My Favorite Things during the holidays are The Sound of Music. And not just the movie. Each season, I look forward to hearing “songs of joy and peace”. (That line from Joni Mitchell’s The River brings back fond memories of a love lost.)
Having been on the Brand g Danube River cruise this summer and visiting where “The Sound of Music” was shot, I couldn’t resist watching it (for the hundredth time) Sunday night on ABC. That movie is chocked full of great Rogers & Hammerstein tunes, and it was made even more special as I watched with new eyes the movie locations we toured in Vienna and Salzburg.
The talented musical duo of Branden & James were the entertainment on that cruise. They sang their holiday show at Purple Room this weekend. Afterward we reminisced about the trip that took us through some amazing territory – and a fun gay bar in Vienna that likely was not there in the 60s.
When I attend the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus show, I know I’m going to immerse myself in the music and the message. My favorite was the duet made popular by the unlikely duo of Bing Crosby and David Bowie: The Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth. The song was the chorus’ response to gun violence, especially in light of the recent mass shooting Club Q in Colorado Springs.
My Magical Musical Tour also took me to One Eleven Bar for Miss Rosemary Galore’s holiday drag show. The send ups of holiday classics were a sight to behold.
After this weekend, I’m ready for a Silent Night or two.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Garrison Brothers Bourbon Tasting
Aaron Pond of Purple Room’s Frank’s Bourbon Bar with Cole Kephart of Garrison Brothers Distillery present a Premium Bourbon Tasting on Monday, December 19 from 6–8 pm at the Purple Room Supper Club. Come and enjoy Small Batch, Single Barrel, High Rye, Guadalupe, and Estacado offerings from Garrison Brothers, with light snacks included. Get tickets
Holiday Food & Toy Drives
At The Roost Lounge, they are accepting canned food and non-perishable food items now through Tuesday, December 20, with drop-off locations at The Roost, Roadrunner Print & Ship, and various pop-up events from Brothers of the Desert. They are also accepting new unwrapped toys for local children, benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, now through December 20 at the same locations. [More info].
Desert Theatreworks is partnering with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for a toy drive in hopes that every child at the mission has something to open during the holidays. Come see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical through December 23 and bring an unwrapped toy for ages 0-12, when you come see the show.
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank shelves are emptier than ever, and they’ve launched a new “Feed a Family” campaign going into this holiday season. Your $55 donation can help the food bank provide a family of 4 with all the fixings for a delicious and healthy holiday meal [Donate here].
Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time? – A New Musical
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Nunzio Sisto present the West Coast premiere of Why Can’t The Trains Run On Time? • A New Musical, on Monday, December 19 at 7 pm. This is an emotionally charged modern-day musical about an artist learning to let go of his past and appreciate his present. It’s a timeless tale that anyone can relate to, and a lesson about life that speaks to everyone who sees it. A Juilliard graduate, Nunzio Sisto’s music has been compared to Sondheim for its rhythmic and harmonic complexities, and to Schwartz for its memorable melodies. Get tickets
Romance of the Holidays – Music of Joe Giarrusso
Romance takes center stage when Palm Springs International Piano Competition presents Romance of the Holidays on Tuesday, December 20 at 7 pm at CVRep. This 90-minute concert celebrates the work of Joe Giarrusso and includes seven talented musicians: John Bayless, Cindy Brogan, Giorgi Latso, Anna Federova-Latso, Bram Conley, Richard Treat, and John Walz. Pianists, cellists, a violinist and a French horn will present all genres of music culminating with a holiday theme finale. Following the concert, enjoy a Holiday Sweets & Cocktail Reception where you’ll meet the evening’s performers. Get tickets
Deserted Films Presents: Holiday Oddities
Join local film archivists Melissa Dollman and Devin Orgeron of Palm Springs’ own Deserted Films, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit, for Holiday Oddities, an evening of curated holiday-themed film oddities from decades past, on Tuesday, December 20 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The program includes many unique, one-of-a-kind films from the Deserted Films vaults – and some vintage Palm Springs footage too, including home movies, educational films, advertisements, and other ephemera from the 1920s through the 1970s. Get tickets
