David Gray and our committee of “merry-gays” did such a great job with the Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History during Palm Springs Pride. This week you can broaden your horizons with an enlarging the circle of LGBTQ+ history that encompasses Los Angeles! KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are proud to be partnering with Mizell Senior Center for L.A. A Queer History: Where it all Began on Wednesday. Details below.
If you’re confused as to which Transgender Day of Remembrance celebration to attend, you’re not alone. We mention all below and each has its merits. It’s just too bad that the factions who organize these events are seemingly at odds with one another, so now we have three organizations and competing TDOR events.
The holidays are upon us with just 40 days till Christmas! ‘Tis the season of giving, too. We’ll have all the fundraisers and fun events on our calendar, but one to support is the “Fill the Bus” drive at the Smoketree Ralph’s on Thursday with SunLine Transit. Bring food items per the instructions below!
We had another stellar Ross Mathews’ show on Saturday and he’ll be on KGAY 106.5 again this Saturday morning at 10 a.m. We’re so excited to have our new “Satur-Gays with Ross” and hope you’ll tune in. BTW, we’re not playing Christmas music – yet!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA Networking Mixer at Wabi Sabi
Join the Desert Business Association for their Networking Event at Wabi Sabi Japan Living on Monday, November 15 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Wabi Sabi Japan Living is a home goods retail store that imports tableware, Sake, chopsticks, knives, tea, cookware and food from Japan and Asia. Check out their new location at the corner of North Palm Canyon and Amado! More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats – November Meeting
Desert Stonewall Democrats’ November Virtual Membership Meeting will take place Tuesday, November 16 from 5:45–7:00 p.m. on Zoom. The main topic will be a discussion of Gun Sense in America, and they will also have updated election results along with other topics of interest. More info
Screening Wednesday: L.A. A Queer History – Where it All Began
The Mizell Center is screening L.A. A Queer History: Where it all Began on Wednesday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m. Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 are proud community partners in presenting this film about the history and culture of Los Angeles’ lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Though often overshadowed by their New York counterparts, Los Angeles gave rise to one of the most influential LGBTQ cultures and activist movements. Filmmaker Gregorio Davila will be on hand for a discussion after the screening. More info
Transgender Awareness Week
This is Transgender Awareness Week, and if you weren’t aware, the LGBTQ Center of the Desert holds a weekly confidential, HIPAA-compliant Trans Tuesday meeting on Zoom, every Tuesday from 6:30–7:30 p.m. [More info]. Transgender Awareness Week culminates with the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Saturday, November 20. The 7th Annual Official Transgender Day of Remembrance for Palm Springs takes place at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall [More info]. Directly following this will be the Transgender Equality Event with the Transgender Health and Wellness Center (TH&WC) at 7:00 p.m. at V Wine Lounge with entertainment by singer Sean Taylor Jackson and Joey Soloway (creator of the series “Transparent”) honoring the transgender community [More info]. At 5:30 p.m, The Coachella Valley Transgender Day of Remembrance will be observed at Oscar’s. The program will include light refreshments, a welcome from Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton, a keynote from Miss Nevada USA Kataluna Enriquez, and the traditional reading of the names, with a canned goods and socks drive for homeless transgender and nonbinary individuals [More info]. Meanwhile, the 4th Annual East Valley Transgender Day of Remembrance will be taking place at the new LGBTQ Center of the Desert Coachella, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. [More info]
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for November
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents B.A.M. Salon (Book and Movie Salon) for women, hosted by Flynn Sylvest and Irma O’Dell on Tuesday, November 16 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and every 3rd Tuesday, monthly. The group’s purpose is to develop and deepen LGBTQ+ community and connection through stimulating and informative conversations about books and movies that highlight women authors and women’s stories and experiences. This month’s salon will feature the 1996 film Bound, starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. More info
Seminars from the Center: Estate Planning and Meditation
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents these useful one-hour seminars on Wednesday, November 17 on Zoom: First, it’s Estate Planning with Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sean Heslin and guest speaker Christopher Heritage of Heritage Legal, from Noon–1:00 p.m. [More info]. Then from 4:00–5:00 p.m., join Karen Stewart, RN and Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinician, to discuss how there’s more to heart attack and stroke prevention than medications, exercise, and diet. In fact, some of the latest research suggests that Meditation can be a useful part of cardiovascular risk reduction [More info].
