Deja Vu! We’re back to Zoom events or talking about what’s on TV as Omicron continues to spike. There’s nothing wrong with a little “Drag Race” or “Aculpoco”, but as the weather improves I’m ready to socialize again. (We have the recap of the first episode with celeb judge and KGAY personality Ross Mathews linked below).
Info-A-Go-Go is postponed and other things are falling off the calendar as well. But Yappy Hour is still on Thursday for Animal Samaritans. We will keep you updated!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
P.S. If you’re not getting the weekly “Oasis Insiders” newsletter, please sign up today so we can stay in touch.
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity #ShopLocal
RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Season 14, Episode 1
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 is officially underway, and Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto (as in Danté, you stay) is “…gagged to get the opportunity again to report on this season’s crop of talent and get them fresh to market in Gay Desert Guide!!” (Read all of Dante’s recaps here). The season premiere is a two-parter, introducing half the queens first and the other half will come next week. Read his recap of Episode 1: Big Opening No. 1 here.
Brothers of the Desert Book Club
The Brothers of the Desert Book Club (BODBC) is offering members and allies an opportunity to meet bi-monthly to discuss their community’s literary history, meeting initially on Zoom twice a month: the second Wednesday night (starting Wednesday, January 12) at 7:00 p.m., and the fourth Saturday afternoon (starting Saturday, January 22) at 3:00 pm. The featured reading in January will be “Blackbird” by Larry Duplechan. The reading list for the year is only six books, spending two months on each selection. The BODBC will be more than a book club: organizers envision a regular bi-monthly social and networking event as well an opportunity to become better individuals and be the change you want to see in the world. More info
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs Roundtable
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (LKAPS) is a social and community-building group for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS. “The Roundtable” is their weekly, peer-facilitated online discussion group, Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. This LKAPS peer discussion group is intended to include and allow everyone to participate in discussions of topics both serious and fun. More info
Yappy Hour with Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans is kicking off their 2022 Yappy Hour Season on Thursday, January 13 at the Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Bring your dog, meet new animal loving friends and connect with old friends. Enjoy hor d’oeuvres, wine, and an evening of fun! All dogs must be friendly and on a leash at all times. More info
Joshua Tree Gallery Features Michael Childers and Gordon Clark
The Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art presents EMERGENCE, now through March 13, featuring the photographic artwork of Michael Childers and Gordon Clark. The exhibition presents new works from each artist as well as works that have adorned the walls of esteemed museums and galleries around the globe. Gallery is open Thursdays 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 1:00–5:00 p.m. More info
Desert Lens Photo Exhibit Closes Saturday
If you enjoy fine art photography, check out Desert Lens, an exhibit of latest imagery from Diane Padys and Chris Houser at Old Town Artisan Studios’ Leland Gallery in La Quinta. The exhibit is open January 6–15, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Sunday). Diane Padys, a commercial photographer for 25 years, turns her lens to abstract expressionism of desert forms to reveal their dynamic texture and uniqueness. Chris Houser, a travel and nature photographer, offers small 8×8 gems of boldly colorful desert scenes. More info
Farmers’ Markets in Palm Springs, Palm Desert & La Quinta
For your fresh farm produce and more (farm raised meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, organic coffee, flowers, prepared foods, chocolates, soaps, etc…), all presented in an open-air safe shopping environment, Palm Springs Cultural Center presents three Certified Farmers’ Markets serving the Greater Palm Springs Area:
- Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The PS Market is held at 2300 E. Baristo Rd. (adjacent to The Camelot Theatres)
- La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The LQ Market is held in Old Town La Quinta at 78100 Main Street (off Calle Tampico).
- Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The PD Market is held at 72-559 Hwy 111, adjacent to the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce.
