabbello presents Brasilanova on Wednesday, April 24, at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs. The group will weave their harmonic tapestry through the velvety melodies and gentle, swaying rhythms of the Bossa Nova. You’ll be transported directly to the heart of Brazil, where every note tells a story and every beat is an invitation to dance. Get tickets
Revivals After Dark Back Alley Event
Come and shop for resale leather at the Revivals After Dark Back Alley Event on Friday, April 26 from 6–7:30 pm at Revivals Palm Springs.This semi-annual, adults-only event benefits both DAP Health and Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD). Resale merchandise includes leather, harnesses, art, books and videos, jockstraps, underwear, apparel, and toys. More info
Stagecoach Music Festival
On the heels of Coachella Fest comes “California’s Country Music Festival,” Stagecoach, on the same grounds in Indio this weekend, from Friday–Sunday, April 26–28. This year’s edition features Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen as headliners, with acts like Post Malone, Willie Nelson, and Elle King also gracing the stages. If you’d like to tune in to this sold-out festival from the comfort of home, you can also watch the festival’s livestream on Prime Video and Twitch. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, April 22
Rooftop Full Moon Movement, Meditation, & Sound Bath | 6–7:30 pm at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Tuesday, April 23
Among Friends Interactive: Mommie Dearest | 6 pm cocktails, 8 pm movie at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Wednesday, April 24
Eisenhower Lecture: Stroke Risk Factors and How to Prevent a Stroke | 4–5 pm on Zoom
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle | 6 pm on Zoom
The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, April 25
Card & Board Game Group | 1–4 pm
Valerie Bertinelli – RMWF Writers Series | 2 pm at Rancho Mirage Library
Candle Making Workshop | 6–8 pm at Play Lounge & Cafe
“Should we Stay Woke?” with LGBTQ+ Humanists | 6:30 pm on Zoom
Chloe Feoranzo, star of Postmodern Jukebox | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
Friday, April 26
Perez Art District 4th Fridays Art Walk | 4–7 pm
Time for Change Foundation’s 22nd Annual Awards Gala | 6 pm in Ontario, CA
Country Dance Fridays | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch Palm Springs
Saturday, April 27
Pro on the Move (Parkinson’s Awareness Month)
3rd Annual Caturday Breakfast | 9–11 am at the Kimpton Rowan
Core Strength Workshop & Workout | 10 am–11:15 am at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Special Screwball “Sunday” Screening: The Palm Beach Story (1942) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sunday, April 28
Card & Board Game Group | 1–4 pm
Screwball Sundays: Design for Living (1933) | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Guys and Dolls, presented by College of the Desert | Fri–Sun, May 3–5
- Bianca del Rio | Mon. May 6
- The Boy Who Cried Wolf | Sat. May 11
- Tribute to Taylor Swift | Sat. Jun 1
- Wanda Sykes | Wed. & Thu. Jun 5 & 6
- Samara Joy | Sat. Jun 15
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
THIS WEEKEND
The Black Market Trust
The Purple Room Supper Club presents The Black Market Trust on Friday and Saturday, April 26 & 27 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). The Black Market Trust are an American Traditional Pop/Vocal Jazz group from Los Angeles who combine the sounds of the legendary American crooners and vocal groups with the fire and energy of Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. The live show features material from The Great American Songbook infused with Django’s romantic and virtuosic flavor. Get tickets
The Lincoln Debate
The Bent Theatre Company presents The Lincoln Debate for an encore run to close out their season, Thursdays–Sundays, opening Friday, April 26 and running through May 12. This play launched The Bent, and Jason Reale, who won a Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lincoln, will be back in his stovepipe hat. Join the debate and decide for yourself whether or not Abraham Lincoln might have an initial under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella that fits him, exploring the first source facts with humor and historical accuracy surrounding Lincoln’s rocky courtship with Mary Todd juxtaposed with the four years that Lincoln shared a bed with Joshua Speed, a man that history records as Lincoln’s “best friend.” Get tickets
International Jazz Day
The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival is celebrating International Jazz Day on Sunday, April 28 from 2–4 pm at Vicky’s of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The celebration will honor Miriam Makeba with a special, amazing tribute by LA Artists Jimetta Rose and Gail Jhonson and Jazz in Pink. Makeba is one of the world’s most prominent Black African jazz performers in the 20th century, introducing the world to a unique blend of jazz-influenced balladry and rousing Afrobeats. Join the celebration and help raise funds for the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz & Blues Association, a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization. Get tickets
MAD.KAT Gallery Presents: “Playful”
MAD.KAT Gallery presents “Playful,” a new exhibition features 16 international, national, and local artists who explore the whimsical, magical, and surreal side of sculpture, painting, mixed media, textile art, and much more, from April 27–June 15. Come for the Opening Reception and meet the artists on Saturday, April 27 from 5–9 pm. More info
Wheel of Fortune Live!™
Wheel of Fortune LIVE!™ brings America’s Game® to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Saturday, April 27 at 8 pm. One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win. Guests are randomly selected to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show itself. Get tickets
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!
