We end February with one of the coldest few days on record – snow capping our mountains and burying the top of the tramway, frosting the lawns and consuming lots of BTU’s by our pools and spas.
It will be a distant memory next week as we welcome in March (in like a lion?) with temps topping 90. And just in time, too! From arts festivals to the BNP Paribas Open, warmer weather will be welcome. The Red Dress/Dress Red Party is sold out, but KGAY has a pair of tickets that you can win. Listen this weekend for details.
Rely on us for recommended LGBTQ friendly and owned businesses, bar and restaurant finds, drag shows, and much more!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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International Bear Convergence
Hibernation is officially over when International Bear Convergence (IBC) comes to Palm Springs this weekend, February 24–28 at Hotel Zoso. IBC is the premier winter event for Bears, welcoming thousands of frisky muscle bears, cubs, chubs, chasers, admirers and their fans to have the time of their lives. Organizers are expecting record-breaking attendance in 2022 with live DJs, live entertainment, pool parties, dance parties, drag & comedy shows. KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy will be spinning at Sunday’s Redemption in Paradise Pool Party, taking place from 10 am–4 pm. After all the fun you’ll be having, you’re going to need to redeem your sins, why not do it by the pool!? More info
Western Xposure presents “Bear Naked” from February 24–27 at CCBC Resort as an alternative party to IBC for guys looking to get naked. This is not part of IBC, but is meant to welcome bears for all-day pool parties with no interruptions or shows, from 10 am–7 pm every day, with after-hours cruising starting at 9 pm. More info
Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair
In celebration of Black History Month, the Palm Springs Black History Committee and the City of Palm Springs James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center will host the 35th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair on Saturday, February 26 from 11 am–4 pm. This year’s 2022 Black History Month theme is “Black Health & Wellness.” The Parade will take place on Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Immediately following the Parade, the Town Fair will be held at the New City Park in Downtown Palm Springs located across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum. More info
Modernism Week 2022: Yard Sale Sunday
Modernism Week’s annual 11-day festival continues through February 28, and features more than 350 events including, tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighborhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour on both weekends. [Get tickets]
On Sunday, February 27, Modern Bear and H3K Home present the annual Modernism Week Yard Sale from 8 am–Noon in the H3K parking lot (501 S. Palm Canyon Dr). This is one of Modernism Week’s most popular free events, with carefully curated vendors offering their highly coveted mix of vintage Mid-century decorative furnishings, fashion, and collectibles ~ you may score a deal or a total steal!
All Modernism Week events are open to the public, and many events are free or low cost. Modernism Week’s CAMP (“Community and Meeting Place”) is the central hub, located for the first time this year in the spacious atrium-style lobby of the Hyatt Palm Springs. CAMP will include an information desk, a box office, a shop by Modernism Week’s merchandise and branding partner Destination PSP, a theater, and many interactive sponsor booths. Entrance into CAMP is free and open to the public daily from February 18–28 from 9 am–6 pm. And while you’re at CAMP, don’t forget to pick up your free copy of our hot-off-the-press Spring edition of the Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide!
Jersey Boys at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatre presents Jersey Boys from Friday, February 25–Sunday, February 27. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in this Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon. They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. Get tickets
McCormick’s 72nd Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
McCormick’s 72nd Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction is this Friday through Sunday, February 25–27 on the grounds of the Palm Springs Convention Center. This is a live, in-person auction of classic, vintage and muscle cars in the usual outdoor setting, operating under all CDC guidelines to protect guests and staff alike. Prices range from just $3,000 to over $250,000 and the general public as well as dealers are welcome. Friday admission is FREE, Saturday & Sunday $15 each or $25 for both days. More info
The Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
The Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic takes place February 24–27 at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City. This is the nation’s largest and most prestigious preseason college softball tourney, featuring more than 25 top Division I teams. More info
Palm Springs Getaway: A Musical Romp
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the world premiere of the original musical: Palm Springs Getaway running February 25–March 13. This nostalgic romp features glimpses of history, icons and the celebrities who made the city famous. With a collection of well-known and original songs, the show transports audiences from the early desert landscape to the vibrant and inclusive community people know and love today – and every decade in between. Get tickets
Electricity Replaces The Drag
Desert Rose Playhouse has postponed their production of The Drag and in its place, the hugely successful run of Electricity will continue, with tickets already purchased for The Drag good on their original date for Electricity, or patrons can apply their ticket toward a future production, or as a last resort, get a refund. The Drag will eventually be staged as a double feature alongside Desert Rose’s other Mae West production, Sex, running May 25–June 5.
