”I farted!” Kathy Griffin brought the house down with that line, and so many more on her comeback tour at the McCallum Theatre this week.
Cancel culture is a funny thing. Al Franken’s misstep that got him ousted from the US Senate seems mild in comparison to the travails that take down others today. In fact, I don’t think the term hadn’t even been coined yet when Franken stepped aside.
Kathy’s comeback couldn’t come at a more appropriate time – for better or worse. Her story is at times heartbreaking (a suicide attempt) and hilarious (vacationing with Sia in PV with seven dogs). And while “music soothes the savage beast”, comedy can be a “Calgon, take me away” moment. I feel better knowing that Kathy’s on our side, providing needed comic relief in a world of crazy.
This weekend is ripe for comedy in the valley as Fortune Feimster and Margaret Cho are each on the Gay Desert Guide events calendar. We all need a good laugh to counteract the poisonous world of social media and fake news. Try to take in one of these two if you missed Kathy!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Opera in the Park’s 25th Anniversary
Palm Springs Opera Guild celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Opera in the Park at Sunrise Park on Sunday, April 7 at 5 pm. This annual free concert of beloved opera arias is the premier cultural event in April in Palm Springs, drawing thousands of people from all over Southern California and the world every spring in a celebration of great opera music with professional artists. Bring a picnic dinner and celebrate 25 years! More info
The Pink Ball w/Margaret Cho
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center presents The Pink Ball with special guest Margaret Cho on Saturday, April 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Palm Springs. Prepare to be dazzled when the spirit of celebration meets the vibrancy of pink. With the incomparable Margaret Cho as guest of honor, laughter and charm will fill the air. Slip into your finest pink attire and come for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and camaraderie. Get tickets
Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
Musician Jennifer Corday presents Desert Legends this Friday–Sunday, April 5–7 at various locations in Palm Springs with a party scene catering to the 40+ lesbian demographic. Friday features a Women’s Golf Tournament from 9 am–2 pm at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort and a Kickoff Cocktail Party from 4–7 pm at 360 Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, and the Desert Legends Concert with Jennifer Corday and special guests from 7–9:30 pm in the Cascade Lounge. Saturday is a Women’s Pickleball Tournament at Demuth Park from 9 am–2 pm, and Fortune Feimster brings her comedy to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage at 8 pm. On Sunday from 11 am–2 pm at Hunters, it’s a Sunday Brunch and live show featuring Marisa Corvo with a Tea Dance with DJ Dawn Michaels from 2–5 pm. Get tickets
Fortune Feimster at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Fortune Feimster: The Live, Laugh, Love Comedy Tour on Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm. Fortune Feimster has had one-hour and half-hour specials on Netflix, Comedy Central, and other platforms. Feimster has appeared on shows such as The Mindy Project, Bless the Harts, and The L Word: Generation Q. She currently co-hosts a daily SiriusXM radio show with Tom Papa and a weekly podcast with her partner, Jax. Get tickets
Gayming Awards 2024
Gayming Magazine presents the 2024 Gayming Awards on Sunday, April 7, from 5 pm–midnight at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. The Gayming Awards are the world’s first and only award ceremony celebrating all that is great about LGBTQ video gaming including games, characters, streamers and much more. Launched in 2021, the Awards set out to celebrate the achievements within the global gaming culture that represent and champion the LGBTQ experience. More info
NEXT WEEK: KGAY Night at the Firebirds – Discount Ticket Offer!
Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Firebirds for clinching their spot in the American Hockey League playoffs, we are looking forward to KGAY Night at the Firebirds next Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm! Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on the plaza with music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy; enjoy $5 beers, cheer on the Firebirds against the Ontario Reign and watch KGAY’s John Taylor and your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr ride the Zamboni machine! Get your discounted tickets today with our exclusive KGAY Night offer: Get tickets
Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam
Freestyle Explosion is bringing the power of throwbacks to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 pm. Get ready for a night of irresistible nostalgia and chart-topping hits when this highly anticipated event brings together legendary Freestyle artists who have left an indelible mark on the music industry: Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Exposé, Lisette Melendez, Noel, Connie, Pretty Poison, and Nocera. Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns hand crafted by artisans. Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Note: Another Adults-Only night is Thursday, April 11. Get tickets
Sunset & Swing with Todd Murray
Todd Murray performs Sunset & Swing live at Living Out Palm Springs on Friday, April 5 at 6:30 pm. Watch the sun set and soak in Todd’s luscious baritone voice backed by a 7-piece jazz band (with cocktails by Alice B, of course). Like Sinatra and Bublé? You will LOVE Todd Murray in his first Palm Springs appearance in almost 5 years. Get tickets
Queen Book Signing
Photographer Aaron Jay Young will hold a book signing of his first coffee table book, Queen, on Saturday, April 6 from 2–5 pm at The Shops at 1345 in Palm Springs. Queen features some of the nation’s leading drag performers–including Palm Springs’ very own Bianca del Rio (on the cover) and Trixie Mattel as well as over 120 other performers including Bob the Drag Queen, currently touring with Madonna. A donation from the sales of the book will go to The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now on Friday and Saturday, April 5 & 6 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). The show will include highlights of his repertoire of nearly fifty years as a cabaret performer, bringing Broadway to rhythm and blues and rhythm and blues to Broadway. Revisit some of his Award-winning performances from Guys and Dolls, The Wiz, Cats, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ and some of the behind the scenes stories that went along with those amazing theatrical events. Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
Mid-Century Moderns, the hit jukebox musical comedy, is at Revolution Stage Company with its final two performances this Friday and Sunday, April 5 & 7, at 7 pm. The pop hits of the 1960s come to life as a Wisconsin widow is transformed from frump to fabulous when she finds herself in an exciting new world in 1966 Palm Springs. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- The Four Phantoms | Sat. Apr 6
- Andrew Evans – Travel: A Bridge to Enlightenment | Sun. Apr 7
- The Desert Symphony Presents: “Let’s Hang On” | Thu. Apr 11
- Patti LuPone: “A Life in Notes” | Fri. Apr 12
- Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy!” | Sat. Apr 13
- George Hinchliffe’s Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain | Sun. Apr 14
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Palm Springs Drag Legends, hosted by Burna Cross, bring you the 2nd Annual Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Awareness on Saturday, April 6 at 3 pm at The Barracks. This will be a raunchy good time with several rounds of Bingo and with prizes, entertainment and drinks, plus a 70’s themed costume contest. Bingo continues on Saturdays all month raising funds for the cause. More info
Western Xposure Bear Weekend
Western Xposure returns to the CCBC Resort for a long weekend this April 4–7. This 100% clothing-optional event features daily pool parties, with poolside DJ’s Carrera, Bulldog, E. Feld, Evil JP, and BodyRolls. Enjoy the trails to explore, grassy areas to relax in, dark rooms and outdoor play spaces, and much more including hot tubs, a steam room, and cold plunge waterfall. This is Western Xposure’s biggest event with over 1000 hot bears, free lunch BBQ on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, and more. You can go as fast and hard as you want, or take it easy and get some sun. With no interruptions or show, the event rolls on so you can strip down, eat, drink, relax, and enjoy it. Get tickets
Friday, April 5
First Fridays El Paseo | 4–7 pm at The Shops on El Paseo
Desert Art Center’s Final Gallery Show of the Season | 5–7 pm Opening Reception
Immersive Breathwork at Power Yoga Palm Springs | 6:30–7:45 pm
Saturday, April 6
Empowered Woman Half-Day Retreat | 10 am–4 pm at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Broadway Sings for Cancer Support Community | 5 pm, Palm Springs
She/They Play | 5:30–8:30 pm at Play Lounge & Cafe
Sunday, April 7
Screwball Sundays: Sullivan’s Travels | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Desert Theatricals Broadway Series: Damn Yankees
Desert Theatricals presents Damn Yankees, this Friday–Sunday, April 5–7 under the stars at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Winner of eight tony Awards including Best Musical, Damn Yankees tells the story of Joe Boyd, who makes a deal with the devil to become young Joe Hardy and lead the Senators to a victory against the Yankees ball team. A retelling of the Faust legend set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C. Get tickets
