Another tragic LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting overshadows our Thanksgiving holiday week. I awoke to an overnight news alert from CNN with the news – and cried in the darkness. On the evening news (Yes, there’s still such a thing), ABC reported that the dark web celebrated and there are concerns about copycat incidents.

I hope not. Our police are beefing up patrols to keep the Arenas District and other places safe.

The weekend had been an eclectic mix of events – from Gay4Good’s cleanup of the wash to a fundraiser featuring the Arquette family celebrating our transgender community to our LGBTQ+ Desert Winds Freedom Band concert. It was another weekend of fun and purpose for our community. And then this happens…

We mourn with Colorado Springs and Club Q. As Dean Levine from Blackbook wrote today: “It is because moments like these why we continue to celebrate Pride every year. Our community does not run and hide. We celebrate and shine.”

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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Support Those Affected by the Club Q Tragedy

As we mourn the tragic loss of life in the attack on Club Q in Colorado Springs, there are ways to reach out and support those affected. The official giving site is the Colorado Healing Fund (choose “Club Q Tragedy” to designate your gift): [Give today]

Additionally, several GoFundMe fundraisers are aimed at helping victims and their families:

Victims of Club Q Colorado Springs Mass Shooting
Support for the Club Q Families and Survivors
Classroom of Compassion in Colorado Springs, CO
Fundraiser for Tara (DJ T-Beatz) injured @Club Q. DJ T-Beatz was performing at the time of the attack.

Readers of the Coachella Valley Independent and viewers of KESQ Channel 3 voted in the Best of Coachella Valley 2022-2023 poll, and we are dancing for joy because we are WINNERS! KGAY 106.5 and DJ Galaxy are both honored in the top spot in their categories for the fourth year running, and after three years of strong second-place honors, John Taylor took the top spot as Best Local Radio Personality this year! Please join us in congratulating our winners:

KGAY 106.5 – Best Radio Station
John Taylor – Best Local Radio Personality
DJ Galaxy – Best Local DJ

Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time – A New Musical

The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Nunzio Sisto present the West Coast premiere of Why Can’t The Trains Run On Time • A New Musical, running select Mondays through December 19. This is an emotionally charged modern-day Musical about an artist learning to let go of his past and appreciate his present. It’s a timeless tale that anyone can relate to, and a lesson about life that speaks to everyone who sees it. A Juilliard graduate, Nunzio Sisto’s music has been compared to Sondheim for its rhythmic and harmonic complexities, and to Schwartz for its memorable melodies. Get tickets

JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show – Final Day

Shop for gems, minerals, fossils, and beads at the JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show on its final day today: Monday, November 21, from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. You will meet jewelry artists and designers, top gem & diamond dealers, jewelry manufacturers, gemstone miners, wholesalers, and jewelry liquidators. This is perfect timing to buy presents for you and your loved ones before the busy holiday season with great selections and trendsetters from the direct source. Get tickets

Holiday Stress Support Group

The Center presents a Holiday Stress Support Group every Monday from November 14 through December 5. This group is an in-person drop-in therapeutic support group for those experiencing holiday stress and will be facilitated by Tim Rogers, MFT Trainee, from 7–8 pm. More info

Strong Words – Grown-Up Stories for Adventurous Audiences

Join Among Friends for Strong Words on Tuesday, November 22 from 6:30–8:30 pm. Master of Ceremony Larry Dean Harris presents himself and 5 other storytellers speaking about their own personal lives. The stellar lineup includes: Brett Paesel from LA, coming in to tell the most amazing story. Local legend Tom Grissinger will keep you on your toes with his personal account, plus two newbies to town George Livengood and Russell Poe. And for a return story Eddie Kreg Anderson, Director of Among Friends, promises to entertain with his wild life story. Get tickets

Queer and Trans* Youth Night Hike

The Center Coachella presents Queer & Trans* Youth Night Hike on Tuesday, November 22 from 5–8:30 pm at La Quinta Cove. Queer and Trans* youth, ages 13-22, are encouraged to participate in this night hike, with meeting spots at The Center Coachella & at the Indio Teen Center at 5 pm. More info

