Disney movies evoke strong memories for us all. Mine revolves around “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant”, “Mary Poppins” and many of the early movies from my childhood.
So it was an emotional day at Walt Disney Concert Hall when my beloved Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) took to the stage for their Disney Pride in Concert on Sunday. In my LA days, I chaired the board for the organization for a few years and got to know the men who lend their talents to our cause. GMCLA has performed around the world – even in Russia! And that changes hearts and minds. I shed a few tears of joy and heartfelt gratitude for the men who put forth this music year after year.
So as Pride month comes to a close, I still have hope that through all the struggles we are having in the world, our LGBTQ+ communities will persevere. Here’s to a day when we can sing “Hakuna matata” and not “God Help the Outcasts”.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International ShortFest Best of the Fest
The Palm Springs International ShortFest wraps up Monday, June 26 at the Camelot Theatres (Palm Springs Cultural Center) with a Best of the Fest screening, presenting in 6 installments throughout the day. Get tickets – This year’s festival showcased an impressive selection of 299 films from 65 countries, including 53 World Premieres, 10 International Premieres, 33 North American Premieres, and 18 U.S. Premieres. The films were curated from over 6,000 film submissions. Awards and cash prizes worth $25,000, including five Academy Award-qualifying awards, were announced on the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Facebook Page.
Reflections on Juneteenth: Conversation & Gospel Recital
Mizell Center presents their 3rd Wednesday Speaker Series: Reflections on Juneteenth: Conversation & Gospel Recital on Wednesday, June 28 from 6–7:30 pm (reception begins at 5:30 pm). Join the conversation examining the historic and social complexity of Juneteenth. What are the lessons the holiday imparts historically and currently? What are the implications for social democracy, community-building and cultivating a climate of hope? Mzilikazi Kone, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science College of the Desert, Wes Rankins, Community Organizer, and Marilyn F. Solomon, Award-winning Television Producer/Moderator will discuss. A gospel recital follows the conversation with performances by Yve Evans, Hope Diamond , Charles Huff and Doug Need. Introductory Remarks will come from Mayor Grace Garner. We at KGAY/Gay Desert Guide are proud to be promotional partners of this important event. More info
The Center Social at Toucans
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents their 4th-Wednesday-of-the-month Center Social mixer of fun, community, and happy hour on Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30–7 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge. Look forward to friendship, connection, and a tasty happy hour. Spread the word everyone is invited, and shout out to PromoHomo.tv for being this month’s media sponsor. More info
Recap: Season 8 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Episode 8
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has your latest recap for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, Episode 8: You’re a Winner Baby, and he says “Today’s recap will be informational at the start, fairly dull in the middle and EXPLOSIVE at the end! A queen has been gagged, gooped, stunned, betrayed and had her fantasy ruined. I’m talking about me, of course!” Find out just what has him feeling all the feelings when you read Dante’s full recap of Episode 8 [here].
Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning for Healthy Eating
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Eisenhower Health present Grocery Shopping & Meal Planning: A Guide for Healthy Eating on Wednesday, June 28 from 4–5 pm via Zoom. This will be an informative discussion with Elizabeth Myers, RD, regarding meal planning to keep yourself healthy, happy, and fit for the summer. Learn the fundamentals of building healthy, balanced meals, including helpful tips and tricks for grocery shopping, plus your guide for buying nutrient dense foods to help you reach your health and wellness goals. Free event, registration required. More info
Cocktail Cinema Summer Film Series: Pulp Fiction
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 four 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, June 29 at 6 pm, the film will be Pulp Fiction (1994). The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption. Quentin Tarantino’s film features an all-star cast including John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson, and a soundtrack that is an eclectic mix of American rock and roll, surf music, pop, and soul. 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
Boyz Night Out
On Friday, June 30—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
Equality Wine and Food Fest
The Equality Wine & Food Fest takes place Friday–Sunday, June 30–July 2 at Margaritaville Resort, featuring LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women owned, managed, and/or produced wines. Meet winemakers, industry professionals, celebrity chefs, vendors, and fellow enthusiasts while enjoying wine tastings of over 60 varietals and food samples, along with live music, educational speakers, demonstrations, silent auction, and VIP experiences. Friday is a Wine Bar Takeover, Saturday is the Grand Tasting followed by Winemaker Dinner, and Sunday is a Champagne Brunch. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the following organizations: Give Kids the World Village, Brothers of the Desert, and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Get tickets
Dezart Performs Announces 16th Season
Dezart Performs has announced the lineup for their 16th year of theatre and it features a Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics Circle Award Winner, and a first ever Broadway play written by a Native American. The season will consist of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY (November 3–12), WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME (January 19–28), A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD (March 1–10), and MR PARKER (April 12–21). Existing season subscribers can secure their subscription for the new season starting Wednesday, July 5, and new subscribers can sign up beginning July 25. Single show tickets will go on sale September 12. Read on for a synopsis of each play: More info
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 July 17–August 13. See our event listing for a link to participating restaurants and their exclusive Taste of Summer offers. Wristbands need to be picked up at the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. More info
CVRep Summer Cabaret Series Continues
Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh has spent the last couple of Thursday nights at CVRep’s Summer Cabaret Series and he’s here with a look at some recent shows as well as a preview of some great Thursday nights yet to come this summer as the series continues into July and August with performances from Miguel Bernal, Maximo Marcusso, Christia Mantzke, Leslie Stevens, David Engel, Lisa Vroman, and Mark Evans, whose performance of Hide & Seek, says Radosh, “is a must for anyone who is a friend of or a member of the LGBTQ family.” Read more
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
All American Fourth of July
The City of Palm Springs presents a series of FREE family-friendly festivities throughout the holiday with their All American Fourth of July weekend, July 1–4. It all culminates with the City’s magnificent “All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 9:15 pm. Before that, there’s a free concert in the Downtown Park by The Long Run Tribute to The Eagles on Saturday at 7 pm, a Dive-In Movie Night featuring the film In the Heights on Sunday at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Swim Center, a Movie Night at Ruth Hardy Park on Monday at 7:30 pm (showing A League of Their Own), then on Tuesday, July 4: Palm Springs Power Baseball, a Led Zepagain Tribute Band Concert in the Park, and a pool party at Palm Springs Swim Center, leading up to the fireworks show, which you can watch from the pool! More info
Agua Caliente Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage and the City of Rancho Mirage present a Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Spectacular on Tuesday, July 4 from 7–9:30 pm. The event is free and the parking lot opens at 3 pm with only 700 first-come, first-served spaces available. A drive-in experience with live music starts at 7 pm with the fireworks show taking place from approximately 9–9:25 pm. More info
Agua Caliente Fourth of July Pre-Party
Agua Caliente Cathedral City presents a Fourth of July Pre-Party on Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2, from 7 pm–midnight. There will be fun for all ages with food, music and gaming. A roller skating rink will be open to all ages from 7–9 pm and then 21+ only from 9 pm–midnight. Skating sessions are $10 with $5 skate rental available. The July 2 party will also feature a hot dog eating contest. More info
City of Coachella Independence Day Celebration
The City of Coachella presents their annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 1 from 6–9 pm at Bagdouma Park. This free family event will offer guests the excitement of onsite games, carnival rides, a variety of local food vendors, and live music topped off by an exciting fireworks grand finale at 9 pm. Guests will also enjoy live music from Avenida Music, a local band who plays a diverse mix of music, including Classic Rock, Rock en Español, Motown, Funk, Cumbia, Top 40 and more. More info
Broadway to the BIG SCREEN – Grease
Every Saturday this Summer, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents all the great musicals that made it from Broadway to the BIG SCREEN (and sometimes back again). On Saturday, July 1 at 4 pm, return to the singing and dancing world of “Grease,” the most successful movie musical of all time! A wholesome exchange student (Olivia Newton-John) and a leather-clad Danny (John Travolta) have a Summer romance, but will it cross clique lines when summer ends and they end up in the same high school? The answer shakes the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. MeTV 103.1 fm is a proud media sponsor of the Broadway to the BIG SCREEN Film Series! Get tickets
Sing Along With Us – Guys and Dolls
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 2 at 3 pm come sing along to Guys and Dolls – Gambler Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) has few options for the location of his big craps game. Needing $1,000 to pay a garage owner to host the game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) that Sky cannot get virtuous Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) out on a date. Despite some resistance, Sky negotiates a date with her in exchange for bringing people into her mission. Meanwhile, Nathan’s longtime fiancée, Adelaide (Vivian Blaine), wants him to go legit and marry her. 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! 🙌
LOOKING AHEAD
OutFest Tickets & Passes on Sale Now
OutFest Los Angeles is the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world and the 41st Annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival is set to take place July 13–23 at various locations around Los Angeles. Tickets and Passes for OutFest 2023 are on sale now. The festival will open with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and the 11-day event will close with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre. More info
CVRep Announces 2023-2024 Season
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre (CVRep) has announced their 2023-2024 season, featuring five sensational productions new to CVRep, World and West Coast premieres, and multi-Tony® Award winning shows. The season includes the West Coast premiere of a daring new vision of The Fantasticks featuring two young gay men; the World Premiere of Summer Session with the Bones Brigade, the first play developed through CVRep’s Origins: New Works Program; the haunting 1998 version of Cabaret; a comedy blast direct from Broadway – Potus: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive; and the ever-wonderful, always marvelous Nice Work If You Can Get It by George and Ira Gershwin. Subscribers can renew their season tickets starting July 1, and new subscriptions will open August 1. Learn more
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
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 at psculturalcenter.org and you can enter to win tickets 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! 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 not only the life of the party, she’s now hanging out at The Rowan Window Bar each Thursday from 7–10 pm and Friday from 4–7 pm. She is also spinning your faves by the pool at The Paloma Resort on Saturday, July 1 from 12–4 pm! Join her for a cocktail and listen to some great beats! Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
This long holiday weekend on MeTV fm, it’s “Songs Across America,” featuring a road trip through songs that mention cities in the U.S.A. to celebrate America’s 247th birthday! 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
- Palm Springs International ShortFest
Jun 20–26 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Zoso Fun Presents Boyz Night Out
Fri. Jun 23 from 4–8 pm (and every Friday ongoing) at Hotel Zoso - 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
- Enjoy the Desert After Dark This Summer
- Do You Use ‘Queer’? Avoid It At All Costs? We Look Into Its Long And Complex History
- Hiking With T: Yes, You Can Find Cooler Hikes During the Heat—But Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
- Summer Cocktails to Try in Greater Palm Springs
- Why you Might Notice More Religious Groups at Pride Celebrations This Year
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We also have Hot Deals at 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, Rick’s Restaurant, 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)