“Butts in seats” was a phrase I used back in August as new performing arts venues were on the horizon.
But not enough butts in too many seats is a problem. And I think that’s where we are today – even before some venues open.
I’m hearing more and more that promoters and venues are having trouble filling offerings that in the past performed well here in Greater Palm Springs.
That’s troubling as our non-profit theatre companies have invested heavily in brick and mortar. CV Rep was first to raise an ambitious amount of money to resurrect a former IMAX Theater into their beautiful space. Then Desert Rose Playhouse announced it was closing. Gary Powers and his team found space in the Sun Center (The former Zelda’s Nightclub) and opened Revolution Stage Company, moving the model from non-profit status.
Dezart Performs took on an ambitious project to find and fund permanent space called The Dezart Performs Playhouse. It has beautifully restored the former the First Church of Christ, Scientist designed by Albert Frey. Now, PRISM Theater has suddenly shifted locations – twice since we previewed it – to an undisclosed location on Indian Canyon, according to their Facebook post. They are an offshoot of Desert TheatreWorks (DTW) in Indio.
Then there’s the struggling Palm Springs Cultural Center, formerly the Camelot Theaters. Although the Supple family donated the building to the non-profit Cultural Center, they did not provide an endowment. Upkeep and COD construction are weighing heavily on their bottom line.
They are all competing with newer and larger venues that all want your entertainment dollar. And that’s not including drag shows, bars that host entertainers and other promoters who bring in small shows to hotels and event venues like the new 4707.
I truly appreciate the variety of offerings we have here, driven by a vibrant community of performers who have made the valley their home. Bottom line is that we need a lot of visitors and local patrons to keep all these afloat. I’m afraid some may not survive in their current iteration. Like their for profit competitors, it’s going to be survival of the fittest — or most well-funded.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation #VisitGPS #LGBTQTravel
1st Kringle Mingle Pub Crawl and Toy Drive
Get ready to deck the halls and hit the Arenas District for the 1st Kringle Mingle Pub Crawl and Toy Drive on Sunday, December 14 from 3–5 pm at Streetbar. The festivities begin at noon with KGAY’s John Taylor live, then the crawl kicks off at 3 pm. Don your Santa hat, bring a new unwrapped toy to help stuff the Palm Springs Police Rainbow Cruiser, and join the fun as Arenas transforms into a festive “Gay North Pole” filled with holiday cheer. Also: Hunters will be holding a Best Santa Attire Contest at5 pm! More info
Brian Justin Crum
The Palm Springs Cultural Center welcomes audiences for An Intimate Evening of Music with Brian Justin Crum on Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13 at 7 pm. Fresh from sold-out performances in Puerto Vallarta, Provincetown, and the Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert, Brian brings his powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling to Palm Springs. Through songs spanning Broadway to pop favorites, he shares his journey from San Diego to Broadway and America’s Got Talent. Get tickets
Skippy & Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza!
Skippy & Bitsy return to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for another wildly campy holiday romp in Skippy & Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza, Lost In…Christmas, running through December 17. Step into 1965 as America’s favorite showbiz couple tapes their latest Christmas special, packed with reluctant stars, sci-fi spoofs, and unapologetic absurdity, starring Terry Ray and Miss Jane Guy. Join the live studio audience and let this deliciously over-the-top production become your new guilty pleasure holiday tradition. Get tickets
Andrea McArdle: Christmastime is Here!
