Our performing arts organizations have really upped their game in recent years. It struck me as I watched the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) Sunday. Their performance incorporated dance, a barbershop-esque ensemble, video and the incomparable Kristine W. as the special guest.
And then the “breaking news” announcement from Artistic Director Jerry Soria-Foust: Disney/Pixar approved PSGMC to license the spectacular “Disney PRIDE in Concert” elements for the Spring 2025 show. I saw this last summer as my beloved GMCLA performed it at Disney Hall. Movie clips and orchestration join the chorus voices in a touching show (that I hope will move to a larger venue).
I must also give kudos to Michael Shaw and Dezart Performs for taking the leap on building out a new space in Cathedral City. They will join CVRep, who has also stepped up with great performances as well as smaller cabaret and classes.
The list goes on, but suffice to say we’re putting up some great theatre, dance, music and comedy on the many stages throughout the valley. Soon, we’ll have the newly-renovated Plaza Theatre bringing in acts to downtown Palm Springs and hosting some of our local performing arts in addition to national acts.
Our Events page is a robust collection of all these ways to spend your time in Greater Palm Springs – and escape the inevitable heat coming soon to a desert near you.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
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The 2024 DBA Impact Awards
The Desert Business Association will present their 2024 Impact Awards on Monday, April 29 from 5–9 pm at the Fuego Event Space. The Impact Awards will recognize our LGBTQ+ business and community leaders and organizations, including:
— Business of the Year: Boozehounds
— Business Person of the Year: Cliff Young, Coachella Valley Coffee
— Outstanding Community Service Organization: Transgender Health and Wellness Center
— Outstanding Community Service Leader: Kimberly June Skeete
— Legacy Award: PFLAG Palm Springs/Desert Communities
The event will also recognize a number of recipients of the LGBTQ Youth Educational Scholarships. More info
WANTED: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Rock the Park series wraps up this week with WANTED: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. The group recreates the extensive catalog of Bon Jovi rock and love songs that have stood the test of time and appeal to generations of music lovers including: “Runaway,” “Livin’ on A Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” and “Have a Nice Day.” More info
Precision Wellness BTL Bus Event
Precision Wellness of Rancho Mirage welcomes The Great North American Form, Fit & Function Tour on Tuesday, April 30 from 4–6 pm. KGAY will be on-site, giving away incredible prizes—facials, weight loss packages, Botox, IV therapies, and a grand prize EmFace treatment worth $6000! There will also be a complimentary yoga class and exclusive deals on state-of-the-art body and face sculpting treatments with no downtime. The BTL Bus has all the demos. An all encompassing wellness center, Precision Wellness uses state-of-the-art non-invasive aesthetic treatments. More info
The Lincoln Debate
The Bent Theatre Company presents The Lincoln Debate for an encore run to close out their season, Thursdays–Sundays, 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
Purple Room: Niki Haris, Janis Mann, The Judy Show
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Niki Haris: Grown Ass Woman on Friday, May 3. Niki is a Purple Room favorite and returns for one night only! On Saturday, May 4, Janis Mann performs The Look of Love: Songs of Burt Bacharach. Her interpretation of the Bacharach songbook with imaginative delivery and soul-stirring vocal quality “wows” audiences whenever she presents this tribute. Both evenings start with dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. On Sunday, May 5, it’s hysterical comedy, outstanding music, and high camp as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland in The Judy Show! (dinner at 5 pm, show at 7 pm). Get tickets
The Look of Love
Revolution Stage Company presents Bonnie G in The Look of Love: The Music of Dusty Springfield on Friday, May 3 at 7 pm. Come for an unforgettable journey through the hits of Dusty Springfield, one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, whose soulful voice and hits like “Son of a Preacher Man” have left an indelible mark on music history. Bonnie G is known to Palm Springs and SoCal audiences for her distinctive voice and sensual stage presence. She will be joined by special guest Gregg Marx. Get tickets
Sunnylands Films in the Garden: Barbie
The popular outdoor movie series Films in the Gardens returns to Sunnylands Center & Gardens in May, highlighting films with unique and imaginative set designs. On Friday, May 3, at 7:30 pm, the film will be Barbie (2023), the worldwide phenomenon of last year. Admission is free, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, May 30
Movies in the Park: The Sandlot | 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park
Wednesday, May 1
First Wednesday Art Walk at KEE Gallery | 5–7 pm at Backstreet Art District
Jessica Kaczmarek Band | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
The Gay Naked Talk Show with Guest Drew Sebastian | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, May 2
PALS Death Cafe | 2 pm on Zoom
Double Bass Battle w/Lakshmi Ramirez & Marquis Howell | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Pretzel Logic – A Steely Dan Revue | 7 pm at Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Friday, May 3
Idyllwild Arts Visual Arts Exhibition | 4–7 pm at Melissa Morgan Fine Art
It’s Me, Charlie! A Night of Music Exploring Pop & Broadway | 6–8 pm at Oscar’s
Sunday, May 5
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am–2 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Screwball Sundays: Holiday | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Ask a Gay Doc: How Much is Too Much?