The Lalas at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents The Lalas on Friday, April 5 at 8 pm. The Lalas is the best in burlesque, and they perform sexy & hilarious burlesque shows around the world. Set to a soundtrack of classic rock & blues, you’ll be mesmerized by perfectly choreographed dance moves, and so much fringe you’ll wonder how The Lalas got it all on the plane. Get tickets
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
Spring 2024 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our NEW Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! 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 the latest edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
LOOKING AHEAD
Solar Eclipse is Monday
A total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8. Visible across North America, it will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Palm Springs will see it as a partial eclipse for 2 hours 19 minutes. 53% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak. It will begin at 10:06 am and the peak viewing time will be 11:14 am and will end by 12:25 pm. Learn more
ShortFest Passes on Sale
The 2024 Palm Springs International ShortFest takes place June 18–24, and passes are on sale now! This is your chance to get the ultimate experience and access to everything ShortFest has to offer. With a variety of pass options to choose from, including the Patron Pass, Insider Pass, Student Pass and ShortFest @Home Pass, you’ll have the flexibility to create your own unique ShortFest experience. Also, Film Society Members get a discount on Insider Passes. More info
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
WIN TICKETS to the Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute starring Roy Cruz that has been selling out in P-Town, coming to Palm Springs for one night only, Saturday, April 13 at 7 pm at Fuego Event Space [More info]. This breathtaking musical event that you won’t soon forget is brought to you by Pilgrim House Presents and Ptown 2 Palm Springs. Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
You can WIN TICKETS to KGAY Night at the Coachella Valley Firebirds, on Wednesday, April 10 when the Firebirds take on the Ontario Reign. Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on The Plaza with live music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy, $5 Beer Night, giveaways and more! Puck drop is 7 pm. Get tickets or Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, 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 party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV FM
WIN TICKETS to see the one and only Eric Clapton, coming to Acrisure Arena with special guest Jimmie Vaughan on Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 pm. Eric Clapton’s music spans genres, from the raw blues of his early days with Cream to the soulful ballads of his solo career. Clapton’s signature smooth guitar playing and powerful vocals are instantly recognizable. Whether it’s the rock energy of “Layla” or the gentle ache of “Tears in Heaven,” his music resonates with passion and emotional depth. Get tickets or Enter to Win on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 weekdays from 10–3 pm! – 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- The Pink Ball feat. Margaret Cho
Sat. Apr 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs - Fortune Feimster: Live Laugh Love Comedy Tour
Sat. Apr 6 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - Ken Page: Right Here, Right Now
Fri. & Sat., Apr. 5 & 6 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Mid-Century Moderns: A New Musical, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Fridays & Sundays (plus select Saturdays) through Apr 7 - KGAY Night at Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wed. Apr 10 from 5:30–9 pm at Acrisure Arena - Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
Tuesdays through April 9 from 5–7 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Nice Work If You Can Get It, presented by CVRep
Apr. 10–28 - Desert Gold
Apr. 11–14 and 18–21 at Ace Hotel and Swim Club - World Art Day Festival
Sat. Apr 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park - The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute
Sat. Apr 13 at 7 pm at Fuego Events Space - Sherlock Holmes Confidential, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Apr 12–21 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Mr. Parker, presented by Dezart Performs
Apr 12–21 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future Event
Fri. Apr 19 from 5–8 pm at the Prescott Collection Hangar
- The Past, Present, and Future of Drag Culture in Greater Palm Springs
- The Swiss Architect Who Brought Modernism to the New World
- America’s First All-Metal-And-Glass House is Reborn in Palm Springs
- What to Eat and Drink at Coachella 2024
- 15 Rejuvenating Resorts Near Palm Springs for a Post-Coachella or Stagecoach Retreat
Desert Zen Day Spa in Bermuda Dunes features reasonable prices, a soothing atmosphere, and the cleanest salon in the Coachella Valley. They offer individual and private treatment rooms and many high-end therapy options for you to choose from. For 21 years they have been at the same location with friendly staff, soothing services, and a relaxing environment; locally and family-owned and operated too! With our BOGO HOT DEAL you can buy one $50 gift card to Desert Zen Day Spa and get a second $50 gift card for FREE! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Thai Smile, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, 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 2023-24 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 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, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.