Spring has officially sprung and restaurants are open at 25% indoor capacity.
Sunnylands grounds are open (I’m planning a visit this week) and the Art Museum is a week away from opening. All good signs of Spring with the caveat to remain vigil and wear your mask.
That’s true even after you are immunized. There’s no guarantee, according to researchers, that a sneeze or a cough from a vaccinated individual won’t pass the virus to someone else.
Oh, and stay away from Miami/Fort Lauderdale! That’s my free advice for the week!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
DBA Virtual Networking Mixer
The Desert Business Association (DBA) presents a Virtual Networking Mixer on Monday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. The focus will be on reopening safely and what that means for our community’s diverse small business community. Bring your concepts for solutions as they will be asking for ideas and participation! More info
AmDocs Film Festival Kicks Off
The 2021 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival is mostly virtual, screening on the new DocsNow+ streaming platform from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, April 4. Festival pass holders will have access via website and app to watch 200 plus festival titles anytime, anywhere, and also receive a full 12 months bonus to the subscription service to view the channel dedicated to documentary and animated works from around the world. From the visually beautiful to the heartwarming, inspirational, shocking and educational, each film uncovers a slice of real life to the viewer from some of the best visual storytellers out there. More info
Opening Night of the festival will be Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mary Pickford Drive-In in Cathedral City, featuring the world premiere of “My Name Is Lopez” – the biopic of popular music star, Trini Lopez. The evening will begin with a live performance by The Gand Band before the screening.The public can also watch the new film on the streaming platform DocsNow+ with their festival pass. More info
Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Relief is Possible
The LGBTQ Center and Eisenhower Health present Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Relief is Possible on Wednesday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that can affect muscles, bones and joints including conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. Sports Medicine Specialists undergo extensive training in musculoskeletal medicine and are highly capable in the management of these problems, bridging the spectrum from acute injury to rehabilitation. Join Rajiv Tailor, MD, Sports Medicine Specialist to hear about the non-surgical treatment options available for MSDs. More info
“The Last Act is a Solo” Virtual Staged Reading
The Whittier Trust Presents: The Last Act Is A Solo, A Virtual Staged Reading as part of CVRep Theatre Thursdays this week on March 25 at 7:00 p.m. This haunting, beautiful play by Robert Anderson will be presented on CVRep’s virtual stage and stars Joyce Bulifant, her son John Asher, and Arthur Hanket. Join in for an evening of entertainment that will certainly amuse you. Free event, registration required. More info
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBTQ Community 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 – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Fifty+ Fit with Lynn Simonson – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p .m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
Desert X 2021 Now Open
Delayed by over a month due to concerns about COVID-19, Desert X 2021 is now open through May 16 in the Coachella Valley. The exhibition explores the desert as both a place and idea, acknowledging the realities of people who reside here and the political, social, and cultural contexts that shape their stories [Check out what’s new this year]. The site-specific exhibition is free and out-of-doors, providing a safe visitor experience, featuring newly-commissioned projects that build on themes explored in previous iterations as well as look deeper at the histories, realities, and possibilities of the Coachella Valley and its many communities. More info
WildLights Limited Spring Return thru March 28
WildLights returns to the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – with a spring twist! WildLights of Spring will take place nightly through March 28. Guests will take an illuminated journey around the Zoo with an enchanting assortment of lighted animal sculptures and vantages of select habitats including the emus of the Australian Adventures. A portion of the African Safari loop will be open for guests to see cheetahs, zebras, African wild dogs, and other animals. The event also will feature new music for the light zones, and guests can take a spin on the carousel and make s’mores around a fire, for an additional fee. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are on sale now and advanced purchase is required. Get tickets
Mary Pickford Theatre Reopens Indoor Screenings
Indoor movies are back at Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City, now allowed to operate at 25% capacity as Riverside County has advanced to the red tier of the state’s reopening framework. Kick back in their stadium-style power recliners and enjoy the concessions you love, knowing they are doing everything as safely as possible, meeting or exceeding the CinemaSafe industry standards. Catch awards-season darlings “Nomadland,” “Minari,” “The Little Things,” “Judas and the Black Messiah” and more! Get tickets
Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival
Just over a week remains for this year’s Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival, a hybrid of online activities and individualized outdoor challenges to raise awareness of the many wildflowers throughout Coachella Valley, brought to you by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Join the Virtual Super Bloom 30-miles-in-30-days challenge to support the Friends’ mission of public land stewardship. You can also download field guides and scavenger hunts, check out the silent auction, and participate in online demos and lessons! More info
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market
The Atrium in Rancho Mirage plays host to the new Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market, every Friday from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Shoppers can expect about 40 vendors with a variety of options including fresh fruits and vegetables, floral, baked goods, artisan clothing and gifts, meats, poultry and fish, coffee and teas, soups, pizza, tamales and more. Mask-wearing and social distancing required. More info
Test Drive and Save Lives
Animal Samaritans has teamed up with KPLM The BIG 106, The Bruce Titus Foundation, and Volkswagen of Palm Springs to better the lives of local animals in need. When you test drive a new vehicle at Volkswagen of Palm Springs, now through May 31st, The Bruce Titan Foundation will donate $25 to Animal Samaritans for EVERY test drive! More info
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 89
We are Red! John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com are joined by Kevin Kauer and Tyler Huang from queertique.com, Jimmy Boegle at CVIndependent.com is in the house with local news. We are RED-Y for the theCenterCV.org Virtually Red Weekend with Raul Rodriguez, Development Manager from The LGBTQ Center and fitness expert Craig Ramsay, actor/comedian/author Jason Stuart checks in for some laughs, and Alexander Rodriguez has sassy movie news from LaLa Land.
The #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is broadcast on Facebook Live at its new time, Fridays at 11:00 a.m.! Our podcast is brought to you by City of Palm Springs Small Business Financial Aid Program.
The#ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (or later on-demand) to stream us to your TV. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more!
LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs Art Museum Reopens April 1
It’s been a full year, and the Palm Springs Art Museum has finally been given the approval to reopen on Thursday, April 1 with updated galleries and 5 new exhibitions. New visitor hours are: Friday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays. Capacity is limited to 25%, tickets must be reserved online in advance, and numerous COVID-19 safety measures will be in place. The Architecture & Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion will reopen in September with the exhibition The Modern Chair. More info
Save the Date: 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
DAP Health presents the 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, a virtual celebration this year on Sunday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. You can participate by tuning in to NBC Palm Springs or by tuning in to any of DAP’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube or Twitter). Stay tuned for more details, celebrity entertainment, online auction opportunities, and more. Registration is free, donations accepted. More info
ANA Inspiration Golf Tournament
The 50th edition of the ANA Inspiration will take place April 1–4 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, marking a return to its usual position on the calendar as the first of the five Major championships of professional women’s golf. As with last year’s tournament, this special 50th Anniversary edition will be going ahead without spectators due to Covid-19 related restrictions. Fans will be able to watch the ANA Inspiration around the world, including on Golf Channel and Sky Sports, and follow along for enhanced content on social @ANAinspiration and the tournament website ANAinspiration.com. More info