It was like old home week around Palm Springs this weekend as events continue and “the show must go on” attitude persists. We can debate the safety issues, but when protocols are in place, I for one, feel secure in being out and about. How about you?
Thursday I attended the BNP Paribas tennis tournament at Indian Wells. The attendance was less than I expected, but the tournament did happen. Another sign of emergence from the pandemic…
Modernism Fall Preview brought many to the valley this weekend, and I saw some out of state/country license plates meaning our snowbirds are returning. Welcome to you all! My favorite event was “Best of Mod with a Twist” curated by Kurt Cyr and Jay Zaltzman and their friends. I learned about paint-by-numbers, Tiki traditions, men’s cologne, Olivietti typewriters (and their inspiration for Apple), and the clash of cowboy culture and Modernism in Palm Springs. Many intriguing topics to fit into an hour. Don’t miss this series in February!
The week brings the spotlight to our LGBTQ Center under the new leadership of Rob Wheeler. This weekend is the Grand Reopening of their space in the McDonald/Wright Building and CenterStage. And there’s much more in my blog below. Enjoy another beautiful fall week in Greater Palm Springs!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Grand Opening of New Palm Springs Downtown Park
The City of Palm Springs is hosting a Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting and Community Celebration of its new Downtown Park on Thursday, October 21 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. (beginning just prior to VillageFest), at Museum Way and Belardo Road. KGAY 106.5 will be there, broadcasting live from 4:30–6:30 p.m. with morning host John Taylor, so tune in live to listen online or over the air, and if you’re at the celebration, stop by and say hi!
The Chamber of Commerce will also host a free mini-Taste of Palm Springs with local restaurants in the park followed by a Halloween pooch costume contest on the new event stage, presented by the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. At 6:30 p.m., ABBAFab takes the stage for a spectacular two- hour free tribute concert celebrating the tunes of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA. More info
October 21 is Spirit Day
LGBTQ youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Each year, millions join GLAAD to go purple for Spirit Day—this year on Thursday, October 21— to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. Pledging to “go purple” on Spirit Day is a way for everyone to visibly show solidarity with youth and to take part in the largest, most visible LGBTQ anti-bullying campaign in the world. Learn more
Show Your Pride, Light Up the Night, and Win!
It’s almost time for Palm Springs Pride, and residents and businesses are invited to show their support for the LGBTQ community and decorate their storefront, home or apartment with pink and rainbow lights for the 2nd annual Light Up the Night contest presented by Alaska Airlines. KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs, Gay Desert Guide and Vacaya LGBT+ Vacations are sponsoring the contest using the hashtags #ILoveGayPalmSprings AND #LightUptheNight on social media, through October 31 at midnight. There are separate contests for the best business decoration and best residential decoration with prizes including airfare to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a Vacaya LGBT+ Vacation for two to the Caribbean!
Desert Stonewall Democrats October Meeting
Desert Stonewall Democrats’ October Virtual Membership Meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 19 from 5:45–7:00 p.m. on Zoom. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Filipino American History Month, they will present a program on how local labor history in the Coachella Valley and San Joaquin Valley brought forth the modern-day labor movement for farmworkers, screening the documentary Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the American Farm Workers Movement (2014, 30 minutes) directed by Marissa Aroy. More info
Hike South Lykken Trail with Kim
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Walk and Hike with Kim, occasional treks for women led by Kim Kieler. On Tuesday, October 19, join Kim at 8:00 a.m. to hike the South Lykken Trail, located on South Palm Canyon Drive between Murray Canyon and Bogert Trail turnoffs. The hike is 4-5 miles up and back with 700-ft elevation change; allow 2 hours and join for all or part. You must be double-vaccinated and maintain physical distancing on the trail, bring a liter of water, and reserve your spot online ahead of time. More info
Actor Frank Ferrante’s Walk of Stars Dedication Ceremony
On Tuesday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. Award-winning actor-comedian-director Frank Ferrante, who performed his one-man show “An Evening With Groucho” at the McCallum Theatre, Coachella Valley Rep and the Annenberg Theatre, receives the 443rd star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Guest speakers include Groucho Marx’s grandson Andy. All invited to attend at 125 S. Palm Canyon Drive. More info
Planning for Dry Times in a Thirsty Desert
ONE-PS presents Talk of the Town: Planning For Dry Times In A Thirsty Desert, on Tuesday, October 19 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Join Jim Cioffi, award winning Palm Springs architect, longtime Desert Water Agency Board member and current Vice President & Chairman of its Conservation & Public Affairs Committee and Ashley Metzger, the Agency’s Director of Public Affairs & Water Planning, as they engage us all in a conversation about current efforts underway and future plans for protecting and conserving our most precious water supply. More info
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for October
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, October 19 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 2019 novel Red at the Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson. More info