Salty: A Play About Penguins and People
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Salty by AJ Klauss, playing through February 27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. A recent hit at Seattle’s ReAct Theatre, Salty was inspired by the true story of two male African penguins at a Dutch zoo, who made international headlines in 2019 when they stole an egg from a heterosexual couple. Set sometime in the future when global warming has taken firm hold, Salty tracks the parallel lives of some of the last penguins on the planet and their all too human zookeepers. Get tickets
Neil Simon’s I Ought to be in Pictures
Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s I Ought to Be in Pictures playing through March 13 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Herb Tucker is a struggling Hollywood screenwriter suffering from writer’s block. To make matters worse, his forgotten past just showed up on his doorstep in the form of Libby, his young teenage daughter he abandoned, along with her mother and brother, years earlier. Libby is a wisecracking, resourceful girl who has come to Hollywood to be an actor. Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and hopefully this time, get it right. Get tickets
A Night in Puglia
Script2Stage2Screen presents a new original play, A Night in Puglia, on Friday, February 25 from 7:30–9 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert. David Wolgin, who lives in Rancho Mirage, is the playwright. “This is a romance for all ages and orientations,” says Steve Fisher, Script2Stage2Screen’s artistic director. Get tickets
? Upcoming Theatre Productions
Here’s a glance ahead at more local productions taking the stage soon!
- Closer than Ever from CVRep, Mar. 1–20
- The Mountaintop from Dezart Performs, Mar. 4–13
ZZ Top Friday, ABBA Tribute Saturday, at The Show
Experience the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Rock Band, ZZ Top, when they bring their signature sound based on blues guitar styles and rhythm sections to the stage at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, February 25 at 8 pm. Get tickets
Saturday will be an unforgettable night when one of the world’s most popular top selling ABBA show bands, Arrival: The Music of ABBA, brings the absolute best & most authentic ABBA show there is to the stage at The Show on Saturday, February 26 at 8 pm. Get tickets
Sip, Savor, Mingle – A Wine Tasting Celebration of Black History Month
Brothers of the Desert present Sip, Savor, Mingle, a wine tasting to celebrate Black History Month at Bouschet on Sunday, February 27 from 3–5 pm. Brown Family & Maison Noir are the featured wines. Chef Andre Carthen will provide food pairings. More info
Rattlesnake Aversion Training
Animal Samaritans presents Rattlesnake Aversion Training on Sunday, February 27 from 9 am–5 pm in Thousand Palms (classes held throughout the day, appointment required). You and your dog could encounter rattlesnakes almost anywhere: your yard, local park, hiking trail, ranch, etc. Help protect your dog from a painful, costly, and often deadly encounter with a rattlesnake. More info
Desert Winds Jazz Band Gala: “Isn’t it Romantic”
The Desert Winds Jazz Band will present an evening of great jazz and pop standards, all celebrating love, relationships, and music on Sunday, February 27 at 4 pm at Temple Isaiah Palm Springs. With dancing, great food, silent auction, and of course great music, this SOLD OUT event will raise money for the Desert Winds. More info
La Quinta Car Show
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City of La Quinta present the 14th Annual La Quinta Hot Rod and Custom Car Show on Saturday, February 26 from 10 am–3 pm at La Quinta Community Park. Entertainment, food, drinks and a beer garden will be available at this family friendly event. The vehicles will meander through the spacious grounds of the park, allowing viewers to take their time and comfortably enjoy each vehicle on display. Admission and parking are FREE. Check out the shops and restaurants of Old Town La Quinta while you’re there! More info
RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Season 14, Episode 8
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has recapped the latest episode from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 just for you! (Read all of Dante’s recaps here). In this episode, the Drag Race time machine takes us back to 1964 and the era of iconic girl groups. The queens divide themselves into three teams: the Shang-Ru-las, performing “Bad Boy Baby”; the Ru-nettes, “He’s my Baby”; and the Ru-premes, “My Baby is Love.”… Read his full recap of Episode 8: ’60s Girl Groups, [here].
