Navigating “Vax-giving” this year is going to be a challenge for some families. The New York Times wrote about it last week as they note that we are in the “recovery” phase of the pandemic. Now, many are taking baby steps while others dive into the deep end of family gatherings.
From the Times, “Think about winter driving. We know that thousands of people are injured or killed each year on icy roads, but we don’t stay home all winter. We check the forecast and whether the roads have been plowed. We make sure our cars and tires are in good condition, and then we buckle our seatbelts and hit the road to shop for groceries, go to school or see family for the holidays.
Assessing risk for Covid will be similar and, eventually, just as natural.”
We’re # 1! Thanks to you, dear readers of the Coachella Valley Independent. The accolades are piling up for the new KGAY 106.5 and our stellar personalities. Congrats to John Taylor, DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas!
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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KGAY 106.5 CHOSEN BEST OF COACHELLA VALLEY!
Every year, the Coachella Valley Independent invites the community to help them highlight the Best of Coachella Valley, in a variety of categories featuring outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations. The nominees and winners are based on the votes of its readers, along with viewers of KESQ News Channel 3. We were thrilled just to be nominated but now the winners have been announced and we are overjoyed to share that KGAY 106.5 is named BEST RADIO STATION!!! Not only that, but KGAY morning host John Taylor was a runner-up for Best Local Radio Personality, and KGAY deejays DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas came in first and third respectively for Best Local DJ!
Center Social at Chill Bar
Gay Desert Guide is a proud media partner of The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, and this month co-hosts The Center’s November Social on Wednesday, November 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Chill Bar. Continue the community vibe beyond Pride and look forward to friendship and connection, a delicious happy hour, and a great indoor and outdoor space! More info
2021 Wreath Auction
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert’s famous annual Wreath Auction takes place at Eight4Nine on Monday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m. Join in-person on the patio or bid for your favorites online from the comfort of your home. Proceeds benefit The Center and Palm Springs Animal Shelter. More info
The Center Coachella – Community Open House
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert – Coachella presents a Ribbon-Cutting and Community Open House for their new location in the City of Coachella on Monday, November 22. The Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony is at 10:00 a.m. with remarks from elected officials, community partners, and members. Then, that evening, a Community Open House featuring tours, mural unveiling, food, refreshments y más, begins at 5:30 p.m. More info
Thanksgiving Travel Tips from PSP
Flights from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) are expected to be full and wait times at the security checkpoint are forecasted to reach up to 20 minutes during peak times, so travelers are advised to arrive at the airport least 90 minutes prior to their departure time. The parking lot is also expected to reach capacity, so there will be an overflow “Holiday Lot” with shuttle service to the terminal. More info
Gregory Douglass Live at One Eleven Bar
One Eleven Bar presents Gregory Douglass LIVE on Tuesday, November 23 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Gregory’s original songs are emotional, heartfelt, and soulful. His evocative pop sound blends “Rufus Wainwright’s opulent musicality and Justin Timberlake’s accessible soulfulness” (OUT Magazine). NPR’s Morning Edition coined him “one of New England’s best-kept secrets.” His song “Alibis” was featured on season one of Netflix original series The Rain. Get tickets
Last Laugh Wednesday: Nat Baimel, Headliner
It’s time for Last Laugh Wednesday at Oscar’s on Wednesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m. with rising star Nat Baimel headlining. Nat is a comedian, upbeat problem solver, awkward philosopher, and optimistic nihilist with a knack for looking on the bright side. His smart, well-crafted material tackles the most serious of subjects in a silly manner that will make you laugh as much as it will make you think. Also taking the stage are Jessica Abrams, Jackie Monaham, and special guest Ashley Ryan. Get tickets
Greek Mom’s Thanksgiving Special
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Greek Mom’s Thanksgiving Special and Interactive Advice Show on Tuesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Greek Mom has some great holiday advice to share. Bring on your questions about holiday prep, romance and dealing with cousins you hate! Greek Mom (the creation of hysterical comedian Gus Constantellis) is guaranteed to insult and entertain as she hosts her own live advice show. Get tickets
Women’s Brown Bag Breakfast – Thanksgiving
The LGBTQ Center invites you to the Women’s Brown Bag Thanksgiving Breakfast on Thursday, November 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Ruth Hardy Park. This monthly event hosted by Kim, Gail and Gwendolyn is for catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and just enjoying easy conversations and good laughs. Come early and join Kim for a quick one mile walk around the park at 9:30 a.m. More info
Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K
The annual Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K will be held Thursday, Thanksgiving Morning, November 25 with an 8:00 a.m. start. You will strut your stuff down iconic Palm Canyon on a very scenic and certified out and back route. Participants receive a beautiful long sleeve tech T, zany turkey hat, mega finisher medal and finish line photo download. Packet pickup at Ruth Hardy Park Tuesday and Wednesday. More info
Villagefest Closed for Thanksgiving
VillageFest, the popular Thursday-night downtown Palm Springs street fair that goes year-round, does occasionally take a break too! There will be no VillageFest on Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving) but will resume the following Thursday, December 2 from 6:00–10:00 p.m.!
Black Friday Art Demos & Shopping
On Black Friday, November 26, the Desert Art Center will have art demos all day to entertain & engage you while you shop the largest display of gay and local fine art in the valley. Scads of beautiful jewelry, luscious hand-painted scarves, colorful and functional ceramics, fused-glass night lights and decor, and much more. More info
THIS WEEKEND
28th Annual Palm Springs Open
The Palm Springs Open takes place from Friday, November 26 through Sunday, November 28 at various locations in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. This international tennis tournament run by the Desert Tennis Association attracts more than 300 LGBT players from around the world. DTA is a non-profit corporation that organizes tennis events for the LGBT community in the Coachella Valley and raises funds for local charities. The tournament is free to the public, and the proceeds from a silent auction will benefit AAP. More info
Cafe Tacvba at The Show
Experience the Rock en Español band, Café Tacvba, one of the biggest acts on the Latin music scene with its fun, madcap & ever-changing, groundbreaking music, when they take the stage at The Show on Friday, November 26 at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets
Saturdays with Ross Mathews Continues on KGAY!
After a successful run this Pride Month of November, Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews will continue on KGAY 106.5 through the holidays 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 does 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 is on KGAY 106.5, on the FM dial in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online! Ask your smart speaker to “Play KGAY”
- 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 - The Australian Bee Gees Show
Sat. Nov 27 at 8:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre - Jonathan Karrant – Lush Life: Best of the American Songbook
Sat. Nov. 27 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Jazzville Palm Springs: Jason Fabus Trio with Natalie Mendoza
Thu. Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m - Hairspray at the McCallum Theatre
Fri.–Sun., Dec. 3–5 - Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec. 3, 4:30 p.m. at Frances Stevens Park - Festival of Lights Parade
Sat. Dec. 4, 5:45–7:45 p.m., Downtown Palm Springs - 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 - Sparkle, Twinkle, Jingle! with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Fri.–Sun., Dec. 10–12, at the Annenberg Theater - Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
Sun. Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre - Palm Springs International Film Festival 2022
Jan. 6–17, 2022 at various venues in Palm Springs and Cathedral City - Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27, 2022 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs
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!
