Keith Haring and I share the same birth year – 1958. That was the first thing that struck me in seeing his exhibition at The Broad in Los Angeles over the weekend.
Haring’s life was ended by AIDS all too soon, but his contributions to our LGBTQ+ communities are immense. As a prolific 20 year old he wrote, “I am not a beginning. I am not an end. I am a link in a chain. The strength of which depends on my own contributions, as well as the contributions of those before and after me.”
Those words are worth remembering as we strive to swing the pendulum back from the threats we are facing.
This Saturday, we partner with the Palm Springs Art Museum — where Haring’s works were on display some 15 years ago — for a fundraiser we call the “Mid-Summer Dance Party”. DJ Modgirl will be spinning songs from the Haring era at the Architecture + Design museum space.
Haring held “Party of Life” birthday celebrations from 1984 to 1986 in New York City. Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan and Haring’s boyfriend Juan Dubose deejayed the event and Madonna previewed her song “Like a Virgin” and performed “Dress You Up” wearing a Haring-and LA II-embellished pink leather suit.
What will you be wearing?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Outfest Starts Thursday
The 41st Annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world) takes place from Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 23 in different venues around Los Angeles. The festival will start with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and end with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. There will be many events, workshops, masterclasses, and panels for both the community and filmmakers to participate in. These activities aim to create connections and promote the development of filmmakers, all while celebrating the queer experience. More info
Vote for Mitch! – Favorite Chef
Palm Springs’ own Mitchell Battersby is currently in 3rd place of the prestigious Favorite Chef competition, presented by celebrity Chef Carla Hall. In this tournament-style competition, competitors go through rounds, and those with the most votes in those rounds move on. To win Favorite Chef, one must leverage the power of social media and word-of-mouth advertising to garner the support of the public to vote. From a humble group of over 100 talented chefs, Mitch has challenged himself to prove time and again that his culinary skills are unrivaled. But the heat is really turning up as he continues to work toward the finals, You can help Mitch win by voting daily, and if he wins the competition, he’s donating $5,000 to Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free for everyone. Vote today
Cocktail Cinema Summer Film Series: Moonlight
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents the “Cocktail Cinema” Summer Film Series during the museum’s Thursday Night Sessions with free admission from 5–9 pm. The series features films with iconic soundtracks that reflect their time and place, and each film will be paired with a specially crafted cocktail prepared by That’s The Spirit Mobile Bar. On Thursday, July 13 at 6 pm, the film will be Moonlight (2016). This Best Picture Oscar winner presents three stages in the life of the main character — his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life — and explores the difficulties he faces with his sexuality and identity. The film’s original score was composed by Nicholas Brittell, who applied chop-and-screw techniques from a genre of southern hip-hop remixed to orchestral music. Although the film begins at 6 pm, attendees are encouraged to get to the museum at 5 pm to purchase and enjoy one of the specialty drinks. Free event, registration required. More info
Recap: Season 8 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Episode 10
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has your latest recap for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, Episode 10: The Letter L, as in lesbians, the subjects of this week’s makeover maxi challenge. Dante says “The queens must share the miracle of drag and transform them into fabulous drag queens. They look none too excited, but hey, they signed up!” He questions the premise but then notes this episode brought about “a smart conversation about the women’s childhood relationship to femininity and the reclamation of queer slurs, like dyke, [opening] up some meaningful space.” Find out who became the star of the show and which of the queens are going to the finale (yet there are two episodes remaining) when you read Dante’s full recap of Episode 10 [here].
