Today starts our big KGAY 106.5 Vacaya LGBT+ Vacations “Song of the Day” contest. For those of you in California, you have a chance to win a Caribbean cruise in February. Many in the valley are wrapping up or back from their summer vacations. It’s hard to think that just a year ago we were still canceling events.
In fact, I just met with the Palm Springs International Film Festival team to put in place our media sponsorship. Last year’s festival was canceled as COVID fears lingered. If you saw President Joe Biden on 60 Minutes last evening, he spoke of us no longer being in a “pandemic”, but rather finding ways to live with COVID as we do with many other viruses.
A big shoutout to a group of unsung volunteers who work together each year to put on the Positively Aging Project held Saturday. I come in to emcee the event and wanted to acknowledge the work of these people shown here!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Song of the Day VACAYA Caribbean Cruise Giveaway
KGAY 106.5 wants to send you on a VACAYA LGBT+ VACATION to the Caribbean for a full-ship LGBTQ+ cruise! You’ll be sharing and celebrating with 3,000 new friends in February 2023. You’ll set sail from Fort Lauderdale onboard “Celebrity Reflection” for 7 nights while enjoying world class dining, star-studded entertainment, signature VACAYA activities and mind-blowing parties! Listen for the VACAYA LGBT+ Caribbean Cruise Song of the Day at 8 AND 5 and then go to the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page. Put in the name of the song, and you’re entered. The more days you play, the more chances you’ll have to WIN! (One entry per day). Brought to you by VACAYA, Visit Lauderdale, and KGAY 106.5!
2022 Business Expo and Taste of Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Chamber or Commerce presents the 2022 Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs on Wednesday, September 21 from 5–9 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Come learn about Palm Springs’ businesses and have the opportunity to taste bites from several of the city’s best restaurants. Over 100 local businesses will showcase their products and services, and included will be a taste of more than 40 valley restaurants, wine and beer tasting, a cocktail bar, and live entertainment from Britain’s Finest – The Complete Beatles Experience. Get tickets
The Dinah is Here!
The Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend 2022 is continuing the legend with a show-stopping all-female entertainment line-up from Wednesday, September 21–Sunday, September 25 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. Headlining acts include Fletcher, Haviah Mighty, Cassidy King, IV4, Zolita, IV Jay, Siena Liggins and 80s music iconic superstar, Taylor Dayne, offering a palette of incredibly talented female pop singers, rising artists as well as new queer talent all poised to make a major impact in 2022 and beyond. You can still get your tickets at a discount up to the day before it starts, so don’t wait and end up paying full price at the door, starting September 21. Get tickets
Vote KGAY and John Taylor for Best of Desert 2022
The Desert Sun has opened the final round of voting for Best of Desert 2022, celebrating and recognizing the best our community has to offer, and both KGAY 106.5 and KGAY Morning Host John Taylor are among the nominees in the Local Radio Station and Radio Personality categories, respectively! Both can be found under the “Media” category of the ballot. Votes can be placed through Friday, September 30. Vote today!
OKLAHOMA – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
Our Gay Desert Guide theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh is back from the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles with a review of the 2018 revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical OKLAHOMA, directed by Daniel Fish, playing now through October 16. As Radosh says, Fish “blew off the dust, rethought the entire show from top to bottom…” and this “fresh new approach lets us experience the depth of the book and the score as never before.” Read more
Social Square Dance Class
A Modern Social Square Dance Class is beginning Monday, September 19 and continuing every Monday from 6:30–9 pm at the Cathedral City Senior Center. No partner nor experience is needed, and everyone is welcome to come and make new friends. There will be 50 calls in 12 weeks, for just $6 per class. More info
PS Library Evening Hours Resume
The Palm Springs Public Library will resume evening hours and be open until 8 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings beginning Tuesday, September 20. The Palm Springs Public Library hours will be:
- Mondays 10 am–6 pm
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10 am–8 pm
- Thursdays 10 am–6 pm
- Fridays & Saturdays 10 am–5 pm
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown Palm Springs remains open seven days a week from 10 am–6 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. More info
Medicare Counseling at The Center
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert is providing HICAP appointments on various dates this fall. HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) offers free Medicare Counseling for pre-Medicare, Medicare & Medicare Disabled Beneficiaries. Next available sessions are on the following dates: 9/20, 10/11, 10/25, 11/08, 11/28, 12/06 (all 1 hr. sessions). More info
Mark Your Calendar: “Score” Help for your LGBTQ+ Business
“SCORE” Coachella Valley, Gay Desert Guide and KGAY present: “SCORE” Help for Your LGBTQ+ Business and DBA Mixer on Monday, October 3 from 4–7 pm. Learn about how small business owners and entrepreneurs can sign up to get access to free SCORE mentoring and other resources. KGAY/Gay Desert Guide’s Brad Fuhr will share insights about local and national consumer trends. He’ll share data from Community Marketing and Insights, the largest annual LGBTQ community survey, and examine social media trends as well. Following the presentation, there’s a DBA business networking mixer providing a unique opportunity to network with small business professionals and organizations from the Coachella Valley. Free event, registration required. More info
