If you haven’t made DesertX and Modernism Week a part of your weekend plans, it’s time to reconsider! High clouds and slightly cooler temps last weekend provided the perfect weather for viewing some of the installations. On Thursday, I toured the two homes of Desert Palisades, which are getting the attention they deserve during this muted Modernism Week. It’s worth the price of admission to see the new generation of modern homes being constructed high above the desert floor.
Bar Cecil opens next week. I’ll be joining our restaurant reviewer Charles Drabkin for a press opening and will report back next week. Boozehounds is putting the final touches on the interior for a soft opening next weekend. Those follow on the heels of El Patio Mexican restaurant, 139 East Andreas Road (you may remember it as LOOK years ago) and Cafe La Jefa across from the Shag Store.
And late news that Stacy’s has been sold. We will fill you in as details are confirmed. Our latest download of the big events of 2021-22 are always available from the home page of GayDesertGuide.LGBT and our Events section is the best place to find what to do any given weekday or weekend.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
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I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 93
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr are joined by extra special guests: SanctuaryPalmSprings.org Development Consultant Ellen Wolf with CEO/Executive Director Rob Woronoff…Jimmy Boegle from CVIndependent.com has news….Scott Slaven has an update on the newly re-opened Palm Springs Art Museum….Nino Eilets has a new issue of TheStandardPS.com….+ Bryan Rogers, Jimmy McGill and Steve Piacenza – owners of the new dog-friendly eatery Boozehounds!
The #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is broadcast on Facebook Live, Fridays at 11:00 a.m. The#ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon, FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (or later on-demand) to stream us to your TV. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more!
Modernism Week Wraps Up Sunday
Modernism Week 2021 presents a modified version of the classic events you love, running now through Sunday, April 18. There will be two Featured Homes and tours of Raymond Kappe‘s last project as well as architect Sean Lockyer‘s newly completed Desert Palisades project, open for timed, ticketed, socially distanced tours, plus outdoor walking tours, narrated self-driving tours, vintage car exhibitions and more! Get tickets
Bummed that Modernism Week is almost over? Take heart: The Modernism Week Online Experience keeps the spirit going for another month, streaming now through May 15. More info
Alohana Mod Palm Springs
Alohana Palm Springs presents Alohana Mod, in conjunction with Modernism Week 2021, on Sunday, April 18 from 12:00–6:00 p.m. This tiki marketplace features new and vintage goods, hula performances, tiki cocktails and tasty food, hosted by the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Masks required, and advance tickets encouraged. Get tickets
Gaaays in Spaaace
Gaaays in Spaaace presents a Virtual Celebration and Trekkie Feud on Saturday, April 17 with Mary Chieffo and Noah Averbach-Katz. “Live Long and Be Fabulous” with this gathering of fans & celebrities alike, plus live musical performances and a live taping of Mary and Noah facing off in an episode of Trekkie Feud. More info
Indio Food & Art at the Empire Polo Club
In an open-air setting nestled under the famous Hacienda del Toro tent, artists from around the country will be selling their unique and beautiful works of art at Indio Food & Art at Empire Polo Club on Saturday & Sunday, April 17 & 18 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.. The show will feature the work of approximately 50 talented artists, including paintings, glass, sculpture, jewelry and more. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining and beverage options while casually walking the grounds, enjoying natural landscape and sweeping mountain views. All State and County COVID-19 protocols will be followed. More info
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The Queer Beginnings of Modern Art
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present The Queer Beginnings of Modern Art on Sunday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Join George Benson (co-creator of MoMA’s first ever queer tour) for an exciting talk on how intrinsically linked the beginning of the Modern Art movement is with the emergence of a queer identity. Explore several artists, both well known and obscure, who embody both an emergent queer identity and the advancement of modern art: F Holland Day, Claude Cahun, Gertrude Stein, Natalie Barney, Florine Stettheimer, Paul Cadmus, and much more! Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Museum Art Auction ’21
The Palm Springs Art Museum, in partnership with Sotheby’s, presents Art Auction ’21, an online fundraiser open through Friday, April 16. The auction includes an array of artworks by today’s most notable artists from around the region, across the country, and internationally. Approximately 40 artworks that range in value from $5,000 to $100,000 will be made available to appeal to a broad range of collectors. Proceeds will provide vital funding for the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and collections. Participation is free. More info