Fill the Bus Drive
SunLine Transit Agency and The LGBTQ Center of the Desert invite the community to help Fill the Bus on Thursday, November 18, starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Ralph’s in Smoke Tree Village. The Community Food Bank @The Center will benefit when you bring non-perishable food items, frozen meats and other assorted trimmings for holiday meals, plus new packaged toiletries, personal hygiene products, diapers and other household products. More info
17th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit
This year, the 17th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit will be a virtual event, and will take place on Thursday, November 18 from 9:00–11:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “Pursuit.” The morning event will reveal the annual economic report and forecast, and also showcase our region’s business diversification strategies and goals to mobilize a long-term sustainable effort to elevate the economy of the Coachella Valley. Whether you are a business leader in the region whose business has been impacted by the pandemic, or you’re looking into moving or expanding your business here, this year’s Summit program will demonstrate why Greater Palm Springs continues to be one of the best places to work and live. More info
Jazzville Palm Springs: Tropical Follies
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents the Tropical Follies on Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Discover the beauty of Latin America with this Vaudevillian extravaganza that will take you from coast to coast through a night of hot rhythms! Created by Brazilian dancer and choreographer Mila Spigolon, Tropical Follies presents an intoxicating blend of old Hollywood Technicolor musicals with a fresh approach featuring high class vaudeville acts, cinematic musical numbers and beautiful showgirls! Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
Writing Your Own Obituary
Join Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D. on Saturday, November 20 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. for Writing Your Own Obituary: You Do Have the Last Word! on Zoom. Your obituary is the closing piece of your life. Why leave it up to someone else to write? Ronni will guide you through the process of creating your own obituary during this Zoom course [More info]. Ronni also presents her popular “Write Your Memoir” seminar, on Saturday, November 20, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have you often said you want to write your memoir, but people, work and events simply take up your time? Do you have a story about an event in your life, or a place, or your family of origin or choice? Ronni can help you find your voice. [More info].
THEATRE
It’s the final weekend of performances for two of our local productions, plus one had to be postponed, and this is the one-and-only weekend to catch Del Shores’ This Side of Crazy!
Del Shores’ This Side of Crazy
Palm Canyon Theatre presents This Side of Crazy by Del Shores (You may have heard him chatting with John Taylor recently on the KGAY morning show). The show plays one weekend only, Thursday–Sunday, November 18–21. “Little superstars for Jesus,” the singing Blaylock Sisters, are all grown up and kind of a mess. When their overbearing mother, Ditty, “volunteers” them for a star-studded reunion performance, all hell breaks loose. More info
Murder at the Howard Johnson’s
Desert Theatreworks presents Murder at the Howard Johnson’s by Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark, running through Sunday, November 21. Murder at the Howard Johnson’s is a laugh-out-loud riot featuring a woman, her husband and her lover hatching hilarious murder schemes…unsuccessfully. Set in a Howard Johnson’s hotel room in the 1970s, this comedic love triangle is filled with plot twists and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is one ridiculous situation and extravagant sight gag after another in this rapid-fire comedy. Get tickets
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch, playing now through Sunday, November 21. This rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask tells the hilarious, harrowing, and essentially uplifting tale of how a “slip of a girlyboy” from communist East Berlin, Hanschel, becomes the “internationally ignored song stylist” known as Hedwig after a botched sex change operation. With a little help from her band, Hedwig examines her quest for her other half, for love, and ultimately for her identity. All seats get cocktail service before and during shows. Get tickets
Bakersfield Mist Postponed
Coachella Valley Repertory has postponed their production of Bakersfield Mist by Stephen Sachs and directed by Ron Celona to December 7–12 [Read more about the postponement here] and tickets already purchased will apply to the new dates, plus tickets are still available. Maude, a fifty-something unemployed bartender living in a trailer park, has bought a painting for a few bucks from a thrift store. Despite almost trashing it, she’s now convinced it’s a lost masterpiece by Jackson Pollock worth millions. Check out our review of Bakersfield Mist from Gay Desert Guide theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh! Get tickets
THIS WEEKEND
Ross Mathews Radio Show Saturdays in November on KGAY!
Longtime Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews joins KGAY 106.5 all month long with his new show airing Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Ross is seen nationally on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Drew Barrymore Show, and more. Ross plans to focus his show on what he knows best: show biz, current events and the Coachella Valley. As Ross puts it “KGAY is celebrating Palm Springs Pride month by giving the gayest person in history his own radio show…Me!” Saturdays with Ross Mathews runs through the month of November on KGAY 106.5, on the air in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online!