The Monthly Center Social

Join in on the 4th Wednesday of each month for The LGBTQ Center of the Desert’s social mixer of fun, community, and happy hour. The November Center Social is on Wednesday, November 23 from 5:30–7 pm at Chill Bar. Tell your friends because all are welcome. See you soon! More info

Movies in the Park Returns with Pillow Talk

The new season of Movies in the Park will kick off on Wednesday, November 23 at 6 pm with the classic sixties rom-com Pillow Talk, starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Movies in the Park are presented by the Palm Springs Cultural Center at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. The series continues monthly with Gigi (Dec. 21), Charade (Jan. 18), The Girl Can’t Help It (Feb. 15), How to Marry a Millionaire (Mar. 22) and Barefoot in the Park (Apr. 19). Make an evening of it by enjoying downtown shops and dining before the movie. More info

Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot

The Palm Springs Turkey Trot 5K takes place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24, starting at 8 am at the corner of Tahquitz & Palm Canyon. All participants receive a long sleeved tech t-shirt, finisher medal, free finisher photo download and wild turkey hat. A portion of your entry supports the Mizell Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, providing food for homebound seniors. This race is brought to you by the Palm Springs Marathon Runners with a reputation of awesome themed races supporting local charities. More info

RunPalmSprings!

Make room for that extra piece of pie by completing the Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot in iconic Palm Springs, California on Thanksgiving morning. This is a fast and flat certified course where world records are meant to be broken! Start and finish downtown, in perfect racing weather, on beautiful Palm Canyon.

Airport Expects Record Thanksgiving

Officials at Palm Springs International Airport expect Thanksgiving passenger numbers to set new records this year. They’re asking travelers to arrive two and a half hours early to catch their flight if they need to check luggage and 90 minutes early with only a carry-on. The airport also encourages travelers to consider taking a taxi or Uber/Lyft to catch their flight. Read more

WIN tickets to Maroon 5 at Acrisure Arena

KGAY 106.5 wants you to ring in 2023 with Maroon 5 on the final stop of their 2022 World Tour at the brand-new Acrisure Arena! Sign up to WIN tickets to this special New Year’s Eve concert taking place on Saturday, December 31 at 8 pm: KGAY 106.5 Contest Page

Black Friday Wreath Auction and Artist Demos

On Black Friday, November 25, from 10 am–4 pm, Desert Art Center invites you to their Big Black Friday Event and Seasonal Wreath Silent Auction. Escape from the madness of the malls and join in bidding on your favorite artist-made holiday wreath, watch artists demo their passion, and shop their huge gallery for that unique gift, all while sipping hot spiced cider. More info

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Thanksgiving Weekend

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate a special holiday schedule during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, November 24–27. The first tram up each day will be at 8 am, the last tram up will be at 8 pm, and the last tram down will be at 9:30 pm. On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—will be available for purchase from 8 am–8 pm. Peaks Restaurant will begin serving their regular menu along with traditional holiday favorites at 11 am on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are recommended: https://www.pstramway.com/dining/

CV Philharmonic: Baroque

The fall collection of the CV Philharmonic Society Chamber Series continues on Tuesday, November 22 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with Baroque, featuring John Scanlon (viola) and Richard Treat (cello). The Chamber Series features soloists and small ensembles whose proceeds support local musicians, Youth Training Orchestra’s educational programs and PSCC’s Theatre 3 Expansion. Get tickets

Mid-Century Moderns

The hit Palm Springs 1960s jukebox musical Mid-Century Moderns is at Oscar’s on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm through December. The sensational hits of ‘66 come to life in the delightful tale of a plucky Wisconsin widow who transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in Palm Springs. Featuring the music of Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Lesley Gore, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Association, The Monkees and many more. Get tickets

Desert Blues Revival: Jackpot Club

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, November 23, Jackpot Club takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets

Holiday Food & Toy Drives

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank shelves are emptier than ever, and they’ve launched a new “Feed a Family” campaign going into this holiday season. Your $55 donation can help the food bank provide a family of 4 with all the fixings for a delicious and healthy holiday meal [Donate here].