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for September
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, September 20 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and every 3rd Tuesday, monthly on Zoom. 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 features Naked in the Promised Land: A Memoir by Lillian Faderman. Born in 1940, Lillian Faderman was the only child of an uneducated and unmarried immigrant Jewish woman. Her mother, whose family perished in the Holocaust, was racked by guilt at having come to America and left them behind; she suffered recurrent psychotic episodes. Her only escape from the brutal labor of her sweatshop job was her fiercely loved daughter, Lilly, whose poignant dream throughout an impoverished childhood was to become a movie star and “rescue” her mother. More info
The Center Women’s Social
Come meet other incredible women at The Center Women’s Social on Wednesday, September 21, from 5:30–7 pm at The Saguaro, El Jefe Desert Cantina. Free parking, or valet. No-host bar (credit card and cash accepted). More info
Learn a New Language: Spanish & ASL
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Beginning Spanish, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 10 weeks, starting Tuesday, September 20 from 10 am–12 pm. Instructor Bob Stark will work in the classroom to develop the four essential skills of learning Spanish: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. This class is structured to feature engaging activities, both in listening as well as in reading and writing. It will be fun mixed in with some work [More info]. On Saturday, September 24, an 8-week course of American Sign Language (ASL-1) for Beginners kicks off from 10–11:30 am. Featuring easy-to-understand instruction from facilitator Jason Hull, with fun, interactive games, and an equal focus on both expressive and receptive skills, students will learn the basics of ASL, including fingerspelling and many frequently used signs that will assist them in communicating with the deaf and hard of hearing [More info].
Ukulele and Guitar Classes to Begin
Tap into the musical impulse that is inside us all! The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Ukelele for Beginners, beginning Saturday, September 24 at 12 pm and continuing on Saturdays for ten weeks, through November 26. This lovely little instrument is easy and great fun to play! The strings are nylon so it doesn’t hurt your fingers…you can take it anywhere, it’s inexpensive, and just plain fun! Instructor Eric Pytryga has been teaching the guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, drums and piano for well over 20 years and specializes exclusively in Adult Beginners and Children [More info]. For non-beginners, Ukelele: Intermediate/Advanced is also offered over the same 10-week time frame, at 1 pm on Saturdays [More info]. Finally, on Saturdays at 2 pm, it’s Guitar Lessons, also with Eric Pytryga, designed for beginners, those with no previous music experience, and students who have completed Guitar for Beginners [More info].
Desert Blues Revival: Jews Do the Blues
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, September 21, Jews Do the Blues 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
Jazzville: Amanda Castro Band
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! On Thursday, September 22 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville presents Amanda Castro Band, fusing 1920’s swing, big band, New Orleans traditional, even today’s current pop songs and turns them into a new musical experience. This is a BIG and colorful show featuring killer music, dancers and feathers! Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
THIS WEEKEND
Cinema Diverse 2022
Cinema Diverse celebrates its 15th Anniversary with the 2022 edition running from September 15–25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This LGBTQ+ festival is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community by presenting a world-class presentation featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema from around the world. Organizers say “LGBTQ+ films and LGBTQ+ film festivals are critical to our local community, and to the world community, because they tell stories that remind us of where we came from, who we are, and who we can be.” Check out our event listing for information on tickets, six-packs, and passes: More info
Good Enough: A Modern Musical screens on Friday, September 23 at 8 pm. Good Enough is a modern pop/R&B musical dealing with some of the most relevant issues of the day. College seniors Jamal and Trevor each think they have it all planned out until they have an unexpected encounter, but is their developing love enough to overcome their different backgrounds, paths, friends, and families? Get tickets
On Saturday, September 24 at 5:30 pm, Brotherly Lies is the story of estranged brothers Lex and David, who find themselves forced to spend time together, which in turn, leads to a situation where they can no longer escape the lies formed by their tragic past. Check out this interview with the filmmaker and get tickets
In case you missed the screening last week, there’s an encore screening of All Man: The International Male Story on Sunday, September 25 at 12 pm. This documentary is a journey across three decades of the International Male catalog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay rights. With revenues at its peak of $120 million and circulation of over 3 million, the catalog successfully appealed to both gay and straight audiences and helped transform conservative notions of American masculinity into a more carefree, cosmopolitan, and confident expression. Get tickets