Single Guys Mixer
Palm Springs Single Guys present their monthly social mixer on Thursday, July 13 from 5:30–7:30 pm in the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This free event is, according to organizers, “nothing too complicated, just a great group of single guys who are looking for connection.” Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, and chat with some wonderful guys. More info
Boyz Night Out
On Friday, July 14—and every Friday night!— Zoso Fun presents Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso from 4–8 pm. This legendary pool party and happy hour is hosted by Snatch and features music from K-Gay’s own multi award-winning deejay Vincente Corrales as DJ Galaxy! Come and enjoy go-go boys, awesome drink specials, pop up drag events, PS Flaggers and more, and kick off the weekend! More info
Wine & Weenies
Wine & Weenies is taking place every Friday in July from 5–7 pm at PSBS (Palm Springs Bottle Shop). Admission gets you two glasses of wine, a hot dog, a bag of chips, and a whole lotta fun! Come cool off on Friday evenings with good people, cold wine, and hot dogs with a chance to shop late at PSBS and Mojave Flea Trading Post. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Get tickets
Dive-In Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Palm Desert Aquatic Center presents their Dive-In Movie Series, sponsored by Family YMCA of the Desert, this Friday, July 14 at 7:30 pm at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. The film will be Sonic the Hedgehog 2 The many amenities will be open including the slides, rock climbing wall, rope swing and more. Bring the kids, towels, a blanket and your swimsuits! More info
Idyllwild Arts Jazz in the Pines
Idyllwild Arts Academy presents the 29th year of its popular annual fundraiser, Jazz In The Pines, from July 3–15 on campus as well as select venues with an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops. This year’s Jazz In The Pines is curated once again by New York Times-featured jazz vocalist Rose Colella, who has performed at the festival for many years. Headliners include Grammy Award-Winning trumpeter John Daversa & Marshall Hawkins’ Seahawk MOJO, along with Euphoria Brass Band, Joshua White, Sherry Williams, Yve Evans, Rose Colella, Tom Hynes, Dan St. Marseille, Bob Boss, Frank Fontaine, Tina Raymond & The Idyllwild Arts All-Star Student Jazz Combo. Get tickets
Into the Woods in LA
Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh is back from a visit to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles to report that “the Los Angeles production of Into the Woods transported the audience on a captivating journey through the dark and whimsical realms of classic fairy tales and newly crafted ones.” He goes on to report that the entire cast was without a weak link and “The complex themes and intricate plot were handled with care, allowing the audience to navigate the intertwining narratives effortlessly. The direction also showcased the profound messages embedded within the musical, exploring the consequences of wishes and the blurred lines between right and wrong.” Read the full review
Visitor Map & Guide Summer Edition
The Summer 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too) is available now around town and online! We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
THIS WEEKEND
Mid-Summer Dance Party
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents an Artful Event fundraiser: the return of the Mid-Summer Dance Party on Saturday, July 15 from 8–11 pm at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center. KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are proud media sponsors! This year’s event promises to be a spectacular night of entertainment as DJ Modgirl takes you on a journey back to the ’80s. With a cash bar by Reforma Palm Springs and complimentary BuzzBox tastings including the Coachella Valley Firebirds Paloma (usually only available at Acrisure Arena), this is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy an evening of fun and nostalgia. Get tickets
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour
The world’s largest drag production, RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour, comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Saturday, July 15 at 8 pm. Asia O’Hara, Bosco, DeJa Skye, Jujubee, Lady Camden, Laganja, Vanessa Vanjie and select finalists from Season 15 are unknowingly trapped in the Netwerq…free your mind with this show that asserts “perception is not reality.” (Line-up subject to change). Get tickets
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride is taking place from July 8–16, with the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 15 at 10 am beginning at the Hillcrest Pride Flag and going for 1.5 miles. San Diego’s Pride Parade is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 300,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQ community. This year’s theme is “Thrive.” There are many events throughout the week of San Diego pride [Learn more]. The San Diego Pride Festival goes from 11 am Saturday through 10 pm Sunday, highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. More info
Revolution of Love San Diego Pride Party
Equality California presents Revolution of Love as the theme for Pride parties throughout the state this year, including this weekend in San Diego on Saturday, July 15 at 6 pm at Barrel & Board. EQCA says, “With anti-LGBTQ+ extremists attacking our community and trying to take away our basic civil rights, we have one thing to say — LGBTQ+ people will not be erased! This Pride season we’re igniting a Revolution of LOVE.✊” More info
Gay Wine Weekend
Out In The Vineyard presents “3 Days of Gay” for Gay Wine Weekend, from Friday, July 14–Sunday, July 16. The weekend features winemaker dinners, winery tours and a drag queen brunch & wine auction along with a pool party to wind down the weekend. The signature event of the weekend is the Twilight T-Dance which this year will be held at the iconic La Crema Winery Estate in the Russian River Valley Region, a shift north in locale from previous Sonoma Valley-based Gay Wine Weekends. The weekend benefits Face to Face, the Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network. More info
Broadway to the BIG SCREEN – Evita
Every Saturday this summer, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the great musicals that made it from Broadway to the BIG SCREEN (and sometimes back again). On Saturday, July 15 at 4 pm, the featured film is Evita. Eva Duarte Peron (Madonna) rises from poverty to become an Argentinian actress and the wife of powerful President Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce) in this movie musical based on the award-winning Broadway hit. Through a series of flashbacks, Eva transforms from an impoverished teenager into a woman of influence and power before dying at the tender age of 33. Antonio Banderas serves as the cynical narrator, Che. MeTV 103.1 fm is a proud media sponsor of the Broadway to the BIG SCREEN Film Series! Get tickets
