If you pay attention to the news (whether from real sources or pants-on-fire social media), this weekend was tough. Mass shootings around the world dominated headlines. Then last night’s shocker that Rob Reiner and his wife were killed just two days before his Palm Springs Speaks appearance at The Plaza Theater.
We also have had a controversy affecting our LGBTQ+ community and the city of Palm Desert that has boiled over.
KESQ reported Thursday that Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto proposed that the city stop recognizing Pride Month. The proposal would include no longer displaying a Pride banner at City Hall. His reasoning: “Government should not be in the ‘business’ of celebrating the private identities of one group over another.” The council has placed this on a January meeting agenda to allow for public comment. But reaction was swift and polarized.
California Assemblyman Greg Wallis came to our immediates support with a public statement that read in part, “Pride month recognition doesn’t create division, it affirms that every resident deserves to be celebrated and respected.” That may seem somewhat suprising from a Republican, but Wallis does have a record of taking pro-LGBTQ stances on issues such as marriage equality.
The assemblyman also called it a ‘slap in the face’ to LGBTQ+ residents. Raymond LeFleur of Gay Men of Palm Springs described it as a “gut punch” as activity on the Facebook group heated up over the weekend. That group has been quite active, but so have the comments against Wallis and for Pradetto. People are spewing hate-filled comments on social media. I was taken aback — but probably shouldn’t be — that the MAGA movement continues to encourage hate in many forms.
Whether it’s immigrants, female journalists, our trans brothers and sisters or someone like Wallis standing up for a marginalized group, MAGA just can’t help themselves. They trip over each other to see who can comment and criticize in the most vile way. That’s no way to act in a civilized society. But here we are.
Letters against this proposal are one way to show support. But like our “No Kings” marches, this requires people showing up at the Palm Desert City Hall when council considers this next month.
The bigger question is how do we change hearts and minds of those who truly revile us and wish us harm like other marginalized groups. Love Wins, but it’s a tough battle.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE–SUN: Manilow: A Gift of Love VII
Barry Manilow returns to the McCallum Theatre starting on Tuesday, December 16 from7–9 pm with A Gift of Love VII, a dazzling holiday concert benefiting 25 Coachella Valley charities. Performances continue on Wednesday at7 pm, Friday & Saturday at8 pm, and Sunday at 7 pm. Audiences can expect a heartwarming mix of Manilow’s greatest hits and festive favorites, plus surprise appearances that have previously included snow, Santa Claus, and children’s choirs. Premium Gold and Platinum tickets offer exclusive perks like post-show receptions and photo ops with Barry. Get tickets
WED: Vaccine Clinic at The Center
Riverside University Health System – Public Health will host a free Vaccine Clinic at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert on Wednesday, December 17 from 11:30 am–3:30 pm. The clinic offers Flu, Jynneos (Mpox), Pneumonia, Hep B, Shingles, and Tdap vaccines based on availability and eligibility. No appointments are necessary. More info
WED: The Center’s Paws & Claus Winter Social
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert invites the community to a special combined gay men’s and queer women’s Center Social on Wednesday, December 17 from 5:30–7 pm at The Center’s Community Food Bank. Guests can enjoy a warm evening of connection, friendship, and a tasty happy hour while snapping festive holiday pet photos and helping stock the pantry. All friendly pets are welcome, making this gathering a joyful way to celebrate together and support neighbors in need. More info
WED & THU: MTU – A Very Broadway Christmas
Celebrate the season in true Broadway style at MTU: A Very Broadway Christmas on Wednesday & Thursday, December 17 & 18, at 7 pm at the Annenberg Theater. This festive showcase brings together the talented students and alumni of David Green’s Musical Theatre University with Broadway stars Kevin Chamberlin, James Snyder, Rachel York, andMarissa Jaret Winokur for a dazzling, fully staged holiday spectacular with beloved classics and fresh favorites. Get tickets
WED–SUN: Dear Evan Hansen
CVRep presents the regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen for a powerful run through Sunday, December 21. This award-winning musical—honored with six Tonys, a Grammy, and an Olivier—tells the deeply moving story of Evan Hansen, a teenager thrust into the spotlight after a tragic event. The show explores identity, connection, and the human need to be seen. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “It is one of those wonderful productions where all the ingredients, i.e. the direction, cast, set and the material itself all blend together seamlessly to produce a dynamic and moving theatre experience.” Read his full review. – Get tickets
THU–SUN: Dog Sees God
The Bent presents Dog Sees God at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, running through December 21. This bold, unauthorized play reimagines familiar childhood comic strip characters as troubled teens navigating real-life issues—from substance abuse and sexuality to bullying and rebellion. Darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt, Dog Sees God offers a raw, relevant look at adolescence through a lens of cultural nostalgia and emotional truth. Get tickets
THU–SUN: Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
THU: Holiday Oddities 4! – “Who needs a drink?”