Every Monday and Wednesday we are highlighting our Gay Desert Guide Man and Woman Crushes, which vary from local to global. Our Man Crush Monday this week is host with the most and go-go dancer David Gonsalez, and Woman Crush Wednesday is LGBTQ historian, author, educator, playwright and leader Dr. Ronni Sanlo! Click the images here to read more and see a fun video reel, and keep up with all our crushes by following @GayDesertGuide on Facebook and Instagram
Oscar-Nominated Documentary Short Films
The Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience presents 2021 Oscar-Nominated Documentary Shorts on Friday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. See the five nominees, ranging in length from 13 to 40 minutes, including “Colette,” “A Concerto is a Conversation,” “Do Not Split,” “Hunger Ward,” and A Love Song for Latasha.” Nominees are from the USA and Norway. Get tickets
You can also view these presentations at home with the purchase of a V-Ticket [here]
Mary Pickford Movies Are Back
Indoor screenings are back at the Mary Pickford Theatre, with appropriate distancing and safety measures in place (most importantly, masks in all common areas). Catch the larger-than-life Godzilla vs. Kong on the big screen, plus the sci-fi thriller Voyagers, and many more! [Get tickets] If you’ve enjoyed the Pickford Drive-In Experience (or didn’t get to try it yet), get on it because their final drive-in screening will be Sunday, April 25. Get tickets
Sanctuary Palm Springs Announces Merger
Effective April 6, 2021, Sanctuary Palm Springs, the transitional home for LGBTQ+ foster youth, has become a program of Oak Grove Center. The merger will allow a greater proportion of donations received by Sanctuary to go to expanding programs, as they save administrative expenses. The new “Oak Grove Sanctuary Palm Springs” will retain the same mission to serve LGBTQ+ transition age foster youth into realizing their potential toward becoming self-sufficient, productive members of the community. Learn more
Gay Desert Guide After Dark
With nightlife heating up again, visit our Gay Desert Guide After Dark page for all the Happy Hours and other bar-related events in the Palm Springs area and remember to designate a driver or call a rideshare if you have a bit too much to drink! Happy Hours
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, April 16 from 8:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.”The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sgt. Arnold Galvan says. “We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous.”
Shredding, E-Waste and Bulky Item Drop-Off
Celebrate Earth Day early by recycling your used and unwanted items! The City of Palm Springs is pleased to announce its next shredding and e-waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 17 from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at City Hall. Palm Springs Disposal Services’ bulky item collection event will be there as well, from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. These events are open to Palm Springs residents only. More info
Clean Up Coachella Valley Trails
Palm Springs Subaru has joined forces with Friends of the Desert Mountains to create a One-Day Cleanup of Coachella Valley Trails on Saturday, April 17 from 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Pick your favorite trail, grab a trash bag and gloves, and clean up along the way! Trails include: Homestead Trail in Palm Desert, Randall Henderson Trail in Palm Desert, and North Lykken/Ramon Road Trailhead in Palm Springs. Please RSVP. More info
Pet Bereavement Group – Sammy’s Circle
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter presents a Pet Bereavement Group, meeting the first Monday and third Saturday of each month on Zoom, including this Saturday, April 17, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. Losing a pet, including a foster pet or a pet who has been cared for at the Shelter, can be devastating, resulting in overwhelming emotions, including grief, guilt, anger, stress and loneliness. Whether the loss is recent or based on a beloved pet who crossed the Rainbow Bridge years ago, talking with others who’ve had similar experiences can provide comfort and aid in the healing process. Volunteer Paul Sellers will be leading Sammy’s Circle, a safe space for us to heal together. More info
New Rancho Mirage Markets
The Atrium in Rancho Mirage plays host to the new Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market, every Friday from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Shoppers can expect about 40 vendors with a variety of options including fresh fruits and vegetables, floral, baked goods, artisan clothing and gifts, meats, poultry and fish, coffee and teas, soups, pizza, tamales and more. Mask-wearing and social distancing required. More info
The River in Rancho Mirage will be hosting an open air “Market at The River” every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (through May), featuring fresh produce, hand crafted jewelry/items, clothing, golf apparel, and more from local businesses around the Coachella Valley. More info
