Memorial Day took on a whole new meaning for me as KGAY 106.5 was honored at the 17th Annual Memorial Day Awards Luncheon by AMVETS Post 66! That’s the only LGBTQ post in America. Veterans for Peace held their annual luncheon and awards and KGAY Radio received the Business of the Year honor.
In the words of Tom Swann Hernandez, Founder and Commander, “KGAY has brought joy to those who were down in life. KGAY has the courage to say the words “gay veteran” and that is remarkable and why they are worthy of being recognized this Memorial Day.”
John Taylor and I were on hand to accept the award. I’m grateful, and humbled by the people who also received awards. Included were five holocaust survivors – two of whom had wives who survived them, and spoke of the atrocities of that period surrounding World War II. The impact of their stories will remain with me always. These women drew the parallel between Hitler’s Germany and contemporary events here in America. And while my hope is certainly “Never Again” , it will take a lot more than hope to turn back the current tide.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Joslyn Center Senior Health & Fitness Day Health Expo
The Joslyn Center presents their Senior Health & Fitness Day Health Expo on Wednesday, May 31 from 9 am–Noon. Over 30 vendors will have information and answers on a variety of health and wellness subjects, and attendees can get glucose screening, blood pressure screening and body mass index evaluations. Desert Oasis Healthcare will give a “Stroke Risk & Prevention” lecture and Eisenhower Health will have an “Understanding Respiratory Issues” lecture with screenings. There will also be drawings and more at the Expo, held at The Joslyn Center, 73-750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert.
June Pride Month Kickoff Mixer on Arenas Road
The Palm Springs Chamber presents their annual June Pride Mixer on Arenas Road on Thursday, June 1 from 5–6:30 pm. This a chance to mix and mingle with your old and new friends in the businesses and bars of the Arenas District. Take this opportunity to visit all your favorite businesses on Arenas Road! More info
Plaza Theatre Open Houses
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation is holding free Open House events at the theatre to display plans and renderings of the renovations to the historic building. The informal Open House events will take place every Tuesday from 7–8 pm through June 6, where Foundation board members and other volunteers will greet attendees and answer questions about the project. The purpose of these free weekly events is to provide attendees with an opportunity to see firsthand the restoration plans for the iconic building as it enters its next act. Reservations are not necessary. More info
Shania Twain “Queen of Me” Tour
GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain brings her global 49-date Queen of Me Tour to Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, May 31 at 7:30 pm, with special guest Hailey Whitters. The tour marks the first-time fans around the world will get to see the queen in all of her glory in nearly five years, following a highly successful Vegas residency run. Get tickets
Movies in the Park – Funny Face
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Movies in the Park at the New Downtown Palm Springs Park on select Wednesdays, and this Wednesday, May 31 at 7 pm the film is Funny Face. Dispatched on an assignment, New York City-based fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) is struck by the beauty of Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), a shy bookstore employee he’s photographed by accident, who he believes has the potential to become a successful model. He gets Jo to go with him to France, where he snaps more pictures of her against iconic Parisian backdrops. In the process, they fall for one another, only to find hurdles in their way. More info
Recap: Season 8 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Episode 4
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has your latest recap for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, Episode 4: Screen Queens, where the contestants produce trailers for “sickening scripted series” to create “must-she tv.” A sexy balloon-popping activity with the Pit Crew determines the teams. Someone is “‘planting seeds’ of intrigue and mistrust,” as the three teams create their screen gems, and on the runway, the category is “Azz the World Turns.” Dante runs down all the goings-on, so read his full recap of Episode 4 [here].
