There’s a new micronation run by a dictator bent on renaming the Salton Sea the “Sultan Sea”. He’s a former co-worker from my Los Angeles radio daze and has created “Slowjamastan” on a dusty piece of land along Highway 84.
I had dinner with the dictator and his entourage on Saturday night before the official opening on the nation. It was a hoot and you can read about it in this Desert Sun article.
Back in reality, we have lots to cover this week with Black History Month events, the reopening of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and much more!
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Season 14, Episode 5
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has recapped the latest episode from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 just for you! (Read all of Dante’s recaps here). In this episode, we learn why Kornbread’s bakery closed, more backstories that will melt your heart, and the queens produce faux PSA’s for a charity whose mission is to support first-eliminated drag queens. Read Dante’s full recap of Episode 5: Save a Queen here.
Mighty Real: Black Men and HIV
Brothers of the Desert and Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) Palm Springs present Mighty Real: Black Men and HIV on Monday, February 7 from 5:30–7 pm on Zoom. The dynamic evening program will provide a retrospective on HIV in the Black Gay Community, updates on infection rates and treatments, testing and support group local resources, poetry reading, and music. Dr. Stephan Scoggins will provide soulful musical selections. The special guest will be Corey Saucier, a Black queer HIV positive poet, author, and playwright who will share some of his writings and his personal life story of living with HIV. More info
Palm Springs Chamber February Mixer
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce holds its February Mixer on Wednesday, February 9 from 5:30–7:30 pm at AsiaSF Palm Springs, where they are having Wine Down Wednesday. Experience true transcendence as the transgender Ladies of AsiaSF Palm Springs serve you hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, and some of the most impressive entertainment in Southern California. More info
Opiates, Pain & Addiction
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert and Eisenhower Health present The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: Opiates, Pain and Addiction on Wednesday, February 9 from 4–5 pm on Zoom. Join K.D. Thrasher, DO, for discussion regarding the use and abuse of drugs used to treat pain. Learn what opiates have been shown to treat, how should doctors be recommending their use and what to do when they become a problem. More info
Black History Month at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum, in collaboration with the Palm Springs Black History Committee, presents several programs to celebrate Black History Month. On Thursday, February 10 from 5–7 pm, it’s the E&J Movement: Motown, Rhythm and Blues, and Smooth Jazz. Listen to some of your favorite Motown songs while learning about this history with someone who was actually there! You can then take a self-guided tour celebrating Black Artists on view. Docent tours also available. Subsequent Thursdays in February will feature themed presentations in the 5–7 pm time frame, during which museum admission is free, supported by the City of Palm Springs. Note: All visitors are required to make a reservation online before arriving at the museum. More info
February at the McCallum Theatre
The most popular act in the history of the McCallum Theatre, The Ten Tenors are back just in time for Valentine’s Day, performing multiple evenings (and matinees) from February 9–14. Also in February at the McCallum: Kristin Chenoweth (Feb. 18 & 19), Jay Leno (Feb. 20), Straight No Chaser a cappella (Feb. 23), and Broadway’s Jersey Boys (Feb. 25–27). Get tickets
Win 2 VIB Passes to International Bear Convergence!
Win 2 VIB (Very Important Bear) Passes to International Bear Convergence ($360 Value) from KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs and Gay Desert Guide! These passes are sold out and this is one of the only ways to secure a VIB pass now. International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2022 takes place February 24–28 at Hotel Zoso.
Enter to Win: https://kgaypalmsprings.com/contests/
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 Center Re-Opens In-Person + Red Dress Tix
SAVE THE DATE for the Red Dress/Dress Red party, taking place Saturday, March 19 – and set your reminder for tickets going on sale because this one always sells out—and fast. Tickets for Red Dress/Dress Red go on sale Wednesday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m. at thecentercv.org
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert reopens in-person programming on Monday, February 7, continuing to observe public health recommendations with masks required in all indoor spaces and proof of vaccination required. Check out their website at thecentercv.org for more info on their extensive in-person and Zoom programming!
