As I write this blog, we’re on our way to Salzburg, Austria, the site of the filming of ”The Sound of Music”. I’m on holiday with Brandg Vacations and we just came from Prague Pride.
Czeslaw Walek heads Prague Pride, but now runs marriage equality efforts for the Czech Republic. He founded Pride here 11 years ago, and it has grown from 850 people the first year to an astonishing 60,000 this year. He’s on our Danube River cruise for a well deserved vacation after his duties as the “Ron DeHarte” of Prague Pride. (He was honored at our Palm Springs Pride in 2015.)
This Pride was much different than Amsterdam – or any other Pride I’ve attended. Instead of corporate floats, companies had a sign and then hundreds of marchers with them. The historic streets of Prague were filled with revelers who ended at a park on a plateau high above the city. I’ve linked to Czeslaw’s post above. And we have more photos on our Facebook page @gaydesertguide. As you can see, Alex and I made our way to the front for a photo opp.
Now that our Pride theme has been officially announced – “Say Gay”, we’re going to co-opt it a bit and ”Say K-Gay” this Pride! Our team is busy making plans for Palm Springs Pride, so be sure to stay tuned and stay connected for all the details.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & 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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Marilyn Movie in the Park – With Food!
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Movies in the Park on Wednesday, August 17 at 8 pm with another iconic Marilyn Monroe film, Some Like it Hot. This is the final installment of the first annual outdoor summer pop-up film series at the new downtown park in Palm Springs. Also appearing before the screening for photos and fun: The Marilyns of Palm Springs, a local Marilyn-centric performance troupe led by Miss DD Starr of the Palm Springs School of Burlesque More info. GOT SNACKS? We recommend you place your order ahead of time at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar for their “Snacks for 2 at the Park” pack, where $25 gets your choice of snack, entree and a treat for takeout just a 3-minute walk from the park! More info
Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
JW Personal Training PS offers a new outdoor fitness class geared for all levels called Fahrenheit, offered every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 am at Frances Stevens Park in downtown Palm Springs. Personal trainer Jim Weigert of JW Personal Training PS and World Gym has over 25 years experience and he’s sharing it for free (but donations are very much appreciated). Bring a towel and a water bottle because it’s going to be a hot one. It always is! More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats August Meeting #1
The Desert Stonewall Democrats welcome Congressman Raul Ruiz MD, currently serving as our Representative in CD36, for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 16 at 6:30 pm at Mizell Center. Dr Ruiz will speak about current events in Congress and legislative goals after re-election. There will be time for Q&A. As a result of redistricting, Dr. Ruiz’ new district (CD25) will not, after the 2022 mid-term elections in November, include many of us in the western Coachella Valley. Please join in thanking Dr. Ruiz for his ongoing support of our community and to wish him success in his newly drawn district. More info
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for August
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents B.A.M. Salon (Book and Movie Salon) for women, hosted by Flynn Sylvest and Irma O’Dell on Tuesday, August 16 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and every 3rd Tuesday, monthly on Zoom. The group’s purpose is to develop and deepen LGBTQ+ community and connection through stimulating and informative conversations about books and movies that highlight women authors and women’s stories and experiences. This month’s salon features the film Summerland (2020), directed by Jessica Swale. During World War II, reclusive writer. Alice has her sequestered life upended when Frank, an evacuee from London Blitz, is left in her care. Despite resolving to be rid of him, Alice finds herself and her emotions reawakened by him in this movie about womanhood, love, and friendship. More info
Palm Springs Chamber August Mixer
Everyone is invited to attend the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce August Mixer at the Cascade Lounge at the Agua Caliente Palm Springs on Tuesday, August 16 from 5–6:30 pm. Admission is free for members and $15 for guests. More info
FERRO Summer Music Festival
FERRO Italian restaurant in Idyllwild presents the FERRO Summer Music Festival, continuing all month through Labor Day Weekend. Musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds will grace the outdoor stage, accompanied by refined Italian cuisine, cocktails, and cool mountain nights. With Jazz Nights, Blues & Soul, and Women in Jazz on Sundays, there is music on Mondays, Tuesdays, and all three nights of the weekend. Access to the performances, and cocktails on the patio, are available without reservations or cover charge. For restaurant seating, make a reservation. More info
Great Outdoors Chuckwalla Presentation
Great Outdoors is hosting a speaker presentation on the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument on Thursday, August 18 from 5–6 pm on Zoom. Momentum is building to create a new national monument in the California desert to protect and sustainably preserve our local desert ecology in perpetuity. Great Outdoors is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization sponsoring outdoor and social activities predominately for LGBTQA+ people. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Open Deck Night
The Palm Springs Art Museum is inviting all new and established DJs to bring their music and share your mixes at Open Deck Night with DJ DXSKO on Thursday, August 18. All sign-ups start at 5 pm in the Atrium. Thursday night admission to the museum is free from 5–7 pm. (supported by the City of Palm Springs). Rene Tovar aka Dxsko, is a multi-genre/open format turntablist disc jockey from the Coachella Valley. Dxsko has opened for big-name acts like 2chainz, DMX, Currensy, and Murs. He has also been a resident DJ at the Desert’s top spots. More info
Desert Blues Revival: The Disciplez Chicano Blues
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, August 17, The Disciplez Chicano Blues takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing Authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville: The Pepper Moons