Help Keep Live Music Alive at The Purple Room
The pandemic has been tough on live music venues, with many classic clubs having closed forever. Now, after being closed for 13 months, Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club is asking for your help. It’s not an understatement to say The Purple Room is a Palm Springs Institution. Watch this video to learn more and give to Save Live Music: Help Purple Room Reopen GoFundMe if you can.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next Week: Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Fifty+ Fit with Lynn Simonson – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p .m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
Time for Equality
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) presents Time for Equality on Thursday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. The event brings together members and supporters of equality from across the country to engage with HRC in a livestream looking ahead at the crucial work necessary to set the stage for progress in ensuring equal rights for the LGBTQ community. HRC is currently working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration. They are also fighting back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ legislation in states nationwide to ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. The event will include a virtual auction featuring contributions from across the country. Get tickets
Dining Out For Life 2021
Due to the Covid-related struggles restaurants have had over the last year, Dining Out For Life 2021, on Thursday, April 29, will be different: Rather than asking the restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds, DAP Health is asking the community to support locally-owned restaurants by ordering take-out or dining-in on that day. More info
Rainbow Challenge 2021
Grab your sunscreen and join other LGBTQ folks for Stonewall Golfers’ 20th Annual Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament, a weekend of golf at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2. Play to compete or just casual play. Proceeds from this tournament will be donated to The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. More info
Palm Springs Air Museum 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Palm Springs Air Museum is celebrating 25 years over three evenings: Thursday, April 29, Friday, April 30, or Saturday, May 1. Choose one date to attend for an open-air, COVID-19 compliant celebration with live entertainment by The Company Men and Wartime Radio, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night. Hosted by Joe Mantegna, admission includes a tax-deductible donation. Attendance is limited, and deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 23. Get tickets
Welcome New Partners!
Roadrunner Print & Ship is the Coachella Valley’s neighborhood printing and shipping center with a focus on packing, shipping, printing, promotional products, notary and business services. Independently owned and operated by Bob and Ben Kincaid, they bring a combined 40 years of professional experience, dedicated to providing superstar customer care in a convenient, efficient and friendly environment. Learn more
Four Twenty Bank believes in the positivity and benefits cannabis provides. Their goal is to create an elevated experience for consumers, as well as ensure they are responsibly informed on proper consumption and cannabis regulations. From the connoisseurs to the newly curious, their facility is a safe, unique, and elegant environment for all. A place for one to be themselves and enjoy the connection cannabis brings. A place to feel at home. Learn more
Hephaestus Jewelry is a Palm Springs must-see shopping destination. Come and experience the creations of Jewelry designer and gemologist Jef Timms at Hephaestus Jewelry of Palm Springs. This gallery store offers an extensive, ecclectic collection of fine jewelry that must be seen to be appreciated. Known for his unique wedding bands and one-of-a-kind engagement and statement rings, a visit to Hephaestus and an opportunity to meet Jef is truly a memorable experience. Learn more
- Re-Opening Update from The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
- From Fire Island to Palm Springs, Hope for a Great Gay Summer of ’21—But ‘Hope Doesn’t Pay the Bills’
- Entertainment Announced for 2021 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
- Boozehounds Set to Open in Palm Springs
- “The Berlin Patient” Bench Dedication at Wellness Park on May 7
Monster Shakes is bringing back classic desserts with a modern Monster twist–Mid Century Modern meets today! You can take a mini vacay from the day and get lost in sweet goodness with over-the-top Monster Shakes, 9 Dole Whips, and frozen yogurt with dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free available too. With this HOT DEAL, you save 50% and get a $15 gift card for just $7.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Thai Smile, Destination PSP, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Giuseppe’s, Grand Central, Bear Wear, Dickey’s, Johannes, Mary Pickford Theatre, Chill Bar and more! See All Deals