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for December
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, December 20 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 Kissing Jessica Stein (2002). Jessica is at the end of her emotional rope. She happens upon an intriguing personal ad, whose only drawback is that it’s in the “women seeking women” section. On a daring whim, she decides to answer it. She meets funky downtown hipster Helen Cooper for drinks, and to her surprise, they click instantly. With conventional gender roles absent, the two women proceed to muddle through an earnest but hilarious courtship, making up the rules as they go. More info
The Lincoln Debate: A New Play by Terry Ray
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and The Bent present The Lincoln Debate: A New Play by Terry Ray on Wednesday, December 21 at 7 pm. Terry Ray is the playwright of Electricity, the record-breaking longest running play in Palm Springs. The Lincoln Debate takes a funny, touching and historically honest look at the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, a man he shared a bed with for four years. Did they have an intimate relationship? Did one of the greatest men in American history have a letter under the LGBTQ banner that fit him? Get tickets
Prime Timers of the Desert Monthly Dinner
The Prime Timers of the Desert December monthly dinner will be at Grand Central Palm Springs on Wednesday, December 21. Cocktails begin at 5 pm, with dinner orders at 6 pm. $55 per person, all inclusive. Includes custom, three-course, pre-set menu, all non-alcoholic beverages, tax, and tip. More info
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical – Final Performances
Desert Theatreworks presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Musical, this Thursday and Friday, December 22 & 23, a musical stage adaptation of the beloved 1954 holiday film. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” I Love a Piano,” How Deep Is the Ocean,” “Snow,” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is a family-friendly holiday show bursting with cheerful dancing, treasured tunes and a generous helping of yuletide cheer. Get tickets
Win Tickets to Boozehounds’ Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party!
KGAY 106.5 wants you to WIN a pair of tickets into Boozehounds New Year’s Eve: Studio 54! This is the most stylish party celebrating the golden age of Disco…with a night at Studio 54. Get ready to hit the dance floor and dress for the era in your best disco attire! Tickets include: Premium Open Bar, Specialty Welcome Cocktail, Signature Small Bites, Dedicated Table & Service, DJ, Disco, Dancing & Midnight Toast! Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Palm Springs International Film Fest 2023 Lineup + Giveaway
The Palm Springs International Film Festival has released the lineup and schedule for the 2023 festival, which runs January 5–16. Plan ahead and get ready for individual ticket sales to open. The American Express Pre-Sale is on through Monday, December 19 and Member Days begin on Tuesday, December 20 [More info]. Passes are on sale now, and KGAY 106.5 has your chance to WIN a 4-pack of passes! This is one of the largest film festivals in North America featuring twelve extraordinary days of screenings and special events with celebrity appearances and post screening discussions. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Mid-Century Moderns at Oscar’s
The hit Palm Springs 1960s jukebox musical Mid-Century Moderns is at Oscar’s this Thursday and Friday, December 22 & 23 at 7:30 pm. The sensational hits of ‘66 come to life in the delightful tale of a plucky Wisconsin widow who transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in Palm Springs. Get tickets
PS Rewinds: Not Another Christmas Movie – Die Hard
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents your favorite non-Christmas Christmas movies with their PS Rewinds: Not Another Christmas Movie series this month. On Thursday, December 22 at 8 pm it’s Die Hard (1988). New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there’s no one to save the hostages — but him. Get tickets
Desert Blues Revival: Lester Lands & Friends
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, December 21, Lester Lands & Friends take 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: Phat Cat Swinger
Jazzville invites you to 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, December 22 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville presents Phat Cat Swinger. This thrilling “Little-Big Band” brings style, class and charisma to every performance with their retro showmanship, syncopation of movements, and wide range of musical styles in both original music and re-imagined favorites. This explosive band is lead by sax man extraordinaire Marco Palos with the honey-toned vocals of Mark Kopitzke. Get tickets
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THIS WEEKEND
Streetbar Santa Party