Broadway icon Andrea McArdle brings holiday magic to the Purple Room Supper Club with “Christmastime is Here!” on Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13. Known for originating the role of Annie and dazzling audiences from Carnegie Hall to the White House, McArdle delivers an unforgettable evening of seasonal favorites and show-stopping vocals. Enjoy dinner at 6 pm followed by the performance at 8 pm. Get tickets
A Holiday Toy Drive Spectacular with DJ Galaxy
Celebrate the season with flair and generosity at A Holiday Toy Drive Spectacular on Sunday, December 14 from 4–8 pm at The 4707. This free event features DJ Galaxy, dazzling Drag Divas, and a live vocalist, plus raffles, prizes, drinks, and bites. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or donation to benefit The Center. This festive fundraiser blends entertainment and community spirit for a cause that matters. More info
Modern Men presents Cool Yule
Modern Men fills the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre with joyful song in Cool Yule—a dazzling, jazz-infused holiday concert that reimagines seasonal favorites with bold arrangements and high-energy flair. Featuring over 140 voices and guest artists from Dean McDowell’s Desert Winds Jazz Band, this festive showcase runs for two SOLD OUT shows: Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm. From “Hot Hanukkah” to “Little Jack Frost Get Lost,” guests will expect a joyful blend of harmony, humor, and holiday spirit. More info
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Experience the dazzling spectacle of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the McCallum Theatre through Sunday, December 14. Winner of 10 Tony Awards®, this electrifying production transforms Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film into a stage sensation bursting with romance, glamour, and high-energy mash-ups. The show invites audiences into a world of bohemians, aristocrats, and unapologetic celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. Get tickets
Dear Evan Hansen
CVRep presents the regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen for a powerful run through Sunday, December 21. This award-winning musical—honored with six Tonys, a Grammy, and an Olivier—tells the deeply moving story of Evan Hansen, a teenager thrust into the spotlight after a tragic event. The show explores identity, connection, and the human need to be seen. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “It is one of those wonderful productions where all the ingredients, i.e. the direction, cast, set and the material itself all blend together seamlessly to produce a dynamic and moving theatre experience.” Read his full review. – Get tickets
Dog Sees God
The Bent presents Dog Sees God at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, running through December 21. This bold, unauthorized play reimagines familiar childhood comic strip characters as troubled teens navigating real-life issues—from substance abuse and sexuality to bullying and rebellion. Darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt, Dog Sees God offers a raw, relevant look at adolescence through a lens of cultural nostalgia and emotional truth. Get tickets
Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
Best of Desert Voting Round Begins
The Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Voting Round runs Friday, December 12–Sunday, December 28. The top nominees in each category now compete for your daily votes to determine the winners. Please vote KGAY! When casting your ballot, choose DJ Mod Girl (Kellee McQuinn) for Entertainment & Leisure – People: Radio Personality/Show, and select KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM for Entertainment & Leisure – Radio Station (Local). Cast votes in 25 or more categories for a chance to win a $250 gift card! More info
Sparkle Gala: Celebrating Jose Sarria
Celebrate history and community at the Sparkle Gala: Celebrating Jose Sarria on Saturday, December 13 from 5–9 pm. This benefit event honors the legendary Jose Sarria—the trailblazing drag performer, activist, and founder of the International Court System—alongside local icons Chief Andy Mills, Cathy Mills, and Shann Carr. Hosted by MCs Roxie Bleau and Gene Brake, the evening will feature dazzling performances from the cast of Lip Gloss and members of the Imperial Courts. Get tickets
Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Online Auction
Modernism Week is bringing holiday cheer to design lovers with its Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Auction, running December 6–14. Featuring more than 100 exclusive lots, the event offers once-in-a-lifetime architectural experiences, international travel packages, rare midcentury collectibles, and iconic design pieces. Now in its fifth year, this record-breaking auction not only delivers extraordinary gifts for modernists of every taste but also supports scholarships and preservation efforts that keep modernist architecture thriving for future generations. More info
Magic of Lights
The holiday season sparkles once again as Magic of Lights returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio through Wednesday, December 31. Families can enjoy a dazzling drive‑through light display and the enchanting Holiday Village powered by IID. Now in its fourth year, this beloved tradition transforms the Coachella Valley into a breathtaking winter wonderland, shining brightly under the desert stars. Get tickets
