Jill Biden made a pit stop in Rancho Mirage on Saturday. It’s just the beginning of the political fundraising season where big names will help raise big money for the November election cycle. Barry (Manilow) was there along with Barbara Boxer, both valley residents and big draws. Biden also keynoted the HRC Dinner in Los Angeles later that evening.
The fundraiser I attended featured our beloved gay icon Bruce Villanch at the Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation Pink Party II. I have a pet peeve when going to these events. Attendees often are downright rude to the speakers by not paying attention and carrying on side conversations – loudly! This also happens at mixers and large fundraisers.
The programs are shorter and shorter as our attention spans dwindle to that of a gnat. But still, people think that what’s being communicated about the charity or the cause isn’t important enough for them to listen. I took to “shushing” so that the hosts could make their “ask” and introduce the beneficiaries.
At the next event you attend: Remember Diogenes – “We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.”
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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White Party Palm Springs
White Party Global presents White Party Palm Springs, this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 29, 30, & 31 featuring hot pool parties, hotter night parties, world-class DJ’s and more. Friday kicks off with the Aqua Boy Pool Party at host hotel The Saguaro, from 12– 6 pm. The first nighttime event of the weekend is Achromatica at the Margaritaville Resort Ballroom starting at 9 pm. On Saturday, the Soakin’ Wet Pool Party is 12–7 pm and Sahara Desert Nights is the dazzling night party at the Palm Springs Convention Center at 9 pm. Sunday features the Mermen Pool Party from 11 am–4 pm, and the White Party signature event, Pharaoh Sunday T-Dance with headliner Ava Max, outdoors at the Convention Center from 3–10 pm. Sunday night is the Forbidden closing party, from 10 pm–4 am at Margaritaville. Get tickets
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree will take place in a private home on Friday, March 29 from 6–8 pm, capping off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Enjoy an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres (catered by the culinary wizard Andy Church), entertainment (including a live body painting exhibit, drag shows) as well as a butt-centric silent auction with art by Aaron Jay Young, Tysen Knight, and more. The evening will be hosted by Alexander Rodriguez and funds raised will go towards colorectal and anal cancer research, awareness & helping people who are at high-risk but without insurance to obtain free or subsidized screenings. Get tickets
On Wednesday, March 27, Eisenhower Health and The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert present Anorectal and Colorectal Cancer Screenings: A Panel Discussion from 4–5:30 pm via Zoom. Join Jorge Rodriguez, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine; Donald Gardenier, NP; and David Russo, Founder, Cheeky Charity, for a candid conversation regarding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), colorectal cancer, and anal cancer. Check your shame at the door and bring your questions. More info
AmDocs Closing Day
The 13th Annual AmDocs (American Documentary and Animation) Film Festival will wrap up on Monday, March 25 with a morning panel/workshop and a day full of programming across three screens, leading up to the Closing Night Awards Ceremony and the film The Opener, at 6:30 pm. See our event listing for links to all the details. Get tickets
Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City: Leanna & Miguel
The City of Cathedral City’s Communications & Special Events Department presents Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City with a performance from Leanna & Miguel on Tuesday, March 26 from 5–7 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences while listening to live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Free and open to the community! More info
The Center Social at Fuego Event Space
The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert presents their monthly Center Social on Wednesday, March 27 from 5:30–7 pm at Fuego Event Space. Join in on the 4th Wednesday of each month (locations vary) for this mixer of fun, community, and happy hour! Spread the word—everyone is invited. This month’s event is sponsored by Coachella Valley Independent. More info
AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman
Mizell Center presents the 3rd Wednesday Speaker Series: AIDS DIVA: The Legend of Connie Norman on Wednesday, March 27 at 6 pm. Join filmmaker Dante Alencastre in conversation with Dr. Tone D’Orsay as they explore the life of Connie Norman, a transgender woman and who overcame addiction and abuse to become a leader of ACT UP LA. Reception at 5:30 pm. Get tickets
Robo-Bears Silkscreen Paintings by Joe Dietl
Dietlart Gallery invites presents the opening of Joe Dietl’s all-new Robo-Bear exhibition on Thursday, March 28 from 6–9 pm. The show features Palm Springs artist Dietl’s Pop-Art Painting/Serigraph Series #1 featuring Robo Bear, “Max!” These works are affordable and fun, and every single piece is one-of-a-kind. Guests will enjoy cocktails, snacks, and mingling with fabulous people. More info
The Woman in the Mirror