McCormick’s 71st Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
McCormick’s 71st Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction is this Friday through Sunday, November 19–21 on the grounds of the Palm Springs Convention Center. This is a live, in person auction of classic, vintage and muscle cars in the usual outdoor setting, operating under all CDC guidelines to protect guests and staff alike. Prices range from just $3,000 to over $250,000 and the general public as well as dealers are welcome. Friday admission is FREE, Saturday & Sunday $15 each or $25 for both days. More info
Desert Winds Freedom Band: A Night on Broadway
Join the Desert Winds Freedom Band in kicking-off their 20th anniversary season on Saturday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. for “A Night on Broadway.” There’s something for everyone! The Symphonic Band will be performing music from “Wicked”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Jekyll and Hyde”, “Moulin Rouge:, “West Side Story”, “Les Miserables”, “Hamilton”, ” The Prince of Egypt”, and “Frozen” . The Jazz band will also be performing, “All that Jazz” From “Chicago”, “Big Spender” from Sweet Charity, “the Lullaby of Broadway” from 42nd Street and more. Baritone soloist Todd Murray and soprano Laurel Bollard will be featured. Get tickets
Grooves at the Westin: Balloon Glow Concert
Grooves at The Westin continues into its 9th season with five spectacular concerts featuring world class smooth jazz, pop and R&B, kicking off this Friday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa with the Balloon Glow Concert featuring Patrice Rushen, DW3, Michael Paulo & Paul Jackson Jr. The annual Balloon Glow concert is one of the most favorite events in Palm Springs, with world-class entertainment against the backdrop of hot air Balloons lit up in the night sky. This is also a celebration of the grand opening of the Westin’s new spectacular backyard concert venue. Get tickets
Ludacris at The Show
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage present Ludacris on Saturday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m. Turn up & get down when the award-winning, world-wide Rap superstar in the ever-changing hip-hop game, Ludacris, brings his lively & quick-witted delivery to the stage at The Show. Get tickets
Fundraiser for STORIES: The AIDS Monument
Help raise funds for STORIES: The AIDS Monument planned for a 7,000 square foot space within the redesigned West Hollywood Park on Sunday, November 21 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the new Palm Springs home of Marc Ware. Bruce Vilanch will emcee, with remarks by former US Senator Barbara Boxer, Palm Springs City Council Member Geoff Kors, and AIDS Monument Foundation Board Chair Irwin Rappaport. Fabulous raffle prize winners will be announced by Michael Corbett and Broadway’s David Burnham performs. Get tickets
Props & Hops Craft Beer Fest
The Palm Springs Air Museum presents their 9th Annual Props & Hops Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, November 20 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Choose from over 40 craft beers to taste and enjoy food trucks from In-N-Out, Fries Galore, Brats & Burgers from Cone Zone Grill and Nick’s Pizza. Live Music by Del Sol Band and DJ Alex Harrington, and plane rides available with pre-purchase. Get tickets
- Talk of the Town: Gay Times in the Desert…A History & Its Archives
Tue. Nov. 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Online - Screening of L.A.–A Queer History, Where it All Began
Wed. Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. at Mizell Center - 17th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit
Thu. Nov. 18, 9:00–11:00 a.m., Online - Jazzville Palm Springs: Tropical Follies
Thu. Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m - Del Shores’ This Side of Crazy presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Thu. Nov. 18–Sun. Nov. 21 - Murder at the Howard Johnson’s presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov. 5–21 - McCormick’s 71st Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
Nov. 19–21 at the Palm Springs Convention Center - A Night on Broadway with Desert Winds Freedom Band
Sat. Nov. 20 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Temple Isaiah Palm Springs - The Center’s Wreath Auction
Mon. Nov. 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge - 28th Annual Palm Springs Open LGBT Tennis Tournament
Nov. 25–28 at Mission Hills, Monterey, and Sunrise Country Clubs - Jonathan Karrant – Lush Life: Best of the American Songbook
Sat. Nov. 27 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Indio Tamale Festival
Sat. Dec. 4, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. near Indio City Hall - 12th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
Sun. Dec. 5, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum
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 a.m. 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 a.m.–4 p.m. And Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. throughout November, it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