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 4, Dr. Corzano and John answer a viewer question about alcohol intake. How much is too much? Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
THIS WEEKEND
Cinco de Mayo on Arenas
Join the fiesta and celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5 from 4–10 pm in the Arenas District. Entertainment includes Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, a Selena Tribute Artist, and KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and more. VIP All-Access passes get you a meet & greet with the headliners, side-stage viewing, hosted bar, with snacks and munchies, dedicated porta-potty and other perks. More info
Beethoven and Friends
Desert Winds Freedom Band presents the final concert of their 22nd season, Beethoven and Friends, on Saturday, May 4 at 2 pm at Temple Isaiah/Jewish Community Center. In addition to the Symphonic Band performance, there will be performances by smaller instrumental groups from the Band including a woodwind quintet and a piano quintet, featuring Matt Richards, trumpet, and Andy Nelson, clarinet. Get tickets
Artsworks: Theatre Fest 2024
Desert TheatreWorks presents its inaugural Theatre Fest this Friday–Sunday, May 3–5 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. This three-day extravaganza promises a diverse lineup of theatrical experiences, ranging from heart-pounding dramas to toe-tapping musical numbers. On Friday, audiences will be treated to “Short and Sweet: An Evening of One Act Plays,” featuring four captivating performances. On Saturday, May 4, embark on a journey through time with Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Our Town: An Interactive Staged Reading.” On Sunday, it’s a “Curtain Call Cabaret: DTW Sings Broadway,” a thrilling musical journey through the heart of Broadway, with talented DTW actors taking center stage to deliver show-stopping performances of the greatest hits from the stage. Get tickets
Guys and Dolls
College of the Desert presents Guys and Dolls at the McCallum Theatre this Friday–Sunday, May 3–5, with both matinee and evening performances. Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, this award-winning classic gambles with luck and love under the bright lights of Broadway. Get tickets
Oklahoma!
Desert Theatricals presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! this Friday–Sunday, May 3–5, at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Choose regular admission or dinner theater seating, and enjoy a three course, waiter served meal under the stars at a reserved table. Oklahoma! is the recent winner of two Tony Awards including Best Revival, and it doesn’t get any more classic than this! Set in farm country in Oklahoma, it tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry. Get tickets
A Cabbello Men’s Vocal Ensemble presents Brasilanova
Men’s vocal ensemble A Cabbello presents Brasilanova on Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5, at 2:30 pm at Revolution Stage Company. 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. Brasilanova promises to be a rhythmic celebration that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Bianca Del Rio: Dead Inside
The McCallum Theatre presents Bianca Del Rio, “The Joan Rivers of the Drag World” (New York Times) bringing her Dead Inside World Comedy Tour to the stage on Monday, May 6 at 8 pm. This is the seasoned comic’s sixth worldwide stand-up comedy tour. Bianca will entertain the masses with her iconic lightning-fast wit and razor-sharp tongue. Bianca 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. As with all of her shows, there will be lots of audience interaction. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- 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 May at the McCallum on our event listing
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
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! 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
- Precision Wellness – BTL Bus Event
Tue. Apr 30 from 4–6 pm at Precision Wellness in Rancho Mirage - Rock the Park: Wanted – The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi
Wed. May 1 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park - Niki Haris: Grown Ass Woman
Fri. May 3 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Janis Mann: The Look of Love
Sat. May 4 at The Purple Room Supper Club - 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
Welcome New Partners!
At Charise Karjala Health Markets, the primary goal is to improve clients’ health and wealth span through strategic insurance planning. With diverse industry experience, including healthcare, small business, community development, and fundraising, Charise brings valuable expertise and knowledge to her clients. Learn more
A change of scenery can invigorate the soul. That’s where Pilgrim House in Provincetown, Massachusetts comes in! Pilgrim House is the perfect place to stay, drink and dine, enjoy top-shelf entertainment and the industry’s best drag superstars. Swap your desert martini for a New England clambake, and make your reservations today. Learn more
- 5 Western Bars Near Palm Springs for a Honky Tonk Stagecoach Weekend
- Meet Ludmilla, the Queer Black Latina Singer Who Conquered Coachella
- Delightful From A to Z: Revolution Stage’s Production of ‘Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Is Hilarious and Touching
- Restaurant News Bites: Two Palm Desert Favorites Destroyed by a Fire; Gabino’s Opens in Indio; and More!
- Hiking With T: It’s a Great Time to Explore Joshua Tree National Park—Although You May Want to Save the Bouldering for Cooler Months
The Cinco de Mayo Arenas District Fiesta will be a world-class block party with authentic music, art and cuisine on Sunday, May 5 from 4–10 pm [More info]. It’s even better with the VIP Experience where you can meet the headliners, enjoy exclusive side-stage viewing, and a hosted bar, snacks, & more special perks. With our HOT DEAL you can get on the Cinco de Mayo VIP list for only $50 (Save 33% on this $75 value!). Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Desert Zen Day Spa, 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.