Sing Along With Us – On the Town
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents classic movie musicals in the Sing Along With Us Film Series all summer long, on the largest screen in the valley at the Historic Camelot Theatre. The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will lead the singing. On Sunday, July 16 at 3 pm, come sing along to On the Town. Fun-loving sailors Gabey (Gene Kelly), Chip (Frank Sinatra) and Ozzie (Jules Munshin) have 24 hours of shore leave in New York City, and they want to make every second count. While Chip hooks up with loudmouth cab driver Brunhilde (Betty Garrett) and Ozzie swoons for prim anthropologist Claire (Ann Miller), Gabey falls in love with an actress he sees in an advertisement, Ivy Smith (Vera-Ellen). Leonard Bernstein, with lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green, provides the music. Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs are proud media sponsors of the Sing Along With Us This Summer Film Series! Get tickets
🙌 You can enter to win tickets to Sing Along With Us on the KGAY Contest Page! 🙌
The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry
Ben Zook from the hit gay web series, “Where the Bears Are” is back with The Dirty Show, playing America’s favorite actor-singer-dancer-psychic, Skyler Gentry. The show will performed Saturday, July 15 at 7 pm, at Dietlart Gallery. This stage show is really dirty, really gay and filled with music, laughs and psychic readings with audience members. Who knows? Maybe Skyler will read YOU! This is your last chance to see this original version of “The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry” in Palm Springs (An all-new Dirty Show 2.0 is coming in the Fall) Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Wristbands are available now for Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage 2023. For just $10, your event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at participating Rancho Mirage restaurants so you can savor the best of the Rancho Mirage culinary scene from, kicking off Monday, July 17 and going through August 13. See our event listing for a link to participating restaurants and their exclusive Taste of Summer offers. Wristbands can be picked up at a variety of non-profits (see the full list here). 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!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5
Vacaya Resort Sweepstakes
You can WIN 7 nights at an all-inclusive resort vacation for 2 during VACAYA’s Mexico Resort Takeover! The complimentary room includes: Beautiful accommodations for 7 nights at Hilton Vallarta Riviera, unlimited standard drinks for length of stay, delicious food in 7 restaurants, including a bountiful buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a fitness center, pool and beach volleyball, kayaking & snorkeling on site, yoga classes, and of course, all the VACAYA signature activities, parties, and entertainment! SIGN UP TO WIN
Win Summer Sing Along Tickets
Musicals are back on the big screen this summer at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and you can WIN tickets from KGAY 106.5 & Gay Desert Guide! Your favorite Broadway musicals that made it on the big screen are on the biggest screen in the valley (with hot buttered popcorn and your favorite beverage) on Sundays at 3 pm, with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus leading the Sing Along. More information on the series here and you can enter to win tickets on the KGAY Contest Page!
Chill Out On Us at McDonald’s
KGAY 106.5 has your chance to WIN a $25 ARCH Card so you can sip into summer! Now, try McDonald’s refreshing, new Frozen Hawaiian Fruit Punch, or a Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry. Or stay cool with your favorite Smoothie or Frappé today. Perfect for chilling out. At participating McDonald’s. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page!
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! And speaking of pool parties, DJ Galaxy is also spinning Fridays at Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso. Listen Online
The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is appearing at The Rowan Window Bar each Thursday from 7–10 pm and Friday from 4–7 pm, and spinning at the Mid-Summer Dance Party on Saturday night. Listen online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
103.1 MeTV fm is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Zoso Fun Presents Boyz Night Out
Fri. Jul 14 from 4–8 pm (and every Friday ongoing) at Hotel Zoso - Vote for Mitch – Favorite Chef Michell Battersby
Jul 11– Aug 7 at favchef.com - OutFest LA LGBTQ+ Film Fest 2023
Jul 13–23 at various locations around Los Angeles - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country - Artful Event – Mid-Summer Dance Party
Sat. Jul 15 from 8–11 pm, Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design Center - Out on the Mountain 2023
Fri. Aug 18 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Odesza -The Last Goodbye Tour
Wed. Sep 20 at 6:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort - Madonna -The Celebration Tour
Thu. Jan 11 at 8:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
Welcome New Partner!
LM Therapeutics has the best massage therapists in the Coachella Valley. Let their therapists work all your stress, pain and tightness away. They specialize in pain management, muscle recovery, and post-op care. Their objective is to understand each of their clients’ goals so they can tailor every treatment to have the best outcome. LM Therapeutics, your one stop shop for a pain and stress free life. Learn more
- An Organization ‘For Everybody’: Local Group Helping Long-Term Survivors Connect, Form Friendships
- Experts Weigh in on What’s Next After 303 Creative Ruling
- Honoring the Pen: The Palm Springs Writers Guild Supports Local Talent with Programming, Scholarships and Prize Money
- Palm Springs Bar Reveals Secret Drink Menu
- How To Find Sustainable Queer Joy, According to The Old Gays
Rick’s Desert Grill offers a huge selection of lunch and dinner items for all appetites, with an ample beer and wine list and great dishes with a Cuban influence like savory Cuban Ropa Vieja or Cuban Arroz Con Pollo. Try a Cuban Martini this summer, Happy Hour is 4–6 pm daily. You can enjoy all this at reasonable prices to satisfy everyone’s taste, and with our HOT DEAL you save even more: Get a $25 gift card for food & drink at Rick’s Desert Grill for just $15! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Hunters Nightclub, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, Grand Central, AMP Sports Lounge, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Il Giardino, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Willie’s Modern Fare, Lulu California Bistro 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 2023 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, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 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)