When I woke up in the middle of the night back in November 2018 wondering in the call letters KGAY were available, I had no inkling as to what would transpire in the coming years.
We were getting a new LGBTQ+ radio station organized under a now-defunct non-profit named Qchella Media. Chris Shebel and I had been asked to be on the board, then to run the operation as general manager and program director.
A competitor from CBS Radio, ChannelQ, had beaten us to the punch and launched before we could. With the albatross of the “Q” in our name, we had to come up with something different.
And so, I slept on it. That night I awoke wondering if KGAY call letters were available. WGAY had been a longtime beautiful music radio station in Washington, D.C., and I still had one of their t-shirts from the 80’s (with the slogan “Listen and Relax”).
But what happened to KGAY call letters? They had been dormant since 2010 after their various stints on Oregon radio stations, last as a country radio station. And as I scrolled the FCC database on my phone in the middle of the night, I found that they were available.
The next day, owner Greg Smith applied for KGAY and the FCC granted them just days later. We held on to them until the official launch on Christmas Day, 2018.
K-G-A-Y has served us well. New York Times writer Erik Piepenburg discovered the station while researching a Christmas vacation in 2023 and couldn’t believe we existed. He pitched the story to his editors and he wrote the story of the station and of Chris, John Taylor and myself in an article that to this day brings me pride and joy!
Erik was here over the weekend for the PS BookFest and we reconnected. But this time I had news for him! Our call letters had become a Jeopardy “answer” on Friday night!
Yes, that screenshot you see above is from the TV set of a friend who first excitedly texted Chris and I Friday evening. Seems “Celebrity Jeopardy” had a category of Radio Stations. And there we were in the national spotlight again!
I’m proud that the call letters KGAY are now synonymous with our Palm Springs oasis and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that we represent. A rising tide lifts all boats, as the saying goes. We continue to make history and I am thankful for the support of our worldwide listeners, our advertisers and #SupportYourStation contributors. We’ve only just begun!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Palm Springs Speaks – CeCe Moore
Palm Springs Speaks welcomes CeCe Moore to the Plaza Theatre on Monday, March 30 from 7:30–9 pm for an evening with one of the leading voices in genetic genealogy. Known for her groundbreaking work with investigative agencies across the country and her long-running role as the DNA expert on the PBS series Finding Your Roots, Moore has helped achieve more than 350 successful identifications that have reshaped modern forensic investigation. Get tickets
TUE: Palm Springs Symphony
The Plaza Theatre welcomes audiences for a refined evening on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm as the Palm Springs Symphony takes the stage with violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn and the famed Red Violin. Surrounded by the Symphony’s rich, expressive sound, Pitcairn brings a luminous blend of precision and passion to a program designed to captivate from the first note. Get tickets
TUE: Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City Wraps Up its Season
Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City concludes on Tuesday, March 31 from 5:30–7:30 pm with a performance by Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, bringing their signature blend of soulful vocals, desert‑rooted storytelling, and vibrant indie‑rock energy to the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. As the final installment of the spring series, the evening pairs live music with food from Fat Boy Tacos and Crush Crush Cookies, creating a relaxed, community‑driven setting to close out the season. More info
WED: CV Firebirds Martini Night
The Coachella Valley Firebirds present their first-ever Martini Night, bringing a splash of mid‑week energy to the Firebirds game vs. Ontario Reign at Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, April 1, with a pre‑game lounge experience in The Oasis from 5–6:30 pm. Guests can enjoy $12 signature martinis including espresso martinis, cosmopolitans, traditional pours, and you‑call‑’em flavored options, all set to lounge‑style beats from a live DJ. Giveaways every 30 minutes include tix to upcoming shows from Bob Dylan, DWTS Con, Lionel Richie, and Chicago/Styx. Specially priced tickets for Martini Night are available exclusively here: Get tickets
WED: Billy Porter
The Plaza Theatre’s week continues Wednesday, April 1 at 7 pm as Billy Porter returns for an evening that showcases his magnetic storytelling, silky vocals, and unmistakable presence. On Thursday, April 2 at 8 pm, In The Air Tonight brings the premier Phil Collins and Genesis experience to the desert, blending uncanny vocals, dual drumming, and immersive visuals into a high‑energy concert that celebrates the full sweep of Collins’s solo hits and Genesis classics. The week concludes Saturday, April 4 at 8 pm when the New York Philharmonic String Quartet arrives with four Principal musicians whose collective mastery offers a refined and resonant chamber performance. Get tickets
WED: Rock the Park – Barbra Streisand Tribute
