Hope Springs Eternal! Coachella announced its lineup this week and tickets for weekend two are on sales today (Friday, Jan. 14) after weekend one sold out. Harry Styles returns to the desert. I last saw him on the set of “Don’t Worry Darling”, the movie shot in my neighborhood of CanyonView Estates two years ago. I can’t wait to see him in the movie which is set for release later this year and on stage! Talk about versatile…
This weekend, there are a few things still on the calendar and some new postponements. Check our live Events page anytime for the latest updates on performing arts, community events, nightlife, drag, and other things to do in the Oasis.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Coachella 2022 Full Lineup Announced
Slated for April 15–17 and the following weekend, April 22–24, the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival has announced the full 2022 lineup, including headliners Harry Styles (Friday), Billie Eilish (Saturday) and Ye (Kanye West) on Sunday. Weekend 1 is waitlist only and tickets for Weekend 2 go on presale Friday, January 14 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific). More info
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembrance Ceremony
The Coachella Valley community is invited to join the City of Palm Springs Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee and the City of Coachella at a special outdoor remembrance ceremony celebrating the important accomplishments of the slain civil rights leader on Sunday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Coachella Library. This year’s theme is “Bridging the Communities of the Coachella Valley.” The program features a benediction from Deacon Martin Sullivan from Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church in Coachella followed by a keynote speech from local attorney Anyse Smith. In addition, entertainment will be provided by singer Keisha D, Sol de mi Tierra Ballet Folklorico, and Norman and Sharon McKee will perform African Drums. More info
Western Xposure: Happy Nude Year
Bear Naked’s Happy Nude Year is a holiday weekend to strip down and explore your exhibitionist side at CCBC Resort from January 14–17. Greet the new year in your birthday suit with all the bears with pool parties, hot tub skinny dips, patio cruising at the Barracks…and more pool parties. Proof of vaccination required for entry. Get tickets
Take Center Stage in Indio
The City of Indio presents its first monthly event, Take Center Stage, on Saturday, January 15 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at downtown Indio’s Outdoor Living Room. This free event features different themed entertainment each month, and the City is kicking things off with a Country music night, highlighted by a ribbon cutting of the Colossal Cacti sculptures, made famous when they appeared at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The evening includes music from The Sarah Winchester Band, DJ/Emcee Big John Miller, a “walk-about” area, cornhole tournament, line dancing instruction, tailgate party games, kids activities, plus BBQ and other down-home cooking, local brews and sweets for purchase. More info
The Temptations and The Four Tops at Fantasy Springs
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center presents The Temptations and The Four Tops on Saturday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the sound that defined the 1960s with two of Motown’s most iconic groups from its classic era! Each ticket includes $10 in FREE Slot Play. Get tickets
Flo Rida at The Show
Get “Low” with bestselling rapper Flo Rida on Saturday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. Flo Rida’s hit catalog includes the international smashes “Right Round”, “Club Can’t Handle Me”, “Good Feeling”, “Wild Ones”, “Whistle”, “I Cry”, “G.D.F.R.” and “My House” Get tickets
Betty White Challenge
Animal Samaritans invites you to participate in the Betty White Challenge on Monday, January 17 (Betty’s birthday). In honor of Betty White’s passion for animals there is a viral effort to encourage animal lovers to donate to the animal welfare organization of their choice. All donations to Animal Samaritans benefit their life-saving programs. Gifts large and small are greatly needed and appreciated. To make a donation in memory of Betty White, please visit animalsamaritans.org/donate. You can also donate through Facebook, on this post.
Always, Patsy Cline
Desert Theatreworks presents Always, Patsy Cline playing through February 6 at the Indio Performing Arts Center, based on the true story of one wild night in 1961 Houston, when single mom Louise Seger became fast friends with her idol, Ms. Patsy Cline. Louise recreates her evening and correspondence with Patsy, as well as many of the singer’s highlights, in this touching, down-home country musical comedy. Featuring a live band, this rollicking musical tribute includes many of Cline’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Get tickets
Upcoming Theatre Productions
Here’s a glance ahead at more local productions taking the stage soon!
- Mid-Century Moderns from Desert Rose Playhouse, postponed till April
- Life X 3 from CVRep, Jan. 25–Feb. 6.