Streetbar’s annual Santa Party and Costume Contest takes place Friday, December 23 from 6–8 pm. Your hostess will be Billy Wilson as Carol Channing, with DJ Mr. D (Joe de Hoyos). There will be prizes in four winning costume categories: Traditional, Gay Apparel, X-Mas Spirit, and Sexy Santa. More info
Western X-Mas Holiday Bear Retreat
Western X-mas: Holiday Bear Retreat takes place at CCBC in Cathedral City over the holiday weekend, from December 23–26. This is a home for the holidays for everyone needing one, whether you have nowhere to go, too many places to go, or just need a year off! Enjoy holiday cheer done the Western Xposure way: NAKED and full of food! Hang out all weekend at the pool, hot tubs, and steam rooms, plus a Sexy Santa Bar Night at The Barracks, a hot tub skinny dip pool party with DJ Marcos Moreno, with Christmas potluck and white elephant gift exchange game too! Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
Wildlights wraps up this year at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens from December 26–30. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Wildlights is a magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun, recognized in the Top 5 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today. Follow illuminated pathways on a journey around the Zoo with endless awe-inspiring sights and festive photo opportunities. Guests can go for a spin on the carousel, enjoy themed treats, take a free souvenir photo with Santa, and much more. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Advance reservations required. Get tickets
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 has your tickets to the Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam concert event on March 24, 2023 at Acrisure Arena! Performers include Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Taylor Dayne, The Cover Girls, Lil Suzy, The Jets, Trinere, Rob Base, Freestyle, and MC Shy D. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Ross Mathews is back and gayer than ever! After a honeymoon hiatus, his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He will bring celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
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 party music! Listen Online
- Irving Berlin’s White Christmas presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 9–23 - Romance of the Holidays – Music of Joe Giarrusso
Tue. Dec 20 from 7–10 pm at CVRep Playhouse - Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner with the Kevin Tokarz Trio
Sat. & Sun., Dec 24 & 25 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Boozehounds New Year’s Eve 2023: Studio 54
Sat. Dec 31 from 8 pm–1 am - Rock the Park: The Kings of Queen
Wed. Jan 4 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Downtown Park - Palm Springs International Film Festival 2023
Jan 6–16 at various theaters in Palm Springs and Cathedral City - A Bright New Boise presented by Dezart Performs
Jan 13–22, 2023 at the Pearl McManus Theater
Welcome New Partners!
El Tuggle Palm Springs has your holiday gifts this season with fresh and bold styles for the best tops and bottoms! Partners Robert and Rodrigo have traveled the world to bring you detailed design, elevated style, and rays of good vibes, serving happy customers since 2019 and now with a beautiful new store on North Palm Canyon Drive. Gift sunshine, gift El Tuggle! Learn more
DropBy Office in Cathedral City is where co-working meets your neighborhood design, print, and shipping center, ideal for the remote worker, road warrior or local business owner. From business cards to banners and package receiving, DropBy Office is your office for a few hours or the whole day! Learn more
- Poignant Transgender-Themed Documentary Sets Digital Debut for North American VOD Platforms
- 12 Holiday Gift Ideas from Greater Palm Springs
- Content Shifter: Six Craptacular Christmas Movies
- Here, Queer, and On a Big Screen Near You
- Review: CVRep’s ‘Fun Home’ Will Take Your Breath Away as Cast Executes All the Right Moves
We are highlighting three of the hottest of our Hot Deals this week, gift certificates which make great gifts and with each of them, you can save big with 50% off! At Desert Mischief, you get a $30 gift card for only $15. Our HOT DEAL for cool Monster Shakes gets you a $20 gift card for just $10, and for Jolene’s Bar & Lounge we have a $30 gift card for $15. Stock up on stocking stuffers! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, Il Giardino, Rick’s Restaurant, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Grand Central, Boozehounds, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Kitchen 86, AMP Sports Lounge, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Revel Public House, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria 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 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.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, 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)