Pet Bereavement Group – Sammy’s Circle
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter presents a Pet Bereavement Group, meeting the first Monday and third Saturday of each month on Zoom, including this Saturday, January 15, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. Losing a pet, including a foster pet or a pet who has been cared for at the Shelter, can be devastating, resulting in overwhelming emotions, including grief, guilt, anger, stress and loneliness. Whether the loss is recent or based on a beloved pet who crossed the Rainbow Bridge years ago, talking with others who’ve had similar experiences can provide comfort and aid in the healing process. More info
CANCELED: Info-A-Go-Go
Originally scheduled for Friday, January 28, the LGBTQ Center of the Desert has decided to cancel Info-A-Go-Go out of an abundance of caution and respect for the community in light of the coronavirus surge due to the Omicron variant. Those who registered will be issued refunds.
Note: Due to the current spike in COVID cases, please check ahead when making plans over the next few weeks as many events may possibly be canceled, attractions may temporarily close or have hours scaled back. For example Sunnylands is closed temporarily through at least Tuesday January 18 , and The Purple Room Supper Club is closing through at least Sunday, January 16. City of Palm Springs indoor facilities are temporary closed as well.
THIS WEEKEND
Take Center Stage in Indio
The City of Indio presents its first monthly event, Take Center Stage, on Saturday, January 15 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at downtown Indio’s Outdoor Living Room. This free event features different themed entertainment each month, and the City is kicking things off with a country night, highlighted by a ribbon cutting of the Colossal Cacti sculptures, made famous when they appeared at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Evening includes music from The Sarah Winchester Band, DJ/Emcee Big John Miller, a “walk-about” area, cornhole tournament, line dancing instruction, tailgate party games, kids activities, plus BBQ and other down-home cooking, local brews and sweets for purchase. More info
Always, Patsy Cline
Desert Theatreworks presents Always, Patsy Cline playing through February 6 at the Indio Performing Arts Center, based on the true story of one wild night in 1961 Houston, when single mom Louise Seger became fast friends with her idol, Ms. Patsy Cline. Louise recreates her evening and correspondence with Patsy, as well as many of the singer’s highlights, in this touching, down-home country musical comedy. Featuring a live band, this rollicking musical tribute includes many of Cline’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Get tickets
Upcoming Theatre Productions
Here’s a glance ahead at more local productions taking the stage soon!
- Mid-Century Moderns from Desert Rose Playhouse, Jan. 19–Feb. 19
- Life X 3 from CVRep, Jan. 25–Feb. 6
- Me, Myself and Shirley Cindy Williams , Jan. 20-22
- Artificial Morality from Desert Ensemble Theatre Company, Jan. 21–30
- Les Miserables from Palm Canyon Theatre, Jan. 28–Feb. 13
- The Mountaintop from Dezart Performs, postponed to Mar. 4–13
January at the McCallum Theatre
On Friday & Saturday, January 14 & 15 the McCallum Theatre presents An Intimate Evening with David Foster with Special Guest Katharine McPhee. Also in January: The Lettermen, The Doo Wop Project, A Toast to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme with David Lawrence & Debbie Gravitte, Vanessa Williams, Fiddler on the Roof, and much more! Learn more
Flo Rida at The Show
Get “Low” with bestselling rapper Flo Rida on Saturday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. Flo Rida’s hit catalog includes the international smashes “Right Round”, “Club Can’t Handle Me”, “Good Feeling”, “Wild Ones”, “Whistle”, “I Cry”, “G.D.F.R.” and “My House” Get tickets
“Satur-Gays” with Ross Mathews
Saturdays with Ross Mathews is on KGAY 106.5 every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. 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.”
- Always, Patsy Cline – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Jan. 7–Feb. 6, 2022 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Me, Myself & Shirley with Cindy Williams
Thu–Sat., Jan 20–22 at the Annenberg Theater - Life X 3 – presented by CVRep
Jan. 25–Feb. 6 - Oasis Music Festival
Jan. 26–30 - Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27, 2022 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs - International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2022
Feb. 24–28, 2022 at Hotel Zoso
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 a.m. 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 a.m.–4 p.m. And Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