LOOKING AHEAD
Rock the Park: Madonna Tribute Concert
KGAY Palm Springs 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide welcome Blonde Ambition – The Madonna Tribute on Wednesday, March 2 at 7 pm at the new Downtown Palm Springs City Park. Blonde Ambition is the premier live Madonna tribute band. Get ready to hear all your favorite hits perfectly recreated in an energetic show! John Taylor will be broadcasting from the park live on KGAY 106.5 from 5:30 to 7 pm. This concert is part of The Palm Springs Chamber’s free monthly tribute concerts, and future concerts include an Elton John tribute on April 6 and Tina Turner tribute on May 4. More info
Palm Springs Dance Project: The Anniversary
Palm Springs Dance Project presents the world premiere of Stephen Agisilaou‘s full-length dance film, The Anniversary, on Wednesday, March 2 from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater. This film was shot entirely in and dedicated to the City of Palm Springs. The film incorporates a plethora of unique artists, including upwards of 50 local dancers from pre-teen to senior. The evening’s program will also include a fun original short dance film and a Q&A event with the film’s producer, director, and cast. Get tickets
DBA Networking In-Person at The Roost
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) as they present an in-person networking mixer on Monday, February 28 at 5:30 pm at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City. Roost Lounge is a comfortable, neighborhood-type bar that is welcoming to all. Mix and mingle in the open air as the gathering will be on the patio. More info
Black History Month: Author Dwayne Ratleff
In celebration of Black History Month, the Palm Springs Library will present local author Dwayne Ratleff on Monday, February 28 from 3:30–4:30 pm via Zoom. Ratleff will be discussing his award-winning book Dancing to the Lyrics, a first-hand coming-of-age account of an African American gay youth who perseveres in spite of personal and family obstacles as well as the larger challenges of his era. More info
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
Saturdays with Ross Mathews is on KGAY 106.5 every Saturday at 10:00 am on the FM dial in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online! Brought to you by the John White Real Estate Group. Ask your smart speaker to “Play K-G-A-Y Palm Springs.”
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
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are giving away 10 pairs of tickets to our special MOGO Silent Disco event on Friday, April 8. We have 8 ways for you to [ENTER TO WIN]. Dance the night away listening to our own DJ Galaxy as you groove your way around downtown Palm Springs! (To learn more about MOGO Silent Disco, click here)
- Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs - Salty – presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
Feb. 18–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2022
Feb. 24–28 at Hotel Zoso - Jersey Boys at the McCallum Theatre
Fri. Feb. 25–Sun. Feb. 27 - Electricity at Desert Rose Playhouse
Feb. 26–Mar. 6 - Rock the Park Concert Series: Blonde Ambition Madonna Tribute
Wed. Mar. 2 at the New Downtown Palm Springs Park - Palm Springs Dance Project: The Anniversary
Wed. Mar. 2 at the Annenberg Theater - Until Now: An Evening with Brian Justin Crum
Mar. 11 & 12 at Desert Rose Playhouse - MOGO Silent Disco Tours
Fri. and Sat. evenings, from 6:30 pm–7:45 pm in downtown Palm Springs - Neil Simon’s I Ought to be in Pictures – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Feb. 11–Mar. 13 - Palm Springs Gay Softball League’s Spring Season
Mar. 6–May 15 - Red Dress, Dress Red Party
Sat. Mar. 19 at the Palm Springs Air Museum - KGAY 106.5 Welcomes Melissa Etheridge
Tue. Mar. 29 & Wed. Mar. 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre - Palm Springs Animal Shelter Faux Fur Ball – All You Need is Love
Sat. Apr. 2 at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Welcome New Partner!
S&D Medical Management provides private caregiving, Medicare intermittent visits, Medi-Cal shift care nursing, hospice care and staffing. S&D is the name to know for patient-centered care when you need assistance for a loved one. They contract with many providers and handle the details so you don’t have to. Learn more
- Restaurant News Bites: The Mysterious Case of Luchows; the PD Food and Wine Fest Returns; and More!
- Want to Live at Disneyland? New Disney Community Near Palm Springs Could be Next Best Thing
- ‘Palm Springs Getaway’ Promises Imaginative Peek into History
- People, Penguins and Parenthood: Desert Ensemble’s Production of ‘Salty’ Is a Bold Choice That’s Well-Executed
- 81 Things to Do in March 2022
Haus of Poké is a quick-casual restaurant in downtown Palm Springs that features a combination of vibrant Pacific gamefish, housemade sauces, and locally sourced vegetables presented in a fun, interactive, “you choose, they create,” service model. You can take advantage of 30% off Haus of Poké with our HOT DEAL: Get a $50 gift card for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Nothing Bundt Cakes, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., AMP Sports Lounge, Kitchen 86, Jolene’s, Il Giardino, Grand Central, Runway, Oscar’s, Destination PSP, Desert Mischief and more! See All Deals
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. And Saturdays at 10 am, it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