Mizell Center can use your help, too, in filling their holiday gift bags for their 400 homebound Meals on Wheels clients. They are looking for shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, and athletic socks to be donated no later than December 7. You can drop them off at the center or even have them shipped: Attention Laura Castillo, 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

At The Roost Lounge, they are accepting canned food and non-perishable food items now through December 20, with drop-off locations at The Roost, Roadrunner Print & Ship, and various pop-up events from Brothers of the Desert. They are also accepting new unwrapped toys for local children, benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, now through December 20 at the same locations. [More info].

Visitor Map & Guide for Pride/Fall 2022

Have you picked up our Visitor Map & Guide Pride/Fall 2022? 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 our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can view and download it right here, right now!

THIS WEEKEND

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a special holiday screening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday and Saturday, November 25 & 26 in their main-stage theatre with the largest screen in the valley. Experience the film with an all local, full shadow cast directed by Katrina Storton, along with your fellow audience members. Cocktails start 8 pm with a full bar, drink specials, and hot-buttered-popcorn. Pre-show/screening starts at 9 pm. The first 100 audience members to arrive at the theatre will receive an interactive “prop bag.” A limited number of bags will be available for purchase at the show. Get tickets

Barefoot in the Park – Final Weekend

Desert Theatreworks presents Barefoot in the Park, running through Sunday, November 27. This romantic comedy by Neil Simon focuses on newlyweds, as they begin married life in a tiny fifth floor apartment in New York City. After a six-day honeymoon, the couple get a surprise visit from the mother-in-law and decide to play matchmaker during a hilarious dinner with their eccentric neighbor-in-the-attic. Join DTW for a new take on a comedy classic. Get tickets

This Weekend at The Purple Room

The Purple Room presents a Blue Suede Christmas, Elvis: The Early Years with Scot Bruce on Friday, November 25. Because of his uncanny resemblance to the young King (and his ability to sing, strum a guitar, and swivel his hips), Scot Bruce’s live show has taken him across the U.S. and all over the world. Dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets

Acclaimed singer Jonathan Karrant returns to the Purple Room stage on Saturday, November 26, to celebrate the release of his new holiday album, a collaboration with The Joe Alterman Trio. Jonathan will be performing songs from the album and sharing some of his favorite Christmas memories. Dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets

On the Air at KGAY 106.5

Ross Mathews is back and gayer than ever! After a honeymoon hiatus, his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 is back on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He will bring 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 pool party music! Listen Online

JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show
Nov 18–21 at the Palm Springs Convention Center
Barefoot in the Park, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov 4–27
Blue Suede Christmas with Scot Bruce as Elvis: The Early Years
Fri. Nov 25 at The Purple Room Supper Club
Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles
Nov. 25–27 at the McCallum Theatre
Jonathan Karrant – A Holiday Album Release
Sat. Nov 26 at The Purple Room Supper Club
30th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Sat. Dec 3 from 5:45–7:45 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
The Leslies’ 34th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
Sat. Dec 3 from 6:30–11 pm
13th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
Sun. Dec 4 from 11 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum
“Stars – A Galaxy of Song” presented by Modern Men
Sat. & Sun. Dec 10 & 11 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Welcome New Partner!

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AMP Sports Lounge has a casual, festive and funky atmosphere that suits all who choose to come and play as they effortlessly find a comfortable place to hang out, drink, enjoy a snack, and make new buddies. And if sport is not your thing, they also have everything from bingo to disco for you too. With our HOT DEAL, you get $40 to spend at AMP Sports Lounge for just $20. That’s like doubling your dollars! Get Your Deal

We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, Hunters Nightclub, Il Giardino, Men’s Grooming Spot, Jolene’s Bar & Grill, Rick’s Restaurant, REVEL Public House, Runway, Willie’s Modern Fare, Grand Central, Boozehounds, Desert Mischief, Just Fabulous, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Monster Shakes, Destination PSP, Lulu California Bistro, 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 2022 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.

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)