Rock the Park returns to Downtown Park on Wednesday, April 1 from 7–9 pm with Songbird, a tribute to Barbra Streisand that brings her iconic vocals and timeless style to the open‑air stage. This free monthly series invites the community to gather under the evening sky for top‑tier tribute performances running from December through May, creating a lively mid‑week tradition for locals and visitors alike. More info
WED: A Cabbello – Broadway Lights the Way
A Cabbello celebrates musical‑theatre storytelling with Broadway Lights the Way at the Cascade Lounge on Wednesday, April 1 from 7–8:30 pm. The desert’s premier men’s vocal ensemble brings its signature blend of harmony and heart to a program highlighting Broadway songs that illuminate love, justice, belonging, and our shared humanity. With doors opening at 6 pm, the evening offers an inspiring journey through the music and messages that continue to guide and uplift audiences. Get tickets
WED: Catherine O’Hara: Simply the Best – After Hours
Catherine O’Hara: Simply the Best continues Wednesday, April 1 at 6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre with a screening of After Hours, Martin Scorsese’s sharply comic plunge into one man’s surreal night in Manhattan. This tribute installment pairs O’Hara’s celebrated legacy with a film known for its eccentric characters and offbeat humor. Get tickets
THU–SUN: Desert Legends – Legendary Women’s Weekend
Desert Legends returns to Hotel Zoso from Thursday–Sunday, April 2–5 for a Legendary Women’s Weekend filled with celebration, connection, and community. Across four days, guests can enjoy a lively mix of meet‑and‑greets, music, comedy, golf and pickleball tournaments, pool parties, watch parties, and a Saturday night concert featuring Corday with special guests, along with the Desert Legends Award presentation honoring Sweet Baby J’ai. With events ranging from breakfast bingo to late‑night dancing, the weekend offers an exciting lineup designed to bring women together through play, performance, and shared experiences. See our event listing for the full detailed schedule: More info
THU–SUN: Western Xposure Spring
Western Xposure returns to CCBC Resort from Thursday–Sunday, April 2–5 for four days of sun‑soaked, clothing‑optional fun designed for bears and the men who love them. With all‑day pool parties featuring DJs Carrera, Bulldog, E. Feld, Evil JP, and BodyRolls, plus free BBQ lunches, trails, play spaces, hot tubs, and a relaxed “choose your adventure” vibe, this body‑ and sex‑positive gathering invites guests to unwind, explore, and recharge in a judgment‑free desert oasis. Get tickets
FRI & SAT: Meghan Murphy – The Big Red Show
Meghan Murphy storms into The Purple Room for two powerful nights as The Big Red Show takes over Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4 from 6–9:30 pm. Known worldwide as “Big Red,” this magnetic singer, actor, and cabaret star delivers a whirlwind of bold vocals, razor‑sharp humor, and Old Hollywood glamour. With a songbook that swings from Broadway to Beyoncé and a stage presence critics call “a towering inferno of talent,” Meghan Murphy turns every performance into a high‑voltage celebration. Get tickets
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
On Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra brings a sweeping program led by Fabio Luisi, pairing Schumann’s beloved Piano Concerto with Mahler’s radiant Fourth Symphony featuring soprano Sofia Fomina. On Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm, BODYTRAFFIC takes the stage with its electrifying blend of precision, power, and theatricality. The week culminates Friday–Sunday, April 3–5 as Hadestown arrives in Palm Desert, inviting audiences into its haunting, hopeful reimagining of myth and music. Get tickets
THU–SAT: ICED – Frozen Borders, Burning Hope
Experience a thought-provoking world premiere as ICED – Frozen Borders, Burning Hope takes the stage Thursday–Saturday, April 2–4 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This gripping dark comedy by local playwright Patricia West-Del Ruth follows the disappearance of a young asylum seeker, challenging a guard to face the moral cost of a broken system. The production features a stellar ensemble including Judith Chapman, Yo Younger, and Charles Herrera, with atmospheric effects by Nick Wass. More info
FRI–SAT: Beehive: The 1960s Musical Celebration
Get ready to rock as the high-energy production of Beehive: The 1960s Musical Celebration runs through April 4 at Desert Theatreworks. This show is a groovy tribute to the powerhouse women vocalists of the 1960s, featuring chart-topping hits from legends like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. Six talented performers take the audience on a nostalgic journey with 40 favorites, including “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” More info
MON: Palm Springs Dog Park Restoration and Pop-Up Locations
The David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park will undergo maintenance starting Monday, March 30, but the city’s furry residents can still play! The Palm Springs Dog Park Restoration and Pop-Up Locations initiative has opened two temporary spots at Ruth Hardy Park and Sunrise Park. These pop-ups ensure a safe and healthy environment for dogs and their owners while the main park’s grass areas are restored for long-term quality. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Art Scene:
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday from 10 am–5 pm and Thursday from 12–8 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum through April 6. Intergenerational artists explore mystical queer culture inspired by Gloria Anzaldúa.