Bran Sólo Opening Reception
Step into the striking world of Spanish artist Bran Sólo at the opening reception of “Dunas de Sal” on Saturday, December 13 from 5–8 pm. Making his California debut, Bran Sólo presents a powerful collection of paintings, drawings, and photography inspired by the salt dunes of southern Spain—exploring themes of fleeting love, forbidden places, and the sensuality of summer. Known for his kaleidoscopic vision shaped by a visual impairment, Bran brings a unique perspective that has earned him acclaim as “a Spanish genius.” More info
Jingle Paws 5K Run/Walk
Lace up for a festive morning of fun and purpose at the Jingle Paws 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, December 13 at Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs. Starting with packet pick-up at 7:30 am and the 5K at 9 am, this spirited event benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert and welcomes runners, walkers, and dog lovers of all ages. Stick around for the adorable Elf Dash at 10 am and enjoy a joyful atmosphere filled with music, holiday cheer, and community connection. Every step supports the training of guide dogs who empower independence for people who are legally blind. More info
Support Les Dames in Their Time of Need
There’s great news in the campaign to Support Douglas & Marshall (Les Dames) in their time of need! Thanks to the community’s support, Douglas successfully updated his Medicare coverage, allowing a transfer of care to a facility much closer to home—a development he’s “over the moon” about. This incredible progress ensures he can focus on his ongoing medical journey, including recent Zometa infusions and upcoming procedures. They are so close to their $45K goal. Keep the momentum going by sharing the fundraiser and donating to help our beloved Dames through this transition and their treatment! More info
KGAY Sweeps Best of Coachella Valley Readers’ Poll
KGAY 106.5/92.1 extends heartfelt thanks to the readers of the Coachella Valley Independent for their support in the annual “Best of Coachella Valley” poll! We are honored to be named Best Radio Station, a reflection of the trust and enthusiasm our listeners place in us. We are equally proud of our hosts whose community connection was recognized: John Taylor (1st Place, Best Local Radio Personality) and Modgirl (1st Place, Best Local DJ). We also celebrate Patrick Evans (2nd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), Chris Shebel (3rd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), 103.1 MeTV FM (3rd Place, Best Radio Station), DJ Galaxy (2nd Place, Best Local DJ), and DJ Eric Ornelas (3rd Place, Best Local DJ). Your continued support inspires us to serve the valley every day! See the complete list of Best of Coachella Valley Winners
Get Your 2025 KGAY Pride Shirt Online Now
If you weren’t able to get one of our T-Shirt Swaps in person at Palm Springs Pride, fear not! You can still show your Pride and support KGAY by grabbing the official 2025 KGAY Pride Shirt online. Featuring a bold, celebratory design in your choice of colors and styles (classic-T, tank top, sweatshirt, v-neck, fitted scoop, and more) this limited-edition design lets you rep Palm Springs Pride wherever you are. Shop now
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, December 12
ChamberMasters Golf Tournament | 8:30 am–3 pm at Mission Hills Country Club
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch | 4:30 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Whoville Holiday (Palm Springs Parks & Rec) | 5–8 pm at Demuth Community Center
A Charlie Brown Christmas w/Charles Brown & Michael Orland | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Co.
Movies at the Plaza: Camille | 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
Diana Ross: Beautiful Love (SOLD OUT) | 8 pm Fri & Sat, Dec 12 & 13
Saturday, December 13
Snowfest 2025 | 4–8 pm at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza
The Lofts Art Walk | 4–7 pm at The Lofts art District
Indio Second Saturdays | 7 pm in Downtown Indio
Home for the Holidays at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater | 7–9 pm
Dance Ranch: Beginner Two-Step with Alicia Hennick | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, December 14
A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway “Sounds of the Holidays” | 5–6:30 pm
Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
Ongoing…
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas | through Dec 28 at Desert Theatreworks
Wildlights | select nights through Dec 30 at The Living Desert
Mid-Century Magic | through Dec 16 at Rubine Red Gallery
Alpine Zoo Wildlights | Wed–Sundays through Jan 4 at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Get our Latest Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay 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 at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
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!
- 1st Annual Kringle Mingle Pub Crawl and Toy Drive
Sun. Dec 14 from 3–5 pm at Streetbar - An Intimate Evening of Music with Brian Justin Crum
Fri. & Sat. Dec 12 & 13 at 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Skippy & Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza, presented by The Bent
Dec 9–17 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Andrea McArdle: Christmastime is Here!
