I receive an email called “DailyOM” and this morning’s was titled, “You Never Know Who You’ll Meet.” That was my weekend!
Friday night, I was followed by Fortune Feimster’s wife, Jacquelyn, from Blackbook to Eagle 501. Fortune was in town for a comedy show. Jacquelyn’s father, Bruce, and I went to high school together in rural Michigan. He was also in town and she excitedly brought him over – a mini-class reunion. But the plot thickens as he is gay…and obviously his daughter is lesbian.
I’ll be attending my 45th class reunion this summer. You may be able to relate to this – there were always whispers of who was “different” in your class. But many times the signs weren’t so obvious. So years later, it’s a surprise when you learn a classmate, friend or relatives did not live the “straight and narrow life”.
The weekend was packed with many other opportunities to mix and mingle again. Boozehounds opening over the weekend was impeccably done with Jimmy, Bryan and Steve hosting us. I love the fact that the restaurant will be open morning till night and look forward as much to coffee and a pastry as I do a good Manhattan!
The Sonoran Palm Springs, adjacent property of AsiaSF, hosted a fashion show Saturday. I spoke with co-owner Skip Young who was optimistic about a Fall opening for the storied performance bar and restaurant.
This week offers up “Dining Out For Life” with DAP Health asking you to support local restaurants who have supported them for so many years. See my blog below for all the other events, activities and opportunities for you to meet someone new in our Oasis!
And the Fun & Games Dept. of GayDesertGuide is presenting “An Evening on the Lanai: Remembering the Golden Girls”. We celebrate the Golden Girls with season 1 writer Stan Zimmerman with fun trivia, giveaways, sing alongs, and Q&A. Hosted by on air personality Alexander Rodriguez from On the Rocks with Alexander and a regular guest on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast. The event will be at Oscars on Thursday, May 27th and tickets will be on sale this week!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
Brothers of the Desert: ‘Speak My Words, Tell My Truth’
CVRep Theatre Thursdays and Brothers of the Desert Presents: Speak My Words, Tell My Truth A Premier Performing Arts Piece by Lorenzo Qatava on Thursday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Part poetry, storytelling, and play, the dialogue of six characters who present the lives and works of Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Essex Hemphill, E. Lynn Harris, Tarrell Alvin McCraney, and others, explore how their works influenced American cultural aesthetics and its acceptance of homosexuality. This virtual performing arts piece will star Robert Banks Ramirez, Charles Reese, Allan Louis, John Lathan, Andre Carthen, and Anye Elite. Free event, registration required. Get tickets
Wyld Womxn Monthly Bike Outing
Join Wyld Womxn for a new monthly recurring biking activity on the last Thursday of every month, starting on Thursday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. This monthly bike ride will be a public community wellness resource and is open for anyone interested! Meet at Dead or Alive bar and come back for a glass of wine on the patio. Founded in 2016, Wyld Womxn is an intersectional feminist community organization based in the Coachella Valley, comprised of women and non-binary artists and activists. More info
Big Broadway Trivia Night
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Game Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Big Broadway Trivia Night on Monday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom for all Broadway Babies and musical theater nerds! Join other fans of the Great White Way and win prizes from the comfort of your own home at this trivia bonanza hosted by Broadway producer and industry insider Hugh Hysell. Get tickets
LA Phil Affiliates in the Desert w/Coachella Valley Symphony
LA Phil Affiliates in the Desert presents the Coachella Valley Symphony and Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony on Tuesday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Enjoy musical selections from Erin Shen, Violinist, John Mario, Music Director & Conductor and James Beauton, Youth Music Director & Conductor. Each of them will share stories on their life, lessons learned, and their passion for music. More info
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Walk & Hike with Kim
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Walk and Hike with Kim, occasional treks for women led by Kim Kieler. On Tuesday, April 27 join Kim at 7:00 a.m. for a hike at the Indio Badlands. This is a fun and easy hike (5.2 miles and 800ft elevation), dog friendly, and loops around the recently established Indio Hills Badlands trail. You’ll enjoy small twisting canyons, colorful contorted terrain, fun narrow sections, open ridge tops and a high point with 360 degree views over the surrounding area. More info
Palm Springs City Council Seeks Applicants for Boards and Commissions
The Palm Springs City Council is seeking applicants interested in applying for a voluntary leadership role to serve on one of several City Boards and Commissions. Positions are currently available on: Airport Commission, Architectural Advisory Commission, Library Trustees, Parks and Recreation, Public Arts, VillageFest Board and more. Submit an application
Movement vs. Exercise – What’s the Difference?