Holiday Oddities 4! returns to the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Camelot Theatre on Thursday, December 18 from 7–9 pm with its 2025 “Who needs a drink?” edition—a delightfully offbeat reel of holiday mayhem curated by Deserted Films. Expect a whirlwind of weird Santas, squinty Christmas mornings, trippy animations, and highly flammable Hanukkah moments, all stitched together with live commentary, sharp editing, and a splash of seasonal sass. Held in the cozy confines of screen 2, this family-friendly (ish) evening is equal parts nostalgia, chaos, and cheer—with proceeds supporting film preservation efforts. Get tickets
THU: Ezra Ray Hart – 90s Hits & Xmas Riffs
Ezra Ray Hart lights up The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Thursday, December 18 at 8 pm with ’90s Hits & Xmas Riffs—a high-octane holiday concert blending nostalgic anthems and seasonal favorites. Featuring Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra), and Emerson Hart (Tonic), this all-star trio brings decades of chart-topping hits and festive energy to the stage. It’s a one-night-only celebration of feel-good rock and holiday cheer. Get tickets
On Thursday, December 18, the Palm Springs Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint from 6 pm–1 am at an undisclosed location. Designed to promote public safety, checkpoints are placed based on crash data involving impaired drivers. Sergeant Frank Guarino emphasized that impaired driving—whether from alcohol, drugs, or marijuana—puts lives at risk. The department reminds drivers that a first-time DUI can result in fines and penalties averaging $13,500, along with a suspended license.
FRI–SUN: Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus – BELLS, BRASS & SASS
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the season with Bells, Brass & Sass for three SOLD OUT performances, on Friday & Saturday, December 19 & 20 at 7 pm, and Sunday, December 21 at 2 pm at the newly restored Plaza Theatre. This festive spectacular features over 100 voices, a 14-piece orchestra, and a dazzling mix of holiday classics and contemporary hits—from Elf The Musical to Cher, Kelly Clarkson, and the Weathergirls, plus sleighbells, handbells, and guest performances. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations as the Community Food Bank Team will be collecting curbside to support families in need this holiday season. More info
FRI: Razzle Dazzle Christmas Show
Step into the holiday spirit with Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue’s Christmas Show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, December 19 at 7 pm. Hosted by Bonnie G. with Joe Savant, and featuring dazzling performances by Sonia Reavis and Thom Vindiola and Robert Ollis on piano, this show delivers a truly memorable evening filled with Broadway magic and Christmas cheer. Get tickets
Holidays at the Tram
Celebrate the season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with special holiday hours from Saturday, December 20 through Sunday, January 4, with the first tram up at 8 am and last tram down at 9:30 pm. On both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the Pines Café offers a Ride ’n’ Dine holiday meal featuring turkey, ham, or vegetarian lasagna. For a fine‑dining experience on Christmas Day, Peaks Restaurant presents a special prix fixe menu with selections such as roasted duck, pan‑seared salmon, or filet mignon. Reservations are recommended for Peaks Restaurant.