Revolution Stage Company presents the California premiere of The Woman in the Mirror, a dark comedy about navigating Alzheimer’s with love, laughter, and wine, playing Tuesdays through Sundays, March 10–31. The play is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. Steele takes audiences on an inspirational journey filled with laughter, wit, and the resilience required when facing extraordinary and unexpected circumstances. Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns hand crafted by artisans. Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Also: don’t miss the opportunity to light up your taste buds with specialty Asian-inspired dishes, American-style family favorites, and wonderfully wild themed cocktails. Note: Adults-Only night is Thursday, April 11. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel – Monday, March 25, 7 pm
- Trailblazing Women of Country – Tuesday, March 26, 7 pm
- The Desert Symphony presents Ted Vigil John Denver Tribute – Wednesday, March 27, 8 pm
- Mean Girls the Musical – Friday–Sunday, March 29–31
- See the full March 2024 schedule on our event listing
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, March 26
Free Yoga Classes | 8:30–11 am at Cathedral City Amphitheater
Trivia Night at Play Lounge & Cafe | 6 pm
Trans Tuesdays | 6:30–7:30 pm on Zoom
The Secret Garden immersive musical production | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum (Also March 27, 29, 30 & 31)
Wednesday, March 27
Library Renovation Community Survey | 9 am–Noon at Palm Springs Stadium
Library Renovation Community Survey | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Public Library
Desert United Luncheon | 11 am–1:30 pm at “The Classic Club” in Palm Desert
Wine & Design Mixer for Animal Samaritans | 5:30–7:30 pm at WDC Kitchn & Bath
The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, March 28
Human Resources Update from Rancho Mirage Educational Series | 9–10 am at Rancho Mirage Library
Rancho Mirage Writers Festival Writers Series: Neil King, Jr. author of American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal | 2 pm at Rancho Mirage Library
Political Implications of Humanist Values | 6:30–9 pm in person and on Zoom
Friday, March 29
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–2 pm at Rancho Mirage Community Park
Broadway and Beyond: Kevin Chamberlin in Conversation with Corey Roskin | 6 pm at Mizell Center (5:30 reception)
Maggie Magalita touring production | 6 pm at Coachella Library
Country Dance Fridays | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch
Saturday, March 30
Maggie Magalita touring production | 1 pm & 6 pm at Coachella Library
Sunday, March 31
Screwball Sundays: Harvey | 3 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
THIS WEEKEND
Trans Pride 2024 – Empower and Employ
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center presents Trans Pride 2024 “Empower and Employ” on Saturday, March 30 from 11 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park. Come and connect with like-minded individuals, discover resources, and learn from inspiring speakers. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities or simply want to show your support, this in-person event is the perfect place to be. Come together, celebrate diversity, and create a more inclusive future for your community. More info
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Humanitarians of all stripes are in for an electrifying evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 30 as DAP Health presents the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase). DAP is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a performance from internationally heralded solid gold hitmaker Barry Manilow. The evening pays tribute to DAP Health’s long legacy of protecting and expanding health care access for the most vulnerable, and recognizes nine honorees who represent every community member who has helped fulfill DAP Health’s mission. See our event listing for honorees and more details: More info
Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender day of Visibility comes to the Eastern Coachella Valley on Saturday, March 30 from 12–4 pm in Coachella at The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert. This year, it is brought to you by the newly formed Transgender Resource, Advocacy and Network Service in partnership with original host organization, Trans Community Project. More info
Parts of Pippi: A Bawdy Benefit
Join Pippi Lovestocking for her triumphant return to the stage on Saturday, March 30 (reception at 6 pm, show at 7 pm) at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Hosted by Peaches Christ with special guests, including a comedy set by Pippi, this event is a fundraiser for the upcoming documentary film, Parts of Pippi, about the life of Pippi Lovestocking. Actor Scot Free gained local notoriety in San Francisco performing comedy drag under the name Pippi Lovestocking starting in the early 1990s. After presenting an onstage a tribute for his recently deceased best friend at the Castro Theater in San Francisco, he suffered a cardiac event that led to him becoming a quad amputee. This film tells of Scot/Pippi’s underground past along with the challenges of now living without hands or feet. This event Includes a rare screening of Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story, whose directors, Sean Mullens and Deena Davenport, will also be in attendance. Get tickets
Melissa Etheridge – I’m Not Broken Tour
Grammy Award-winning rockstar and activist, Melissa Etheridge will bring her I’m Not Broken Tour to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, March 30, at 8 pm. Need we say more? Melissa Etheridge is not only a rock music icon, but an LGBTQ trailblazer. Get tickets