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert and Eisenhower Health present Movement vs Exercise – What is the Difference? on Wednesday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. Lovers of vigorous exercise aren’t the only ones who get health benefits from physical activity. Studies show that low impact workouts and even activities you’d never think of as exercise can also improve your well-being. Join Olivia Ellis, Cardiac Rehab Specialist, via ZOOM to learn more. Register here
Dining Out For Life 2021
Due to the Covid-related struggles restaurants have had over the last year, Dining Out For Life 2021, on Thursday, April 29, will be different: Rather than asking the restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds, DAP Health is asking the community to support locally-owned restaurants by ordering take-out or dining-in on that day. More info
Greek Mom’s Live Interactive Easter Special
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Greek Mom’s Live Interactive Easter Special on Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. It may be Greek Easter, but that does not stop Greek Mom from answering your questions on love, life and dealing with cousins you hate (don’t get her started about her cousin Toula). Greek Mom (the creation of hysterical comedian Gus Constantellis) is guaranteed to insult and entertain as she hosts her own live advice show. “You want my advice? Good, it looks like you need it. Your life is a mess, but I’m here to help!” Pre-submit questions and Greek Mom will try to answer everything! Get tickets
Modernism Week New and Encore Programs Online Experience
While Modernism Week may be over in Palm Springs, the fun continues online with the Modernism Week Online Experience! Whether you are near or far, you can still experience a taste of Modernism Week virtually with online programs, including compelling presentations, video tours and films, on sale through May 15, and viewable through May 31. More info
Bereavement Therapy Group
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is presenting a new session of their Bereavement Therapy Group starting Monday, May 3 and continuing for 12 weeks on Mondays from 5:00–6:30 p.m. The closed sessions of Bereavement Therapy Group are offered via HIPAA-compliant Zoom calls, intended for those who have lost a loved one and want assistance in dealing with their loss and to talk with others who understand what they are going through. More info
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Fifty+ Fit with Lynn Simonson – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p .m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
The Palm Springs Police Department will be holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, April 30 from 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within city limits. Officers will look for drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, reminding the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol but can include recreational, prescription, or over-the-counter medications. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 94
THIS WEEKEND
Rainbow Challenge 2021
Grab your sunscreen and join other LGBTQ folks for Stonewall Golfers’ 20th Annual Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament, a weekend of golf at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2. Play to compete or just casual play. Proceeds from this tournament will be donated to The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. More info
Palm Springs Air Museum 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Palm Springs Air Museum is celebrating 25 years over three evenings: Thursday, April 29, Friday, April 30, or Saturday, May 1. Choose one date to attend for an open-air, COVID-19 compliant celebration with live entertainment by The Company Men and Wartime Radio, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night. Hosted by Joe Mantegna, admission includes a tax-deductible donation. Attendance is limited. Get tickets
Bingo with Bella at Mizell
Mizell Bingo is back the last Friday of the month, with Bingo numbers called by your favorite local hostess extraordinaire, Bella Da Ball. In addition to a regular wonderful selection of prizes, there will be 2 amazing raffles! Until they can safely reopen, Mizell Bingo will be virtual but they’re going to bring you an in person experience, starting Friday, April 30 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., with the next edition on Friday, May 28. Register at least a week ahead of time online and they will mail you 10 game boards and a dabber, then join in via Zoom for laughs, prizes and cash! More info
Eventually We’re All Queer: Isherwood’s Identities and Legacies
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Eventually We’re All Queer: Isherwood’s Identities and Legacies on Sunday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. Join Professor Chris Freeman for a fascinating talk about gay writer/pioneer Christopher Isherwood. From England to Berlin to Hollywood, Isherwood broke ground every step of the way, culminating with “A Single Man,” “Cabaret,” and his coming out memoir, “Christopher and His Kind.” Can’t make the live event? Buy a ticket for the recording and watch the event in your own time! More info