Jazzville Palm Springs: Dan Delgado Sextet
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents Dan Delgado Sextet on Thursday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Dan takes us back to a time when the trumpet player was king. Hear the songs, schtick and energy of entertainers like Prima, Armstrong, Ferguson and others with their jazz horn of plenty. It’s a feel good show full of stories, jokes and most important, great music! Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
Palm Springs International Dance Festival Fall Series
Nickerson Rossi Dance presents the Palm Springs International Dance Festival Fall Series from Thursday, October 21 through Sunday, October 24. The festival features a glamorous opening night party, student showcase, “Caliber” professional dance performance, dance film series and competition, plus 18 master dance classes from world-renowned dance educators, college professors, artistic directors, and the producers of the Palm Springs International Dance Festival. Get tickets
Palm Desert Concerts in the Park
Palm Desert’s free Concerts in the Park series is held every Thursday in October from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park amphitheater. The concerts offer a delightful evening of music by some of the top acts from across the region. On Thursday, October 21, Cash, Killer and The King performs, followed next week by New Sensations on Thursday, October 28. Food and beverage trucks will be available each week offering a variety of culinary offerings. Concertgoers may also bring picnic baskets along with blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the shows. Alcohol and smoking prohibited. More info
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival opens Thursday night, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. with a screening of Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950) at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The festival continues with multiple screenings and other events each day through Sunday, October 24. Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author, Arthur Lyons, this unique festival features an eclectic mixture of landmark and vintage movies from the classic film noir era. Each year, the festival showcases the best of film noir accentuated by an array of movie stars or their family members who appear on stage for post screening Q&A discussions. Get tickets
8th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival
Now in its eighth year, the Reel Women’s Film Festival is available to watch at your leisure anytime between October 11–23, streaming online. The festival is championed by a committee that works to bring diverse and inspiring films about women to the screen. This year’s virtual film festival includes headliner film Sisters, #metoo film Working Woman, and international choice film Blanka. All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, serving Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties. More info
Gay Desert Guide Fall Pride 2021 Map & Guide is Out Now!
Our latest Fall Pride 2021 edition of the Gay Desert Guide Map & Guide is hot off the presses and available where you’ll find brochures at hot spots all over town! Pick up your hard copy today or check out our online version to find all the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. Check it out
THIS WEEKEND
The Center’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m., as they near completion of a multi-million dollar remodeling that has dramatically reshaped the McDonald-Wright building at 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Leading the ceremony will be Center executive director and CEO Rob Wheeler and Peter Daut, a multi-Emmy award-winning journalist and weekday anchor at KESQ-TV. Distinguished guests and speakers will include Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege and Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton. More info
“Pride Under the Pines” Comes to Idyllwild Saturday
Palm Springs’ LGBTQ Community is invited to join Pride Under the Pines at the mile-high town of Idyllwild overlooking the Coachella Valley on Saturday, October 23 from 12:00–9:00 p.m. PS HomeBoys is bringing desert heat to the cool gay heights for a day of out-and-proud food, fun and fabulous entertainment, including an interactive screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, hosted by Rosemary Galore. Consider it a Palm Springs Pride Pre-Party. A round-trip Palm Springs to Idyllwild luxury party bus is available. Proof of full vaccination and masks are required for the bus and for the indoor film screening. Get tickets
Mount: Mens Bonding Pop-Up Event
Mount is a 2-day festival, bringing like-minded guys together for a drug-free, shame-free, sex-positive private event on Friday and Saturday, October 22 & 23 at CCBC Resort. Broncs of the western United States have been ‘Gathered’ into capture corrals for decades, and Guys 2 Mount continues the tradition seeking riders with stamina to mount and break the spirited Broncs in the capture corral, with plenty of opportunities for social bonding time outside the corral, too. More info
Desert Ensemble Theatre Season Opening Benefit
Desert Ensemble Theatre’s Season 11 opening weekend benefit concert, Reunited and It Feels So Good, runs October 22, 23, & 24 at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Conceived and directed by Jerome Elliott, this popular season opener will feature singers Charles Herrera and Darci Daniels, along with Elliott, in a fast-paced, cabaret-style revue. Proceeds benefit DET’s theatre internship and scholarship program. More info
Kevin Costner and Modern West at The Show