LGBTQ Humanists of Coachella Valley
The LGBTQ Humanists of Coachella Valley are meeting on Tuesday, May 30 from 6:30–8 pm on Zoom to discuss the questions: Are non-religious people moral? If so, on what do we base our moral code? Philosophers over the centuries have been divided between those who believe humans are basically good and those who believe that they are intrinsically evil. The latter believe that civilization is a thin veneer, that keeps the tendency of humans to be immoral, in check. Watch a series of short videos that examine the proposition that the building blocks of human morality are evolutionary adaptions enabling humans to live in groups. More info
Boyz Night Out is Back
On Friday, June 2—and every Friday night!— Zoso Fun presents Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso from 4 pm–8 pm. This legendary pool party and happy hour will be hosted by Snatch and feature 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
Sipping, Shopping, and Giving Back
Trina Turk and Mr. Turk invite you to an evening of Sipping, Shopping, and Giving Back on Friday, June 2 from 5:30–7:30 pm. 20% of sales during the event will benefit the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. RSVP requested. More info
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week kicks off this Friday, June 2 and continues through Sunday, June 11. With a variety of restaurants participating, you can refresh your palate and discover new places to eat all while redeeming great offers! Savor the start of summer — every poolside bite, every chilled cocktail, every sunset dinner with a view — with more options including prix fixe menus and exclusive special offers only available during Restaurant Week. See our event listing for a list of participating restaurants: More info
Lizzo – The Special 2our
Global sensation and professional flutist, Lizzo brings her The Special 2our with special guest Latto to Acrisure Arena on Friday, June 2 at 8 pm. Her most recent album Special peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, hailed by Rolling Stone as “the most unabashedly joyous, sonically diverse, and emotionally profound album put out by a major label since Beyonce’s Lemonade.” Get tickets
PALS Death Cafe
They say “talking about death makes us feel good about living,” and this Thursday, June 1 from 2–3 pm, PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) presents their Death Cafe meeting on Zoom. This is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Just bring your curiosity and your thoughts/ideas about death or dying. More info
Coachella Valley Firebirds in Western Conference Finals
The inaugural season for our local ice hockey expansion team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, keeps getting better. This season, they began play in the 2022-23 American Hockey League with the brand-new Acrisure Arena as their home ice, as an owned-and-operated affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. They’ve emerged victorious from three rounds of playoffs and now they are in the Western Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Admirals. This best-of-seven series will return to Acrisure Arena for games 6 & 7 on June 5 & 7 (if necessary). Get tickets
THIS WEEKEND
Ross Mathews – “I Gotchu, Gurl!”
Zoso Fun presents Ross Mathews – “I Gotchu Gurl!” on Saturday, June 3 at 7 pm at Hotel Zoso. This is an evening of standup comedy, cocktails, games and major LOLs where everyone is welcome. Designed to be interactive, the show is updated constantly to keep up with pop culture and (once the cocktails really kick in) Ross will go into the crowd to answer very NSFW/after-dark/anything-goes questions! Get tickets
OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride
The 2023 OUTLOUD Music Festival takes place June 2–5 at West Hollywood Park, championing queer musicians as the signature music event at WeHo Pride, the City of West Hollywood’s Pride celebration. Weekend headliners include Grace Jones, Carly Rae Jepsen, Orville Peck and Passion Pit. Friday night is free with Idina Menzel, Jessie Ware, Shangela, Tinashe, and more. Get tickets
Riverside Pride Gayla and Awards Ceremony
Riverside Pride presents the Riverside Pride Gayla on Saturday, June 3, from 6–11 pm at the Grand Valley Ballroom in Moreno Valley. All funds raised go towards the September 9 Riverside Pride festival. Individuals and organizations that have made positive contributions towards the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality and advocacy in the Inland Empire region will be celebrated at this year’s Riverside Pride Gayla. The theme and entertainment this year will be Moulin Rouge-inspired with music, dancing, silent auction, photo ops and more. Hosted by Athena Kills, with performances by burlesque performer Kitten de Ville and Rhythm Beatz Sirens Heels Company. Get tickets
The Marilyn Manson of Magic
Marvyn’s Magic Theater presents Dan Sperry – The Marilyn Manson of Magic on Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3 at 6 pm. Sperry’s original approach to magic, twisted style, and humor provokes shock and unsettling awe as his audiences are left in disbelief by his never-before-seen illusions. Sperry’s bizarre visuals mixed with his original shock-based style of magic keeps audiences on the edge of their seat and promises to take them on a roller-coaster style ride into his world of illusion resulting in a fast-paced, rock concert style show guests will be raving about and wanting to see again and again. Get tickets
Sonoma County Pride
For our NorCal friends, Sonoma County Pride will be held on Saturday, June 3 and includes a morning parade through downtown (11 am), and a daytime festival (12–5 pm) in Courthouse Square with entertainment, booths and activities. Pride weekend events also include a Friday movie night, Boogie Nights after party and drag show on Saturday night, and Wigs & Waffles drag brunch and Aqua Boogie pool party with performances by Kiesza, Crystal Waters, and Monique Heart on Sunday. More info
Palm Springs Firefighters 90th Annual Fish Fry
The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department and the Palm Springs Firefighters present the 90th Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, June 3 from 6–10 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. The Menu includes rainbow trout, hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, coleslaw, dinner roll, and cold beverages. Cost is just $10. More info
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival
The 5th Annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) takes place on Sunday, June 4 at 12 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and will showcase three winning plays written by local high school students, using professional actors and directors. The plays were written by this year’s winners: two students from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley and one student from Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside. This year, PSYPF received a record 39 submissions. Each play was reviewed by a special committee that selected the 2023 winners, each of whom will receive a mentorship to enhance their playwriting skills, a staged reading public performance of their play, and a $500 scholarship to help further their career in the arts. More info
Golden Delicious
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and The Cinema Diverse Showcase present Golden Delicious from June 2–8, with shows at 4:30 & 7:30 pm. Experience the vibrant world of gay cinema as director Jason Corman invites you to embark on a heartfelt coming-of-age journey: When basketball-obsessed Aleks moves in across the street, Asian-Canadian teen Jake finds himself trying out for the basketball team to get his attention in this classic coming-of-age drama set in the digital age. Discover the power of love and the courage to defy societal expectations in this captivating story. Get tickets
Screwball Sundays: His Girl Friday
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a series of the greatest screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age, showing His Girl Friday (1936) on Sunday, June 4 at 3 pm. When hard-charging New York newspaper editor Walter Burns (Cary Grant) discovers that his ex-wife, investigative reporter Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell), has gotten engaged to milquetoast insurance agent Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy), he unsuccessfully tries to lure her away from tame domestic life with a story about the impending execution of convicted murderer Earl Williams. But when Hildy discovers Williams may be innocent, her reporter instincts take over. Get tickets
Aces!