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
You can WIN TICKETS to see Shakira live on November 2, kicking off her new world tour at Acrisure Arena on Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3! The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Brooklyn, Chicago, and more, but it all starts right here. Known for her dynamic and high-energy performances, Shakira will bring tracks from her new album and her legendary catalog of hits to life on stage. Get tickets or Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
WIN TICKETS to see Bianca del Rio live on Monday, May 6, bringing her Dead Inside World Comedy Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage! [Get tickets]. This will be the seasoned comic’s sixth worldwide stand-up comedy tour. Bianca will be entertaining the masses with her iconic lightning-fast wit and razor-sharp tongue. Her new show will cover politics, pop culture, political correctness, current events, cancel culture, and everyday life through the eyes of someone who’s “dead inside” and finds humor in everything. Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY wants to send you on a Brand g Vacations luxury all-LGBT+ cruise to Venice, Croatia, and Sicily this summer! Starting Monday, April 15, listen to KGAY weekdays at 8 am, 1 pm and 5 pm for the Brand g/KGAY Cruise Song of the Day, then go to the KGAY Contest Page, enter the song name, and you’re registered to win! Brand g Vacations is the #1 operator of luxury, all-LGBT+ cruises and land tours. The contest winner will also receive roundtrip airfare provided by Palm Springs International Airport! Explore the world on your terms.
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
- Nice Work If You Can Get It
Apr. 10–28 at CVRep - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Apr 16–28 at Revolution Stage Company - Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - The Black Market Trust
Fri. & Sat. Apr 26 & 27 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Precision Wellness – BTL Bus Event
Tue. Apr 30 from 4–6 pm at Precision Wellness in Rancho Mirage - Desert Winds Freedom Band: Beethoven and Friends
Sat. May 4 at 2 pm at Temple Isaiah - Cinco de Mayo Arenas District Fiesta
Sun. May 5 from 4–10 pm on Arenas Road - Bianca Del Rio: Dead Inside World Comedy Tour
Mon. May 6 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - San Bernardino Symphony: “Revolutionaries”
Sat. May 25 at 3 pm at California Theatre of the Performing Arts - Caro Pierotto Brazilian Jazz
Thu. Jun 6 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
- Coachella’s Gayest Moments, Ranked
- Trixie Mattel Knows All the Best Date-Night Spots in Palm Springs
- Unleashing the Magic: White Party Palm Springs 2024 Recap & Highlights
- $2.3 Million Raised at 30th Annual The Chase Celebrating DAP Health’s 40th Anniversary
- As Pride Approaches, OUTLOUD/WeHo Pride in Position for Another Amazing Festival!
At Il Giardino Ristorante Italiano, Chef Teresa specializes in homemade Italian/Sicilian foods according to traditional recipes of her birth family and uses her experience acquired over the years to personally prepare the dishes on the menu. Try homemade gnocchi, ravioli, noodles, sauces, gravy, fresh vegetable soups, and desserts and save $20 when you get a $50 gift card for $30! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Willie’s Modern Fare, Desert Zen Day Spa, Thai Smile, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP 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.