Because of its proximity to Hollywood, Palm Springs became the refuge for stars and starlets. And it still is. But this week, the woman whose derrière launched a thousand protests – Marilyn Monroe – is being celebrated at “Rock the Park”. The Wednesday concert will see her lit up in pink and a Fleetwood Mac tribute band singing her ”Happy Birthday”. Only in Palm Springs…
June launches the official worldwide Pride month as celebrations are being planned from West Hollywood to Eastern Europe. The ”Prides of the Valley” will take place when the sun is a little less harmful. Palm Springs Pride, East Valley Pride and Desert Hot Springs will all celebrate in the fall. We bookend with the first Pride of the season in Cathedral City and the last in Palm Springs. Fun fact…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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RuPaul Recap: All Stars Season 7, Episode 3
Our Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent, Dante Noto, is back with his latest recap of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (See all of Dante’s RuPaul Recaps here). This week, strategy and intrigue boil under the surface while the queens play a word puzzle for the mini-challenge, and create three looks for the maxi-challenge, including a Vanna White-inspired glamour look, and some punny mash-ups (think Olivia Newton-John Waters). Read the full recap of Episode 3: The Realness of Fortune Ball here.
Rock the Park: Fleetwood Mac Tribute and Forever Marilyn Celebration
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the latest in their free “Rock the Park” concert series on Wednesday, June 1 at 7 pm at the New Downtown Park. This month, it’s Mirage, a Fleetwood Mac tribute Band that celebrates the classic “Rumours” era lineup of the legendary superstar band. Endorsed as one of “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” by Mark Cuban’s AXS TV and heartily praised by Stevie Nicks herself. More info
June 1 would also have been Marilyn Monroe’s 96th birthday, and in celebration of her special day, the “Forever Marilyn” sculpture in downtown Palm Springs will be lit with a special pink light for one night only–a commemorative photo opportunity! At 6:15 pm, prior to the “Rock the Park” concert, 500 red velvet cupcakes with pink frosting will be shared with attendees. Mirage will also sing “Happy Birthday” to Marilyn and invite the public to join in. More info
Villagefest Summer Hours
VillageFest, the Coachella Valley’s most popular weekly street fair which runs every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado Roads, begins summer hours this week. Beginning Thursday, June 2, VillageFest will begin an hour later, running from 7 pm–10 pm. Look for special events and live entertainment at VillageFest this summer! Consistently voted one of the best street fairs in the Coachella Valley, VillageFest attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and offers more than 200 booths featuring eclectic art, handcrafted items and unique food. Shops, restaurants and galleries also stay open late.
Rainbow Book Month
The Rancho Mirage Library has curated a list of books to celebrate Rainbow Book Month, to highlight the writings that reflect the experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, and asexual community. Drop by the library to check out what they have on hand, or peruse the curated list [here].
Let’s Kick ASS Roundtable
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (LKAPS) is a social and community-building group for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS. “The Roundtable” meets Tuesdays at 4 pm. This peer-facilitated online discussion group is intended to include and allow everyone to participate in discussions of topics both serious and fun. Visit lkaps.org to subscribe to the newsletter and receive the Zoom link. More info
50+ Fit Monthly Registration
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents 50+ Fit in person on Mondays from 11 am–Noon and Tuesdays from 9:30–10:30 am with Lynn Simonson. There are clear benefits of exercise and physical health at any age to prevent many diseases, especially those associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, heart disease and more. 50+ FIT @ The Center is a low-impact class designed to increase strength, flexibility and balance for everyone in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants are required to register monthly and pay within the first five (5) days. More info
Demystifying the HPV Virus
The LGBTQ Center of the Coachella Valley and Eisenhower Health present Demystifying the HPV Virus on Wednesday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m. Please join Jon Colbert, NP for a discussion of what you can do to help decrease your chances of getting HPV and the different types of cancer linked to it. You will get answers to common questions about HPV, HPV infection, and how HPV testing is used. More info
PALS Death Cafe
They say “talking about death makes us feel good about living,” and this Thursday, June 2 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
Mae West’s The Drag at Desert Rose Playhouse
The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Mae West’s play The Drag playing through June 10. The Drag opened in out-of-town previews in 1927 in New Jersey and Connecticut, but was later forced to close for its portrayal of homosexuality and cross-dressing. West claimed that the inspiration behind the play came from the homosexual young men that she knew around that time who, according to her, desperately wanted to be open about their relationships with their male companions. The final scene consists of a giant Drag Ball. Get tickets
Desert Blues Revival
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, June 1, Shane Hall Band takes the stage. Come enjoy great bands playing Authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville: Lizzy and the Triggermen
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five, takes place at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! This Thursday, June 2 from 7–8:30 pm, it’s Lizzy and the Triggermen. Lizzy and her 10-piece band bring along costumes, showgirls, choreography and feathers. With wailing horns, killer vocals, and a lethal rhythm section, this band channels the electrifying swagger of 20s and 30s big band making it feel new and modern through a mixture of originals and re-imagined vintage gems. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
Theatre Thursdays Live on Stage at CVRep
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays are back, and they are no longer Zoom events, back to being “Live on Stage.” Come see a different cabaret, concert or entertaining event each Thursday at 7 pm through September 1. This week: On Thursday, June 2, Edmund Bagnell plays the violin. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh has a preview of some highlights of this series [here], and see our event listing for the full lineup of performers! Order ahead and save with 5 shows for the price of 4. Get tickets
Click it or Ticket
This year’s Click it or Ticket campaign is from Monday, May 23–Sunday, June 5. During this time, the Palm Springs Police Department will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats. Buckle up!