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Aces! on Sundays through June 18 at 2 pm, featuring an afternoon of laughter, tears, truth, Texas, and a whole lot of champagne. Join five Miss Texas USAs as they come together for a hilarious reunion in this side-splitting comedy directed by Judith Chapman and written by Davis Gordon Gilbert. After 35 years, the queens of beauty and grace reunite for a no-holds-barred reunion, starring Denise Strand, Dana Adkins, Kitty Murray, Yo Younger, Denise Carey, and Christine Tringali-Nunez, lighting up the stage with their laughter and charm! Get tickets
Annual LGBTQ Community Survey
We at KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide ask you to please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey! For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. Also, participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees. The survey should take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. Please [click here] to start the survey
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, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
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 at KGAY 106.5
Win VIP Passes to Gay Wine Weekend!
Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend 2023 is July 14–16, a perfect time to get out of the desert to visit Northern California for 3 full nights of LGBT events in the magnificent Sonoma Valley, home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines and wineries, and KGAY and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN a VIP Party Pass Package for 2! To enter, all you have to do is scan the QR code at our participating sponsors: V Wine Lounge, Gay Mart USA, Frank Clothiers, PS Bottle Shop, and Q Trading Company!
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. 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
Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and will be in town for his new standup show “I Gotchu, Gurl” at Hotel Zoso on Saturday, June 3! He currently appears on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
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
- Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop
Mon. May 29 from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Zoso Fun Presents Boyz Night Out
Fri. June 2 from 4–8 pm (and every Friday ongoing) at Hotel Zoso - Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Jun 2–11 at various restaurants throughout Greater Palm Springs - Ross Mathews: I Gotchu, Gurl!
Sat. Jun 3 at 7 pm at Hotel Zoso - Splash House – June
Jun 9–11 at the Renaissance, the Saguaro and Margaritaville - Palm Springs International ShortFest
Jun 20–26 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Arenas District Big Gay BBQ
Sat. Jun 24 at 5 pm in the Arenas District - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country - Out on the Mountain 2023
Fri. Aug 18 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort
- The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert Appoints Mike Thompson as New CEO
- Restaurant News Bites: Rio Azul Closes Permanently, Rooster and the Pig Working on Reopening, After Electrical Issue; and More!
- The Ultimate Guide to Pride Month in LA (Including How to Celebrate With Mariah Carey and Megan Thee Stallion)
- SIX – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- Meet Buddy Holly, a Palm Springs Pooch Who Claimed the Biggest Crown of Them All But Still Welcomes Belly Rubs
LULU California Bistro is where talent, expertise and a passion for great food are combined to produce a captivating California Bistro dining experience. Menu options are many, varied and value-priced, and the quality is always high. A long time partner of Gay Desert Guide, we congratulate Lulu’s Jerry Keller who just this week received the honor of a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. Look for his star just outside Lulu, and take advantage of our HOT DEAL where you can get 30% off a LULU gift card today: That’s a $25 gift card for only $17.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Il Giardino, Zin American Bistro, Willie’s Modern Fare, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Low Desert Modern Mexican, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, AMP Sports Lounge, Monster Shakes, Kitchen 86, Men’s Grooming Spot 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.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, 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)