You may still be trying to bring your pet down from the proverbial ceiling after all the banging of illegal fireworks over the weekend. My dog “Buddy” seemed okay with the noise, but most pets were traumatized. Our last-minute shutdown going into the holiday weekend certainly limited choices for dining and activities, and now we go into the hotter summer months where al fresco dining is not always prescribed. We have a list of what’s open from the Bureau of Tourism that we’ve shared on Facebook and on the News Feed. If you haven’t followed us on social media, please do so @gaydesertguide.
I’ll be a guest on Nicholas Snow’s new Show, “Hot in Palm Springs” debuting Wednesday at 11 am on Facebook Live. And I’ll be in Sonoma next week for the virtual version of “Gay Wine Week”.
Our Fun & Games Dept, hosted by Shann Carr, starts with Virtual Trivia on Thursday, July 16 and a Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Thursday, July 23rd. We’re alternating these two events all summer long. You can subscribe to all upcoming events on our calendar here. We’re announcing our lineup of Men and Women Speed Dating Events later today so subscribe today. And read our blog below for everything else happening!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide.
Jazz in the Pines
Idyllwild Arts Academy has reimagined their popular annual fundraiser, Jazz in the Pines, with a lineup of live and recorded performances and workshops to be streamed online July 5–17. Jazz In The Pines will include public performances, an “In Conversation” series with the artists, open masterclasses, and special events. The festival will be free and open to all, catering to everyone from seasoned Jazz fans to those new to the scene. More info
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBT Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
Coping for Couples with Arlen Keith Leight, LCSW, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Virtual Beginner Tap with Keith Mottola – Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Conversational Spanish – Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
New groups starting this week from Behavioral Health @The Center:
Bereavement Therapy Group, starting July 6
Gay Men Living with HIV, starting July 8
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Colorectal Cancer: Risk, Screening and You
Eisenhower Health & Wellness Lecture Series and The LGBT Center of the Desert present Colorectal Cancer: Risk, Screening, and You via Zoom on Wednesday, July 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Preparing for a screening colonoscopy is no fun. Anyone who has had one will tell you that. But preventing colon cancer can save your life. Join Don Gardenier, DNP and get the facts on colon cancer screening: who should have it, what are the different ways to screen for colon cancer, and when should you be screened. More info
Write that Memoir
Have you always wanted to write your story, but just didn’t have the time or support? How about having both right now? This four week series starting Thursday, July 9 at 4:00 p.m. may be a good time to finally let your story fly! Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D. will walk you through the process over the course of four easy sessions. Get a good jump-start on your memoir. A portion of your registration fee will be donated to The LGBT Community Center of the Desert. More info
Positive Life Series for July
The Positive Life Series is monthly community HIV/AIDS seminar series presented by HIV + Aging Research Project Palm Springs. On Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Dave Grelotti & Brook Henry will speak on cannabis research at UCSD’s HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center. Zoom advance registration required. More info
Luminary Match-Up: Millicent Martin and Teri Ralston
CVRep will be matching up two shining stars on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. The dynamic duo of Millicent Martin and Teri Ralston will interview each other and you’ll hear the inside stories of their lives, friendship, and acting careers. Registration required. More info
Among Friends Virtual Happy Hour
Join Among Friends for their ongoing Thursday “Kickoff to the Weekend” Happy Hours, on Zoom from 5:00–6:30 p.m. every week. Come for the laughs, games and fun, and if you don’t want to be on cam, you don’t have to, you can still attend. And hey, no Uber needed! More info
Drive-In Movie: Andy Samberg’s “Palm Springs”
“Palm Springs,” the new comedy starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, opens Friday, July 10 and continues on Saturday and Sunday nights as well, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s new Drive-In Movie Experience. Choose from socially distanced seating near the screen or various tiers of car spots. Full concessions available, including popcorn, hot dogs, and frozen treats, open for the duration of the film. Space is limited, reservations required. Lot opens at 7:30 p.m., screening around 8:45 p.m. More info
Palm Springs Launches Census Action Week
Palm Springs mayor pro tem Christy Holstege, Councilmember Grace Garner and the City’s “Complete Count Census Committee” will launch “Census Action Week,” July 7-11, in several underserved neighborhoods. The 2020 Census is underway now and it is critically important that every household take part in the survey so that our city can receive its fair share of millions of dollars in federal funding for community projects and initiatives that will help shape the future of Palm Springs for generations to come. More info
‘Stories of Dear Harvey’ Virtual Viewing
San Diego’s Breakthrough Workshop Theatre has performed “Dear Harvey,” a tribute play to Harvey Milk, ever since their conception in 2013. With the 2020 reading cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, the tradition continues with a new documentary film experience that interweaves stories from the play with stories from the creators and the artists who have been changed through their work on the play for over a decade. The film can viewed online for free on Sunday, July 12 at 1:00 p.m. followed immediately by a virtual remembrance of Dan Kirsch by artists who knew and loved him. More info
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 52
Hosts John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr are joined by Dr Laura Rush, Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com …
Get Inspired by William Baziotes
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s At-Home Art Activity this week revolved around the concept of symbolism, which is rooted in the 19th and 20th century literary and art movements, through artists who artists expressed ideas using metaphor and association, rather than realism (such as “Desert Animal,” by William Baziotes, pictured here). Look for symbols in your everyday surroundings and sketch your own!
Learn more
LOOKING AHEAD
Big Gay Zoom That Tune – July 13
The Men Event and Gay Desert Guide present the Big Gay Zoom That Tune Interactive Game Show on Monday, July 13 at 4:15 p.m. Join the fun for lots of laughing, socializing and Type A competitiveness as you test your knowledge of music in this fun interactive event. All of your favorite songs are in play including classics, pop, broadway, diva anthems, rock and more. Earn extra points by answering bonus questions. DJ Stevie Beat is famous for his gay Zoom That Tune games and this event promised to get you laughing and interacting with the other players. Get tickets
Virtual Gay Wine Week
Sonoma’s Gay Wine Weekend, produced by Out in the Vineyard, is going virtual this year with interesting, illuminating and fun events in the virtual space. All you have to do is sit back, uncork a bottle or two of Sonoma Wine, and join online! Look for reports from Brad Fuhr live from Sonoma. [More info] – Events include:
- Colors of Wine Country on Friday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. – A conversation with Black leaders in the wine/hospitality industry.
- Virtual Wine Tour on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. – A virtual journey through the Sonoma Valley, exploring the best wines of the region.
- Virtual Twilight T-Dance on Saturday, July 18 at 5:00 p.m. – Featuring past T-Dance DJ’s spinning for your at-home dance party, with special performances from Transcendence Theatre Company and more.
- Drag Queen Bingo, Bubbles & Wine Auction on Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. – Join hostess Ruby Red Munro for some much needed fun and stay for the annual Wine Auction.
BNP Paribas Open 2021 Series Packages Now on Sale
Series Packages for the 2021 BNP Paribas Open, taking place March 8–21, are now on-sale to ensure that you don’t miss a minute of the action, available in a variety of seating options in Stadiums 1, 2 and 3. More info