- Desert Rocks: Music Photography by Harry Langdon and Jimmy Steinfeldt showcases legends at the Artist Council Artist Center at the Galen Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am–4 pm through April 5.
- 1st Wednesday Art Walk @ Backstreet Art District happens on Wednesday from 5–7 pm. Visitors explore hidden studios and galleries, offering a special chance to chat with local artists about their creations.
Stage and Screen:
- Saudia Young performs rhythm & blues with “whiskey-soaked” vocals at the Cascade Lounge at the Agua Caliente Casino on Thursday from 7–8:30 pm.
- Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band brings 1980s arena rock to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Thursday at 8 pm. Original cast vocalists perform iconic hits from Journey, Bon Jovi, and Foreigner with high-voltage sound.
- Sunset Boulevard is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hauntingly glamorous Hollywood noir masterpiece. This tale of fame and faded dreams runs at the Palm Canyon Theatre Thursday–Sunday through April 5, featuring the iconic musical theatre number “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”
- The Judy Show! features celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodying icons like Judy Garland. This evening of high camp and outstanding music takes place at the Purple Room Supper Club on Sunday from 5–8:30 pm.
Community and Play:
- Yappy Hour is hosted by the fabulous KiKi Tormo at the Riviera Resort & Spa. Friendly, leashed pups enjoy treats in the Desert Rose Garden on Thursday from 4–6 pm to benefit Animal Samaritans.
- Desert Legends Golf Tournament benefits The L-Fund with an epic day at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Players tee off on Friday at 8:30 am, followed by a festive awards luncheon and raffle prizes.
- Kim Waltrip to Receive 487th Star on the Walk of the Stars honors the acclaimed film producer and community leader in Downtown Palm Springs on Friday at 2 pm.
- Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Desert Highland Park on Friday is part of the “Year of Play” celebrating five decades of beloved local parks.
ONGOING EVENTS
- MONDAY: Players enjoy American-style tile games from 1–3:30 pm at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge during Mahjong Mondays.
- TUESDAY: Sparkly host Vanity Halston leads winning games from 7–10 pm at King’s Highway in Ace Hotel & Swim Club during Let’s Bingo Again.
- THURSDAY: Local businesses celebrate food, art, and shopping from 6–10 pm at Villagefest during Thursday Night – Villagefest through May.
- FRIDAY: Friends gather for fabulous games and happy hour deals from 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel during Drag Bingo at Arrive.
- SATURDAY: Kyle Young leads country dancing and line lessons from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio for Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays.
SAYKGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the Spring 2026 edition of the K‑Gay 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
THIS WEEKEND
SAT: House Party PS: Glitz & Glam
REAF House Party PS: Glitz & Glam brings a SOLD-OUT mix of performance, style, and community spirit to the Rancho Mirage home of Steve Campbell and Rock Hall on Saturday, April 4 from 5–8 pm. Benefiting the AIDS Memorial Installation in Downtown Park and Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs, the evening features appearances by Broadway’s David Burnham, Billy L’Amour, Sherie Ray Parker as Bette Midler, and emcee Bella da Ball, with DJ Galaxy providing the soundtrack that drives the party’s energy from start to finish. Guests will enjoy cocktails, wines, appetizers, a silent auction, gogo dancers from Desert Studs, and a Glitz & Glam costume contest judged by Camerone Parker, all in Summer Chic, Sparkle and Shine attire. More info
SAT: Self‑Advocacy in Healthcare Conference
The HIV+ Aging Research Project (HARP) hosts its second annual Self‑Advocacy in Healthcare Conference on Saturday, April 4 from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center, offering a vital half‑day symposium designed to help community members navigate the often‑confusing healthcare landscape in the Coachella Valley. Open to both HARP clients and the public, this empowering event provides practical tools, guidance, and insights to help attendees advocate for themselves and others with confidence and clarity. More info
SAT: Flagging in the Desert
Flagging in the Desert brings its colorful, high‑energy community gathering back to Wellness Park on Saturday, April 4. The day begins with a free introductory flagging class at 10:30 am, followed by an afternoon of music from DJ Roland Belmares as colorful flags fill the park. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, relax in the shade, and enjoy the movement, music, and camaraderie. This free event welcomes donations benefiting Leather Order of the Desert and its community‑focused programs. More info
SUN: Vanity’s Gospel Brunch: Easter Eleganza
Vanity’s Gospel Brunch: Easter Eleganza brings a joyful blend of drag, celebration, and Sunday spirit to one eleven bar on Sunday, April 5 from 12–2:30 pm. Hosted by Vanity, this Easter edition turns brunch into a glitter‑kissed revival, complete with big personality, sharp wit, and performances that keep the crowd cheering. With its playful take on praise and plenty of sass, the afternoon offers a lively, laughter‑filled way to mark the holiday with friends, community, and fabulousness. More info
SAT: Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, April 4 at 8 pm. A Grammy winner with 25 million albums sold and 17 Top 40 singles, he’s the voice behind enduring favorites like “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart” and “Human Touch.” With his new album Automatic and a devoted fan base spanning generations, the concert offers a chance to experience a true pop‑rock icon live in Rancho Mirage. Get tickets
SUN: Palm Springs Vintage Market
Discover incredible retro finds at the Palm Springs Vintage Market, happening on Sunday, April 5 from 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. This penultimate showcase of the season is a dream for fans of mid-century modern style and unique antiques. Visitors can browse a curated selection of upcycled and reclaimed items while enjoying a community atmosphere where vendors and shoppers often become friends. It is the perfect morning to hunt for hidden gems. More info
SUN: Queer Women’s Tea Dance
Get ready to dance the afternoon away at the Queer Women’s Tea Dance, set for Sunday, April 5 from 3–6 pm at Hunters Nightclub. This lively first-Sunday-of-the-month gathering features the ultimate party band, Pulp Vixen, providing the perfect soundtrack for socializing. It is a fantastic opportunity for the community to connect and celebrate in a welcoming environment filled with music and fun. Grab your dancing shoes and head over! 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!
- Palm Springs Speaks: CeCe Moore, genetic genealogist
Mon. Mar 30 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Rock the Park: Songbird (Barbra Streisand Tribute)
Wed. Apr 1 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Broadway Lights the Way – presented by A Cabello
Wed. Apr 1 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
Apr 2–5 at Hotel Zoso - REAF House Party PS: Glitz & Glam
Sat. Apr 4 from 5–8 pm in Palm Springs - Beehive: The ’60s Musical – presented by Desert TheatreWorks
Mar 13–Apr 4 - World Art Day
Sat. Apr 11 at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair
Wed. Apr 15 from 8:30 am–12 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - A Night to Remember Gala
Fri. Apr 17 at 6 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - Modern Men Presents Sing Out!
Apr 17–19 at the Plaza Theatre - Palm Springs Speaks: Jennie Garth
Tue. Apr 21 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Dining Out For Life
Thu. Apr 23 at restaurants throughout Greater Palm Springs - Rhinestones & Rainbows – presented by Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Apr 24–26 at the Plaza Theatre
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KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 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 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
This Week: DJ Modgirl spins to welcome fans at the Desert Legends Meet and Greet Thursday at 6 pm in the Hotel Zoso lobby.
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
- Restaurant News: Dining Out For Life, Gabino’s Creperie in La Quinta, and New Openings
- Plaza Theatre Expands 2026–2027 Season With New Music, Movies, and Live Performances
- Best Margaritas in the Coachella Valley: Top Spots for Every Flavor
- Modernism Week Draws 111,000 Visitors and Expands Its Global Design Influence
- April Events and Top Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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 heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.