Southern Fried Nuptials – Final Weekend
Desert Theatreworks opens its new season with Southern Fried Nuptials, through September 25. Going to the chapel and they’re gonna get married. Or are they? It’s been a rough year for Attie VanLeer and Harline Frye. Their engagement has been on and off more times than a drunk frat boy on a mechanical bull. Half the town has been invited, dress is fitted, the flowers have been ordered, and the gifts are piling up in the living room. So why does Harline still have cold feet? Will they or won’t they? That’s the big question this hysterical sequel to Osborne and Eppler’s hit comedy Southern Fried Funeral. (?Hot tip: use promo code POSSUM to save 15% on Thursday or Saturday performances!) Get tickets
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens
On Friday, September 23 at 7:30 pm, Sunnylands will present their next installment of Films in the Gardens. The film will be Death on the Nile (1978). Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not permitted. Next week the film will be Evil Under the Sun (1982) on September 30. More info
The Zocial Pool Party at Hotel Zoso
Spend your Saturday cooling off with The Zocial Pool Party on Saturday, September 24 at Hotel Zoso. The Pool transforms into a musical oasis with tunes by DJ Mikeylow and refreshing beverages flowing from a fully-stocked poolside bar. And the best part? Entry is free for overnight hotel guests ($10 otherwise). Arrive early to claim your space or contact the Guest Service Team to reserve a daybed or cabana. More info
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, September 23 & 24 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. There will be plenty of opportunities for social bonding time outside the corral, too. More info
The Writer Series: Ashley Weaver
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival presents The Writer Series with Ashley Weaver on Friday, September 23 from 2–3 pm. Ashley Weaver is the Edgar Award-nominated bestselling author of the Amory Ames mysteries and the Electra McDonnell series. The Key to Deceit is Weaver’s second book in the Electra McDonnell series and is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance and wit. The first 200 attendees will receive a free copy of the book! More info
Sunday Supper Farm to Table Fundraiser
Join PS Underground and FIND Food Bank, the Desert’s Regional Food Bank, for Sunday Supper, a Farm to Table Fundraiser to support Hunger Action Month on Sunday, September 25 from 4–6:30 pm. This multi-course gourmet meal pays homage to the ingredients one would receive at a FIND Food Bank food distribution. Help raise funds to ensure every person in our community can share a meaningful meal with loved ones. Your ticket purchase will help FIND Food Bank provide over 650 meals to the Coachella Valley and Hi-Desert. The experience includes hors d’oeuvres and a three-course feast of the chef’s creation, free-flowing red and white wine, specialty cocktails, and an evening of unique local entertainment. Get tickets
PS Art Museum Day Trip for Queer & Trans Youth
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents a Palm Springs Art Museum Day Trip for Queer and Trans Youth on Sunday, September 25 from 9 am–1 pm. Admission will be free with transportation and lunch provided. Meeting spots at The Center Coachella & Indio Teen Center at 9 am. Spaces limited. More info
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
WIN Tickets to Cinema Diverse
Cinema Diverse – The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, takes place September 15–25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN a pair of “Six pack of passes” to this 15th Anniversary edition of the festival! Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page. Tickets and passes are available for purchase now, come see LGBTQ+ cinema from around the world! More info
KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs is “The Pride of the Valley,” and you can show your Pride by proudly wearing our rainbow logo! Check out our selection of apparel and other items emblazoned with the best radio station call letters: KGAY! Shop now
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
- Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 21–25 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - 2022 Business Expo and Taste of Palm Springs
Wed. Sep 21 from 5–9 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Cinema Diverse – The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
Sep 15–25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and Streaming - Southern Fried Nuptials presented by Desert Theatreworks
Sep 9–25 - Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
Tue/Wed/Thu mornings at 7 am at Frances Stevens Park - Bullying: A Community Symposium
Sat. Oct 1 from 10 am– 12 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct 1 from 12–9 pm in Idyllwild - One Night Out: Havana Nights
Sat. Oct 1 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - “Score” Help For Your LGBTQ+ Business and DBA Mixer
Mon. Oct 2 from 4–7 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs - Modernism Week – October
Oct 13–16 at Various Locations around Palm Springs - Casual Concours Midcentury Car Show: Disco Inferno
Sat. Oct 15 from 10 am–3 pm at Desert Princess Country Club - Center Stage: Together We Rise
Fri. Oct 21 from 5:30–9 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Palm Springs Leather Pride
Oct 27–30 at Hotel Zoso and various locations around Palm Springs - Desert AIDS Walk – Walk Out Loud
Sat Oct. 29 from 7:30 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park - Palm Springs HRC Garden Party
Sat. Nov 5 from 1:30–4:30 pm at a private estate - Palm Springs Pride Festival
Sat. & Sun. Nov 5 & 6, Downtown Palm Springs - Palm Springs Pride Parade 2022
Sun. Nov 6 at 10 am, Downtown Palm Springs
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.” 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)