Karen Mason at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Karen Mason: Kander & Ebb And All That Jazz on Friday and Saturday, March 29 & 30 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). As one of the original stars of the off-Broadway production of And The World Goes ‘Round, Mason has a personal connection to these legends and their music. A night of unforgettable stories, laughter, and music, Including “Ring Them Bells,” “My Coloring Book,” and “Go Back Home.” This new show highlights Mason’s vocal prowess, charisma, and overall versatility. Her storytelling is as stellar as her vocals. Get tickets
Plunge Pool Party
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents Plunge on Saturday, March 30 from 12–5 pm at CCBC Resort. These world-famous pool parties are back for another year of new friends, frolic, and fun. DJ Nate Cox will be setting the mood for the outside playground. Come and play with some old friends, or make some new ones. Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
Mid-Century Moderns, the hit jukebox musical comedy, is at Revolution Stage Company with performances every Friday and Sunday at 7 pm, ongoing through April 7, with an extra performance on Saturday, March 30. The pop hits of the 1960s come to life as a Wisconsin widow is transformed from frump to fabulous when she finds herself in an exciting new world in 1966 Palm Springs. Get tickets
Streetbar Easter Bonnet Contest
Streetbar presents their Annual Easter Bonnet Contest on Easter Sunday, March 31 at 2:30 pm. This beloved tradition invites participants to showcase their creativity and style through the art of Easter bonnets. Put on your Easter Sunday best and enter your bonnet to win prizes! More info
Easter Sunday at JW Marriott Desert Springs
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Palm Desert’s largest resort – is offering a family-friendly Easter Brunch at Rockwood Grill between from 10 am–5:30 pm on Easter Sunday, March 31. Reservations are required and the menu features specialty stations from Waffle & Pancake Art to Hand Crafted Sushi and a Benedict Station. Entrees include Seared Barramundi, Pork Osso Bucco and Potato Crust Quiche. More info
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Spring 2024 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our NEW Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the new edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, 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! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM is giving away tickets to Jeff Lynn’s ELO, about to embark on their final tour dubbed “The Over and Out Tour,” kicking off right here in the Coachella Valley on Saturday, August 24 at Acrisure Arena [More info]. Known as one of the most iconic forces in music history, in recent years Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a critically acclaimed and chart-topping album along with a sold out run of UK and European shows. Enter to win on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
103.1 MeTV FM presents a salute to Women’s History Month with Two @10, featuring two songs back-to-back by an influential female artist at 10 am and 10 pm, every day in March. 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Patrick Evans hosts weekday afternoons from 1-6 pm Listen online
- Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
Tuesdays through April 9 from 5–7 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Mid-Century Moderns: A New Musical, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Fridays & Sundays (plus select Saturdays) through Apr 7 - White Party Palm Springs
Mar. 29–31 Various Locations Palm Springs - Karen Mason: Kander & Ebb and All That Jazz
Fri. & Sat. Mar 29 & 30 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Mean Girls the Musical
Fri.–Sun., Mar 29–31 at the McCallum Theatre - The Chase: The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2024
Sat. Mar 30 from 5:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Trans Pride 2024 “Empower and Employ”
Sat. Mar 30 from 11 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park - The Pink Ball feat. Margaret Cho
Sat. Apr 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs - KGAY Night at Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wed. Apr 10 from 5:30–9 pm at Acrisure Arena - Nice Work If You Can Get It, presented by CVRep
Apr. 10–21 - World Art Day Festival
Sat. Apr 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park
Welcome New Partner!
Welcome to PS212 HOME, your primary destination for home design needs in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. Now in their seventh year, they offer products exclusive in the desert including their newest product line, LEICHT cabinetry made in Europe, wallpaper, lighting, appliances, and outdoor furniture. Learn more
- Previewing Queer Movie and TV Highlights for Spring
- Investing in Women: A Chat With Catherine Gray, Executive Producer of AmDocs Film ‘Show Her the Money’
- A Guide to Safely Hooking Up Online from DAP Health
- Hiking With T: Watch Out for Snakes While Enjoying the Wildflowers—and Get Ready for Earth Day!
- Restaurant News Bites: Get Your Meatballs Ready; Wang’s in the Desert Reopens … Again; and More!
When you are consistently voted “Best Pizza in the Valley” that’s saying something! Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta sauces and pizza dough are made fresh daily, so everything you order is a delicious masterpiece. With our HOT DEAL you can SAVE 30% and get a $50 gift card to Papa Dan’s for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Thai Smile, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge, Desert Zen Day Spa, 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 2023-24 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 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.