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents Kevin Costner & Modern West at The Show on Friday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. Kevin Costner & Modern West is a rock/country band which Costner founded with the encouragement of his wife Christine. The band released their debut country album, Untold Truths, on November 11, 2008 on Universal South Records. The album peaked at #61 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and #35 on the Top Heatseekers chart. Videos have been made for the songs “Superman 14”, “Backyard” and “Hey Man What About You.” Get tickets
Coachella Valley Improv and Comedy Festival
CVRep presents the Coachella Valley Improv and Comedy Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 & 24. Starting with improv and show business workshops with redDoor and Jason Stuart, respectively, the weekend continues with an Improv & Sketch Showcase Competition and Saturday Night Headliner Comedy with Tom Dreesen and Mary Gallagher and Improv with redDoor. Gallagher hosts a Stand-Up comedy workshop on Sunday, followed by a Comedy Showcase Competition and a Sunday Night Headliners with “Contributions to Comedy” awards featuring Joyce Bulifant and Steve Bluestein, “Pure & Weary” sketch comedy, and closing out with a stand-up set from Jason Stuart. Get tickets
“Auntie,” a Play by Marty Martin
Script2Stage2Screen presents a staged reading of “Auntie,” a comedy by Marty Martin, on Friday and Saturday, October 22 & 23 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert. The play turns on two questions: Who was Auntie Mame? Could it be Marion, a lovable kook with a heart of gold? S2S2S is requiring all attendees to be fully vaccinated and, provide advance proof and ID through joining its “Audience Bubble,” a contact tracing list. Get tickets
Borrego Days Desert Festival
The Borrego Festivals Foundation in partnership with the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the 55th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival themed “Welcome Back!” on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24. Friday evening kicks off the weekend with local events around town leading into the festival weekend at Christmas Circle that includes a flyover, live entertainment, dance floor, art exhibits, kid’s zone, food vendors, adult beer garden, car show , 1st Annual Amateur Talent Show and more. More info
Tacos, Tequilas, & Chavelas Festival
The City of Coachella, in partnership with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, presents their 4th Annual Tacos, Tequila, & Chavelas Festival on Saturday, October 23 from 4:00–8:00 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park. The event features a live band and DJ, mechanical bull rides, roping and corn hole games, food booths and aguas frescas. Attendees can sample all participating restaurants’ tacos for only $20 or combine taco tasting with a signature handcrafted Chavela for $25! This event has sold out in the past. Get tickets
All Male Revue at Rubine Red Gallery
Rubine Red Gallery presents its Palm Springs Pride Show: All Male Revue on Saturday, October 23 from 5:00–9:00 p.m. This group art show of 12 artists presents the many renditions of the male form in art. Special works include vintage Bob Mizer works and Australian Photographer Troy Schooneman. Enjoy a beverage in their outdoor space after viewing the art. More info
Center Stage 2021
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert is celebrating 20 years and honoring their incredible team of volunteers at their SOLD OUT annual gala fundraiser, Center Stage, on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This year’s event is moving away from the traditional indoor ballroom setting to provide guests a safe and comfortable open-air experience with cocktail hour, dinner and exciting live auction! Vaccination required for all attendees and those involved in putting on this event. More info
- Hiding in Plain Sight: Breaking the Gay Code in Art
October 4, 11, and 18 on Zoom - Grand Opening of New Palm Springs Downtown Park
Thu. Oct. 21 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. - Jazzville Palm Springs: Dan Delgado Sextet
Thu. Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m - Center Stage Celebrates 20 Years of The Center
Fri. Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum - The Producers by Desert Theatreworks
October 8–31 - Mount: Men’s Bonding Pop-Up Event
Oct. 22–23 at CCBC Resort - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct. 23 from 12:00–9:00 p.m. in Idyllwild - Shrek The Musical, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
October 22–November 7 - Girlfriend, The Smash Hit Rock Musical, presented by Dezart Performs
October 27–30 Outside at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021
October 28–31 at Various Locations throughout Palm Springs - DAP Health Desert AIDS Walk 2021
Sat. Oct. 30 from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Ruth Hardy Park - Boozehounds’ Halloween Soirée Under the Stars
Sat. Oct 30 at 7:00 p.m. - Palm Springs Halloween on Arenas Road
Sun. Oct. 31 from 4:00–10:00 p.m. - Palm Springs Pride Festival 2021 – Downtown Palm Springs
Sat. Nov. 6 from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 7 from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. - Desertopia Pride Weekend
Sat. Nov. 6 at Infusion Beach Club and Asia SF, Sun. Nov. 7 at The Sonoran - Front Runners Pride 5K Run & Walk 2021
Sat. Nov. 6 at 8:00 a.m. In-Person at Old Las Palmas Neighborhood and Virtually
Final Round Voting for Best of Coachella Valley
The finalists have been selected in the Coachella Valley Independent’s 8th Annual Best of Coachella Valley, and we are thrilled to have four nominations associated with KGAY 106.5! Both DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas, of the KGAY Retro Lunch at Noon, have been nominated for Best Local DJ, and KGAY Morning Host John Taylor is up for Best Local Radio Personality! Last but not least, KGAY 106.5 is itself nominated for Best Radio Station! The final round of voting will run online at CVIndependent.com through Monday, October 25. Vote Today