THIS WEEKEND
24th Annual Tour de Palm Springs
The Tour de Palm Springs is one of the largest cycling charity events of its kind in America, and takes place this weekend with Registration and a Vendor Expo on South Palm Canyon Drive between Tahquitz and Baristo on Friday, February 11 from 12–8 pm, and Saturday, February 12 from 6 am–5pm. The Expo features live entertainment, beer garden, local jazz bands, 1 & 3 mile Honor Walk, raffle and more. Somewhere between 6,000 to 10,000 cyclists from 46 different states and 4 countries will participate in the ride, raising money for local nonprofits. More info
Intersect Palm Springs
Intersect Palm Springs (formerly known as Art Palm Springs) is a boutique fair running Thursday–Sunday, February 10–13, bringing together a dynamic mix of more than 50 emerging and established contemporary and modern art and design galleries at the Palm Springs Convention Center. An Opening Night Preview on Thursday, February 10 will be followed by General Admission from Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13. Works from the Fair will also be online at Artsy.net, Intersect’s exclusive online marketplace partner, from February 10–March 3. More info
Taste of Jalisco Festival
Celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes from the state of Jalisco, Mexico at the 6th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival from February 11–13 in Downtown Cathedral City (Jalisco’s sister city for 25 years). This FREE weekend of merriment includes a family-friendly carnival, artisan craft vendor market, tequila tastings and competition, authentic Mexican cuisine, and daily entertainment. Headlining the festival is Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles (BFLA) and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar with a special performance of “Mexico Lindo.” More info
Caliente Doo Wop Sock Hop
The Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City presents Caliente Doo Wop Sock Hop on Saturday, February 12 at 7 pm on the Agave Caliente Terraza. Dance to all your favorite ’50s and ’60s tunes with our good friend Kellee McQuinn aka DJModGirl under the desert stars with music provided by the Dreamboats. Dress up to celebrate the era and participate in the costume contest to win free play and cash prizes for ACE Club members. More info
Malcolm H. Myers Exhibition Opens
Rubine Red Gallery presents a retrospective exhibition of oil, acrylic and gouache paintings by iconic American printmaker and painter Malcolm H. Myers from February 11–28. While by no means a complete retrospective, the gallery is endeavoring to show Myers’ mastery and breadth of styles from his 5 decades as a professor and professional artist A Gallery Reception is planned for Saturday, February 19, from 5–8 pm. More info
Pitbull at Fantasy Springs
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center presents Grammy Award-winning superstar Pitbull on Saturday, February 12 at 8 pm. Aka “Mr. Worldwide” — Pitbull was originally scheduled for March 2021, then the new date, December 18, 2021, was postponed as well. Tickets previously purchased will be honored for the new date. Get tickets
Air Supply at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents Air Supply on Saturday, February 12 at 8 pm. Experience the 45-year legacy of the legendary Air Supply when they bring the trademark sound of Russell Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice & Graham Russell’s simple, yet majestic chart-topping songs to the stage. Get tickets
Watch The Big Game at Agua Caliente Casinos
Agua Caliente Casinos are hosting three Big Game Viewing Parties on Sunday, February 13 at the 360 Sports venues at each of their properties: Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City. Your reserved seat comes with a $25 gift card for Agua Caliente Casinos, plus $50 in Free Play. There will also be special menus with Game Day drinks and snacks and crowd giveaways of t-shirts, rally towels, pom-poms, etc. Get tickets
LOCAL THEATRE
Neil Simon’s I Ought to be in Pictures
Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s I Ought to Be in Pictures from February 11–March 13 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Herb Tucker is a struggling Hollywood screenwriter suffering from writer’s block. To make matters worse, his forgotten past just showed up on his doorstep in the form of Libby, his young teenage daughter he abandoned, along with her mother and brother, years earlier. Libby is a wisecracking, resourceful girl who has come to Hollywood to be an actor. Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and hopefully this time, get it right. Get tickets
Upcoming Theatre Productions
Here’s a glance ahead at more local productions taking the stage soon!
- There’s Nothing Like a Dame (concert) from Palm Canyon Theatre, Feb. 9
- The Drag from Desert Rose Playhouse, Feb. 16–Mar. 6
- Salty from Desert Ensemble Theatre Company, Feb. 18–27
- The Mountaintop from Dezart Performs, postponed to Mar. 4–13
“Satur-Gays” at 10 am with Ross Mathews
Saturdays with Ross Mathews is on KGAY 106.5 every Saturday at 10:00 am on the FM dial in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online! With RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 now underway, listen for Ross to weigh in on the latest episode with his insider’s perspective! Brought to you by the John White Real Estate Group. Ask your smart speaker to “Play K-G-A-Y Palm Springs.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Valentine’s Day at AsiaSF Palm Springs
Join AsiaSF Palm Springs for A Special Valentine’s Day Evening on Monday, February 14 at 6:30 pm. This romantic evening will include a complimentary champagne toast, four-course pre-fixe menu and delectable house-made desserts, all punctuated by fabulous performances by the Ladies of AsiaSF Palm Springs. Then dance into the evening after dinner in the Forbidden City Nightclub. Get tickets
Valentine’s Day at The Purple Room
Love is in the air and classic tunes and fine dining are on the menu at The Purple Room Supper Club on Monday, February 14 from 5–9 pm. Make your reservation now for a romantic mid-century modern Valentine’s Day at Palm Springs iconic Purple Room: birthplace of The Rat Pack and LOVED by generations! Enjoy a special gourmet three-course meal designed just for the day. More info
- The Ten Tenors at the McCallum Theatre
7 Performances: Wed.–Mon., Feb. 9–14 - Neil Simon’s I Ought to be in Pictures – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Feb. 11–Mar. 13 - A Special Valentine’s Day Evening at AsiaSF Palm Springs
Feb. 14 at 6:30 pm - Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27, 2022 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs - Salty – presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
Feb. 18–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2022
Feb. 24–28, 2022 at Hotel Zoso - KGAY 106.5 Welcomes Melissa Etheridge
Tue. Mar. 29 & Wed. Mar. 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre - Palm Springs Animal Shelter Faux Fur Ball – All You Need is Love
Sat. Apr. 2 at the Palm Springs Air Museum
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. And Saturdays at 10:00 am, it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