THIS WEEKEND
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
This year’s Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is about to begin! Starting Friday, June 3 and running through Sunday, June 12, a variety of restaurants offer special lunch and dinner menus at set prices for diners to enjoy. You can refresh your palate and discover new places to eat all while redeeming great offers. Check out our event listing for information on 2022 featured restaurants. More info
Pride Month Is Here
June is time for Pride celebrations, and this first weekend of the month features Sonoma County Pride, Venice Pride, and WeHo Pride!
Sonoma County Pride returns to Downtown Santa Rosa on Saturday, June 4, and includes a morning parade through downtown, as well as a daytime festival in Courthouse Square, with entertainment, booths, and activities. More info
Venice Pride Festival grows to two days and moves to a brand new beachside location: Venice Beach Recreation Center on Saturday & Sunday, June 4 & 5, with a diverse array of stage performances produced by Queer Moment, DJs, community booths, art installations, LGBTQ+ vendors, food trucks and everyone’s favorite queer dance party, Gaywatch (21+ only). The Venice Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, June 5, from 11 am–1 pm on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. More info
WeHo Pride Weekend takes place Friday–Sunday, June 3–5 in and around West Hollywood Park [More info]. There will be a Dyke March, Women’s Freedom Festival, and a parade along Santa Monica Boulevard, with Janelle Monáe as Grand Marshal. The Outloud Raising Voices Music Festival is the centerpiece of the festival, with performances all three days profiling and celebrating Queer artistry. Performers include Marina, Lil’ Kim, Jessie J, Years & Years, Muna, and many more [Check it out]. Also, the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival will take place all month at various locations throughout the City of West Hollywood with some online programs. More info
Old Jews Telling Jokes
Desert Theatreworks is presenting a “summer full of fun” with shows on Sundays. The June production is Old Jews Telling Jokes, on Sunday, June 5, 12, 19, & 26 at 2 pm. Join Morty, Bunny, Nathan, and the rest of the cast as they demonstrate why “kvelling is better than kvetching.” Classic and contemporary jokes mix with songs and monologues that showcase the funny side of birth, sex, old age, and more. (Next up, for July: The Carol Burnett Show Live on Stage on July 10, 17, 24, & 31). Get tickets
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage welcomes Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show to the stage on Saturday, June 4 at 8 pm. During her senior year of high school, Vicki sent Carol Burnett a letter inviting her to see her perform in a local talent contest. Ms. Burnett, looking for an actress to play her kid sister on her new variety series, contacted Vicki and made arrangements to come to the event. The rest is television history. She spent eleven years with Carol, earning one Emmy Award and five Emmy nominations. After the Burnett show ended, Vicki went on to star in her own TV series, “Mama’s Family.” Get tickets
Palm Springs Fire Association Fish Fry
The 89th Annual Palm Springs Fire Association Fish Fry will take place on Saturday, June 4 from 6–10 pm. Enjoy some tasty rainbow trout prepared by your friendly neighborhood Palm Springs firefighters in this much-loved event finally back again after a two year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A burger or hot dog is also available, with corn on the cob, coleslaw and beverages, live music and dancing through the night. More info
Drag-O-Rama
Drag-O-Rama will light up the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, June 4 from 5–7 pm. Palm Springs’ newest drag extravaganza stars Rosemary Galore and a whole cast of queens that will have you out of your seats, clapping and shouting for more as they present the story of how Palm Springs came to be, with costumes, queens, dancers, and the Camelot Theater’s big screen. Drag-O-Rama will also be performed on June 18 and July 2, 16, and 30. Get tickets
Games, Friends & Fun
The Center presents Games, Friends and Fun – Strategic and Party Games on the first and third Saturdays each month from 1–3 pm. This group is for LGBTQ folks interested in playing board games as a way to meet new people. Hosted by Lorenzo Taylor, in-person in Community Room One. Bring games and snacks to share! No prior experience playing games needed. More info
PS Farmers’ Market Transition Week
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market takes a break this weekend as it transitions from outdoors to indoors for the summer. All the fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, organic coffee, flowers and so much more will be back on Saturday, June 11 from 8:30 am–1:30 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion. More info
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
Celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday with Peter Mac
You can win tickets to celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday with a very special performance on the day itself: Friday, June 10 at 8 pm, when Peter Mac brings his Judy Garland tribute show to Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage! Peter Mac has won awards and critical claim for his accurate and loving portrayal of the woman Tony Bennett called “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Win ShortFest Tickets
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are giving away 2 Tickets EVERY WEEKDAY to the 28th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, which runs June 21–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. ShortFest is the largest showcase of short form cinema in North America: 7 days, screening 300 shorts from 65 countries. Tickets are good for a ShortFest screening consisting of 4–9 short films programmed together for a cohesive experience. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Gay Wine Weekend
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to win 2 VIP Passes to Out in the Vineyard’s “Gay Wine Weekend,” July 15–17 in beautiful, pastoral Sonoma County. This is a full weekend of wine & celebration with winemaker dinners, winery tours and events benefiting Face To Face, Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 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 pool party music! Listen Online
- Mae West’s The Drag
June 1–10 at Desert Rose Playhouse - Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Jun 3–12 at various bars & restaurants across the Coachella Valley - Billy Stritch – Cy Coleman Revisited
Fri & Sat, Jun 3 & 4 at The Purple Room Supper Club - WeHo Pride Weekend
Jun 3–5 in and around West Hollywood Park - Splash House – June
Jun 10–12 at The Renaissance, The Saguaro, and Margaritaville - LA Pride! In the Park
Sat. Jun 11 at LA State Historic Park - The Official LA Pride Parade
Sun. Jun 12 at Hollywood and Vine - Palm Springs International ShortFest
Jun 21–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
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.