- Artificial Morality from Desert Ensemble Theatre Company, Jan. 21–30
- Les Miserables from Palm Canyon Theatre, Jan. 28–Feb. 13
- The Mountaintop from Dezart Performs, postponed to Mar. 4–13
January at the McCallum Theatre
On Friday & Saturday, January 14 & 15 the McCallum Theatre presents An Intimate Evening with David Foster with Special Guest Katharine McPhee. Also in January: The Lettermen, The Doo Wop Project, A Toast to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme with David Lawrence & Debbie Gravitte, Vanessa Williams, Fiddler on the Roof, and much more! Learn more
Desert Lens Photo Exhibit Closes Saturday
If you enjoy fine art photography, check out Desert Lens, an exhibit of latest imagery from Diane Padys and Chris Houser at Old Town Artisan Studios’ Leland Gallery in La Quinta. The exhibit is open January 6–15, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Sunday). Diane Padys, a commercial photographer for 25 years, turns her lens to abstract expressionism of desert forms to reveal their dynamic texture and uniqueness. Chris Houser, a travel and nature photographer, offers small 8×8 gems of boldly colorful desert scenes. More info
“Satur-Gays” with Ross Mathews
Saturdays with Ross Mathews is on KGAY 106.5 every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. on the FM dial in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online! With RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 now underway, listen for Ross to weigh in on the latest episode with his insider’s perspective! Brought to you by the John White Real Estate Group. Ask your smart speaker to “Play K-G-A-Y Palm Springs.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Season 14, Episode 1
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 is officially underway, and Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto (as in Danté, you stay) is “…gagged to get the opportunity again to report on this season’s crop of talent and get them fresh to market in Gay Desert Guide!!” (Read all of Dante’s recaps here). The season premiere is a two-parter, introducing half the queens first and the other half will come next week. Read his recap of Episode 1: Big Opening No. 1 here.
Joshua Tree Gallery Features Michael Childers and Gordon Clark
The Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art presents EMERGENCE, now through March 13, featuring the photographic artwork of Michael Childers and Gordon Clark. The exhibition presents new works from each artist as well as works that have adorned the walls of esteemed museums and galleries around the globe. Gallery is open Thursdays 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 1:00–5:00 p.m. More info
Farmers’ Markets in Palm Springs, Palm Desert & La Quinta
For your fresh farm produce and more (farm raised meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, organic coffee, flowers, prepared foods, chocolates, soaps, etc…), all presented in an open-air safe shopping environment, Palm Springs Cultural Center presents three Certified Farmers’ Markets serving the Greater Palm Springs Area:
- Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The PS Market is held at 2300 E. Baristo Rd. (adjacent to The Camelot Theatres)
- La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The LQ Market is held in Old Town La Quinta at 78100 Main Street (off Calle Tampico).
- Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market: Open Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The PD Market is held at 72-559 Hwy 111, adjacent to the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce.
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, January 15, 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. More info
CANCELED: Info-A-Go-Go
Originally scheduled for Friday, January 28, the LGBTQ Center of the Desert has decided to cancel Info-A-Go-Go out of an abundance of caution and respect for the community in light of the coronavirus surge due to the Omicron variant. Those who registered will be issued refunds.
Note: Due to the current spike in COVID cases, please check ahead when making plans over the next few weeks as many events may possibly be canceled, attractions may temporarily close or have hours scaled back. For example Sunnylands is closed temporarily through at least Tuesday January 18 , and The Purple Room Supper Club is closing through at least Sunday, January 16. City of Palm Springs indoor facilities are temporary closed as well.
LOOKING AHEAD
Women’s B.A.M. Salon for January
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, January 18 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and every 3rd Tuesday, monthly. 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 “Under the Udala Trees” (2015) by Chinelo Okparanta. The story follows Ijeoma, a girl growing up in war-torn 1960s Nigeria who must come to terms with her sexuality and the conflict this presents in society. More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats January Meeting
Desert Stonewall Democrats’ January Virtual Membership Meeting will take place Tuesday, January 18 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s special guest is Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQ person of color in the Pennsylvania State House. Kenyatta will discuss the importance of the 2022 elections, and their potential effect on the future of our democracy. Don’t miss this “rising star” in the Democratic party! Votes will also take place for Stonewall Dems Chair, Vice-Chair, and Steering Committee. More info
- Always, Patsy Cline – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Jan. 7–Feb. 6, 2022 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Me, Myself & Shirley with Cindy Williams
Thu–Sat., Jan 20–22 at the Annenberg Theater - Life X 3 – presented by CVRep
Jan. 25–Feb. 6 - Fiddler on the Roof at the McCallum Theatre
Jan. 28–30 - Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27, 2022 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs - International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2022
Feb. 24–28, 2022 at Hotel Zoso
Welcome New Partners!
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Desert Vacation Villas is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery and the excitement of Palm Springs. Situated in the foothills, this resort offers plenty of room for families and couples looking for peaceful, spacious accommodations just minutes from downtown. Learn more
- AAP – Food Samaritans’ Legendary ‘Evening Under the Stars’ 2022 Gala to Honor Several Outstanding Locals
- Make a New Year’s Resolution: Choose Words That Matter When You Want to Make a Positive Impact
- World Premiere of ARTIFICIAL MORALITY Announced At Desert Ensemble Theatre
- Desert Theatreworks Opens 2022 With Patsy Cline Musical
- Desert Open Studios 2022 Free Self-Guided Tour with 100 Coachella Valley Art Studios Open to the Public
Destination PSP produces unique, originally-designed merchandise including souvenirs, customized apparel, poolside wares, housewares and more. From mod clocks to holiday ornaments, and skin care to swimwear, they are quintessential Palm Springs. Save 33% with our HOT DEAL: Get a $15 gift card from Destination PSP for just $10! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Bear Wear, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Monster Shakes, Jolene’s, Grand Central, Il Giardino, Runway, Rick’s Desert Grill, Oscar’s, Thai Smile 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 a.m. 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 a.m.–4 p.m. And Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