Fri. & Sat. Dec 12 & 13 from 6–9:30 pm at The Purple Room - A Holiday Toy Drive Spectacular with DJ Galaxy
Sun. Dec 14 from 4–8 pm at The 4707 - Modern Men Presents Cool Yule – SOLD OUT
Sat. Dec 13 at 7 pm and Sun. Dec 14 at 3 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Dear Evan Hansen, presented by CVRep
Dec 3–21 - Dog Sees God, presented by THE BENT
Dec 5–21 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Magic of Lights
Now through Dec 31 at Empire Polo Club - Rob Reiner, presented by Palm Springs Speaks
Tue. Dec 16 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love VII
Tue.–Sun. Dec 16–21 - Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Bells, Brass & Sass – SOLD OUT
Fri.–Sun. Dec 19–21 at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre - Christmas Mammaries! Starring Billy L’Amour
Sun. Dec 21 at 3 pm and 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Christmas Eve & Day at The Purple Room Supper Club
Wed. & Thu. Dec 24 & 25 - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room Supper Club
Wed. Dec 31 seatings at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm - THRESHOLD: Palm Springs’ Newest Signature New Year’s Eve Event
Wed. Dec 31 at 8 pm at The 4707 - Rock the Park: Bee Gees Forever
Wed. Jan 7 at Palm Springs Downtown Park - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 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 Modgirl airs every Sunday from4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
This Weekend: Catch Modgirl Friday, December 12 at 9 pm for Disco Mania at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in Los Angeles. Also in L.A. on Saturday, December 13 she joins Wendy Parker Events at No Vacancy at 8 pm, then keeps the energy flowing with Disco Donuts at El Cid at 11 pm. She’s back in the desert spinning her A.M. Stream at Café La Jefa on Sunday, December 14 at 10 am!
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
WIN Your Way Into the Wildest Show on Stage
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 is giving listeners the chance to WIN TICKETS to the internationally acclaimed stage sensation Puppetry of the Penis, coming to the Palm Springs Cultural Center from Thursday–Saturday, February 19–21. Celebrated by Vanity Fair as “dementedly good fun,” this outrageous, adults‑only comedy features more than forty inventive installations performed with remarkable physical skill and fearless showmanship. It’s a wildly popular, laugh‑out‑loud experience that has entertained audiences around the world. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
WIN TICKETS to the Palm Springs International Film Festival
KGAY 106.5/92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM are giving you the chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to see the film of your choice at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running Friday, January 2 through Monday, January 12. Experience world premieres, special events, and more than 500 screenings from around the globe at the year’s biggest celebration of film. Enter to WIN on the KGAY and MeTV FM contest pages!
103.1 MeTV FM
‘Tis the Season! 103.1 MeTV FM brings you all of your Timeless & Memorable Christmas favorites! Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, Elvis, Wham, Brenda Lee & more! Listen when you’re out shopping, wrapping presents, baking cookies, prepping holiday meals or spending time with your family! Patrick Evans will keep you company every weekday 10 am–3 pm with his News Channel 3 First Alert Weather forecast and play great holiday songs you can sing along with! Brought to you by Palm Springs Ace Hardware, Palm Springs Holidays, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Stuft Pizza, Skylark Bar, Home Instead Home Care Services, HR Simplistic & Insurance Simplistic and Contour Dermatology. Listen to MeTV FM in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
WIN a Carload to MAGIC OF LIGHTS
103.1 MeTV FM is giving you the chance to WIN your way into the Magic of Lights in Indio—the spectacular drive‑thru holiday lights experience filled with dazzling scenes and characters of the season. Each week, one lucky winner will receive a ticket good for a whole carload to enjoy the show. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- MODGIRL’s Rise: Coachella Valley’s DJ Powerhouse with Heart and Rhythm
- DEAR EVAN HANSEN – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- Tryst Hospitality Expands Queer Empire with Crown & Anchor Acquisition
- 9 Desert Hot Springs Hotels for the Ultimate Spa Getaway
- The Bent’s ‘Dog Sees God’: A Dark, Poignant Coming-of-Age Drama
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 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” 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 heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.