Best of Desert Voting Round Begins
The Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Voting Round runs now through Sunday, December 28. The top nominees in each category now compete for your daily votes to determine the winners. Please vote KGAY! When casting your ballot, choose “DJ Mod Girl” (our Modgirl Kellee McQuinn) for Entertainment & Leisure – People: Radio Personality/Show, and select KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM for Entertainment & Leisure – Radio Station (Local). Cast votes in 25 or more categories for a chance to win a $250 gift card! More info
Magic of Lights
The holiday season sparkles once again as Magic of Lights returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio through Wednesday, December 31. Families can enjoy a dazzling drive‑through light display and the enchanting Holiday Village powered by IID. Now in its fourth year, this beloved tradition transforms the Coachella Valley into a breathtaking winter wonderland, shining brightly under the desert stars. Get tickets
KGAY Sweeps Best of Coachella Valley Readers’ Poll
KGAY 106.5/92.1 extends heartfelt thanks to the readers of the Coachella Valley Independent for their support in the annual “Best of Coachella Valley” poll! We are honored to be named Best Radio Station, a reflection of the trust and enthusiasm our listeners place in us. We are equally proud of our hosts whose community connection was recognized: John Taylor (1st Place, Best Local Radio Personality) and Modgirl (1st Place, Best Local DJ). We also celebrate Patrick Evans (2nd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), Chris Shebel (3rd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), 103.1 MeTV FM (3rd Place, Best Radio Station), DJ Galaxy (2nd Place, Best Local DJ), and DJ Eric Ornelas (3rd Place, Best Local DJ). Your continued support inspires us to serve the valley every day! See the complete list of Best of Coachella Valley Winners
Get Your 2025 KGAY Pride Shirt Online Now
If you weren’t able to get one of our T-Shirt Swaps in person at Palm Springs Pride, fear not! You can still show your Pride and support KGAY by grabbing the official 2025 KGAY Pride Shirt online. Featuring a bold, celebratory design in your choice of colors and styles (classic-T, tank top, sweatshirt, v-neck, fitted scoop, and more) this limited-edition design lets you rep Palm Springs Pride wherever you are. Shop now
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, December 15
Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas | The Plaza Theatre at 7:30 pm
Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Tuesday, December 16
Palm Springs Police Department Blood Drive | 10 am–2 pm
Wednesday, December 17
Hot Spot Holiday Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, December 18
VillageFest Street Fair | 6–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Cabaret L’Amour | 7 pm at The Velvet Rope Hotel
Friday, December 19
Annual Christmas Program & Toy Giveaway | 4 pm at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Holiday Party at Spiritual Center of the Desert | 6 pm
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Branden & James with Effie Passero | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Saturday, December 20
Breakfast w/Santa (Palm Springs Parks & Rec) | 8–11 am at Palm Springs Pavilion
Branden & James with Effie Passero | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Dance Ranch: HOLIDAYS NIGHT: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
BearUnion | 9 pm–4 am at CCBC Resort
Sunday, December 21
A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
Ongoing…
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas | through Dec 28 at Desert Theatreworks
Wildlights | select nights through Dec 30 at The Living Desert
Mid-Century Magic | through Dec 16 at Rubine Red Gallery
Alpine Zoo Wildlights | Wed–Sundays through Jan 4 at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Get our Latest Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay 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 at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
THIS WEEKEND
The Nutcracker
CK Dance Company celebrates its 29th anniversary with The Nutcracker at the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum, offering two enchanting performances: Saturday, December 20 from 7–9 pm and Sunday, December 21 at 1 pm. This award-winning production brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet to life with dazzling choreography and family-friendly magic. A beloved holiday tradition in Palm Springs, the show has captivated over 35,000 attendees and continues to delight audiences of all ages with its festive spirit and classical elegance. Get tickets
Christmas Mammaries with Billy L’Amour
Christmas Mammaries! lights up the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, December 21 with two performances, a 3 pm matinee and a 7 pm evening performance, each delivering a live‑singing drag holiday extravaganza packed with wit, warmth, and high‑octane glamour. Led by Billy L’Amour with direction by Robert Johanson, this spirited revue dives into the joy, chaos, and beautifully messy magic of the season. Audiences can expect a jubilant blend of holiday nostalgia, cheeky surprises, and full‑throttle showmanship. Get tickets
Palm Springs Retro Market
Step into vintage paradise at the Palm Springs Retro Market, happening Sunday, December 21 from 10 am–4 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This free-entry event features curated vintage sellers offering everything from Mid Century Modern and Art Deco to Hawaiiana, antique glassware, and bohemian treasures. Enjoy music, food trucks, a full bar, and free onsite parking while browsing vintage clothing, jewelry, and art. Don’t miss the charity raffle benefiting the Food Bank, with drawings at 11 am and 2 pm. More info
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!
- Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love VII
Tue.–Sun. Dec 16–21 - Dear Evan Hansen, presented by CVRep
Dec 3–21 - Dog Sees God, presented by THE BENT
Dec 5–21 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Magic of Lights
Now through Dec 31 at Empire Polo Club - Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Bells, Brass & Sass – SOLD OUT
Fri.–Sun. Dec 19–21 at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre - Christmas Mammaries! Starring Billy L’Amour
Sun. Dec 21 at 3 pm and 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Christmas Eve & Day at The Purple Room Supper Club
Wed. & Thu. Dec 24 & 25 - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room Supper Club
Wed. Dec 31 seatings at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm - THRESHOLD: Palm Springs’ Newest Signature New Year’s Eve Event
Wed. Dec 31 at 8 pm at The 4707 - Rock the Park: Bee Gees Forever
Wed. Jan 7 at Palm Springs Downtown Park - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 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 Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
This Week: Catch Modgirl spinning her House Party at The Red Barn in Palm Desert on Wednesday, December 19 at 8 pm, as well as A.M. Stream at Café La Jefa on Sunday, December 21 at 10 am!
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
WIN TICKETS to the Palm Springs International Film Festival
KGAY 106.5/92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM are giving you the chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to see the film of your choice at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running Friday, January 2 through Monday, January 12. Experience world premieres, special events, and more than 500 screenings from around the globe at the year’s biggest celebration of film. Enter to WIN on the KGAY and MeTV FM contest pages!
103.1 MeTV FM
‘Tis the Season! 103.1 MeTV FM brings you all of your Timeless & Memorable Christmas favorites! Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, Elvis, Wham, Brenda Lee & more! Listen when you’re out shopping, wrapping presents, baking cookies, prepping holiday meals or spending time with your family! Patrick Evans will keep you company every weekday 10 am–3 pm with his News Channel 3 First Alert Weather forecast and play great holiday songs you can sing along with! Brought to you by Palm Springs Ace Hardware, Palm Springs Holidays, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Stuft Pizza, Skylark Bar, Home Instead Home Care Services, HR Simplistic & Insurance Simplistic and Contour Dermatology. Listen to MeTV FM in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
WIN a Carload to MAGIC OF LIGHTS
103.1 MeTV FM is giving you the chance to WIN your way into the Magic of Lights in Indio—the spectacular drive‑thru holiday lights experience filled with dazzling scenes and characters of the season. Each week, one lucky winner will receive a ticket good for a whole carload to enjoy the show. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- MODGIRL’s Rise: Coachella Valley’s DJ Powerhouse with Heart and Rhythm
- DEAR EVAN HANSEN – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- Tryst Hospitality Expands Queer Empire with Crown & Anchor Acquisition
- 9 Desert Hot Springs Hotels for the Ultimate Spa Getaway
- The Bent’s ‘Dog Sees God’: A Dark, Poignant Coming-of-Age Drama
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 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” 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 heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.