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five, takes place at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, August 18 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville presents The Pepper Moons with their elegant, pre-bop style from the glamorous days of the Swing Era. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
Theatre Thursday: Craig Pomranz
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays are back “Live on Stage.” Come see a different cabaret, concert or entertaining event each Thursday at 7 pm, now through September 1. This week: On Thursday, August 18, Craig Pomranz performs “Welcome Back: Jazz Me, Songs of the 20s & 30s.” Craig is warm, comfortable, self-effacing and charming; the excitement he has for music is palpable. Hearing him sing, you’re treated to a dazzling voice, and a way with the audience that’s descended from a great saloon style. See our event listing for the full lineup of performers! Get tickets
THIS WEEKEND
Splash House August Weekend Two
Splash House is back again this weekend at the Saguaro, Renaissance, and Margaritaville Resort Hotels, from Friday–Sunday, August 19–21. This not just a chance to dance by the pool but a full party takeover of each resort, with shuttles running between all three. At nights, you can dance aside planes and under the stars for the After Hours series at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Weekend Two artists include Elderbrook, Jungle, Malaa, Noizu, Solardo, Sonny Fodera, Kyle Watson, Phantoms, and many more, plus Seth Troxler after hours at the Air Museum. Get tickets
Boy George & Culture Club at The Show
The Show at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents Boy George & Culture Club on Saturday, August 20 at 8 pm. Culture Club formed in London in 1981, becoming part of the English New Wave sound. Their hits include “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” “Time (Clock of the Heart),” “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Church of the Poison Mind,” “Karma Chameleon,” “Victims,” and “Miss Me Blind.” Get tickets
Big Bear Romp
Big Bear Romp takes place Thursday–Friday, August 18–21 at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. Bears, Cubs and a diverse group of men convene for an amazing 4 days of fun and adventure. Featuring mixers, dances, bowling, comedy headlined by Vicki Barbolak, Bingo Brunch hosted by Chiklet, pool parties and cruising the lake, Big Bear Romp is “mountains of men & mischief!” Get tickets
Oscar’s T-Dance Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest
Oscar’s is the “the scene of downtown Palm Springs” with not only their Bitchiest Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays; you can dance into the evening at their famous Sunday T-Dance, from 5–9 pm. It gets even hotter for the next month, as the T-Dance will include a Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest every week from now until Labor Day weekend. One winner will receive $250 in cash and prizes each Sunday! Then on Sunday September 4, a Grand Prize winner will win $1000 worth of cash and prizes. More info
Games, Friends & Fun at The Center
Did you know The LGBTQ Center of the Desert has a Game Day every first and third Saturday of the month? Come this Saturday, August 20 from 1–3 pm at The Center for strategic and party games, no prior experience necessary; it’s just a great way to meet new people. Bring games and snacks to share, if you like. Hosted by Lorenzo Taylor. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
Get Ready for The Dinah 2022
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is just five weeks away (September 21–25), with multiple pool parties, glamorous Black & White Ball and Hollywood parties, and a show-stopping all-female entertainment line-up including Fletcher, Haviah Mighty, Cassidy King, IV4, Zolita, IV Jay, Siena Liggins and 80s music iconic superstar Taylor Dayne. Be sure to secure your accommodations now and get your event tickets! [Get tickets]. Check out this interview where Matt Skallerud of #ILoveGay Today chats with Mariah Hanson, an icon and pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community and founder of The Dinah:
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your passes to Splash House 2022, with its final weekend taking place August 19–21. We’re giving away a pair of passes for the final weekend; hop on the festival shuttles for FREE and attend all the pool parties and performances during the day! Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide also have have your chance to WIN tickets to Out on the Mountain at Six Flags Magic Mountain! The event takes place Friday, September 9 from 6 pm–midnight. The entire park goes gay for the night, which provides a safe and inclusive environment of fun for the LGBTQ community, with rides, dance parties, and performers. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page
Join all the handsome princes and evil queens at Gay Days Anaheim, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide! Gay Days takes place September 16–18 at Disneyland resort, a three-day weekend of parties, shows and events that make the happiest place on earth the gayest every year! [Click here] to find discounted hotels and park tickets along with a full schedule, and Enter to win tickets to Gay Days on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs is “The Pride of the Valley,” and you can show your Pride by proudly wearing our rainbow logo! Check out our selection of apparel and other items emblazoned with the best radio station call letters: KGAY! Shop now
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, 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 pool party music! Listen Online
- Snacks for 2 for Some Like it Hot at Movies in the Park
Wed. Aug 17 from Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, downtown Palm Springs - Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
Tue/Wed/Thu mornings at 7 am at Frances Stevens Park - Boy George & Culture Club
Sat. Aug 20 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage - Splash House August Weekend Two
Aug 19–21 at the Saguaro, Renaissance, Margaritaville resorts + PS Air Museum - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Sep 9 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Gay Days Anaheim
Sep 16–18 at Disneyland Resort - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 21–25 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct 1 from 12–9 pm in Idyllwild - Palm Springs Leather Pride
Oct 27–30 at Hotel Zoso and various locations around Palm Springs
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 2022 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 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.
Don’t miss “This Way Out,” Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)