“Keep on the sunny side of life”, goes the old song from The Carter Family:
“There’s a dark and a troubled side of life
There’s a bright and a sunny side too
Though we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also may view”
May that ear worm will be with you for the coming week ! And we have a few virtual events to take your mind off the weight of the world starting with tonight’s Happy Hour Inauguration Kick-Off Game Night with Shann Carr.
I’m also excited to join Mentalist Vinny DePonto on Sunday with Dezart Performs. We had him on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast for a preview, and it looks intriguing and entertaining. We’ve even designed this week’s HOT DEAL to keep your mind off the news cycle: Half-off a package at the Mary Pickford Drive-In Experience so you can see a first run movie and enjoy that buttery movie popcorn you’re longing for.
The Calvary will be here next Wednesday. Till then, take some time away and have some fun with us!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
Fun & Games: Happy Hour Inauguration Kick-Off Game Night
After the week we’ve had, we’re going to need a good Happy Hour to get us through to Inauguration Day! On Friday, January 15 at 6:00 p.m., the Fun & Games Dept of Gay Desert Guide presents an Inauguration Kick-Off Game Night, hosted by Comedian Shann Carr on Zoom. This is a politics and cocktails version of our popular Big Gay Game Nights, celebrating the Pre-Inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris! Shann will host a series of fun online games, with prizes for the winners. Get tickets
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 80
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr, GayDesertGuide.com‘s Brad Fuhr, Jimmy Boegle of CVIndependent.com, and Dr. Laura Rush bring you up to speed on news, laughs, events and info with a local Palm Springs flavor! Special Guests: Darrell Baum with Wabi Sabi Japan Living as a part of the #WeArePalmSprings series, Loren Ostrow gives us a preview of livingout.com elegant communities for active LGBTQ seniors, and Michael Shaw of DezartPerforms.org is joined by award-winning Mentalist Vinny DePonto. [Listen] or [Watch]The I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast is now available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to stream us to your TV! (Also available on demand after it airs).
Now available on iHeartRadio too!
Mental Amusements from Dezart Performs
Don’t miss Vinny when he drops by on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast this week!
The first live streaming event from Dezart Performs is award-winning mentalist Vinny DePonto, welcoming you to “Mental Amusements,” his magnificently crafted carnival designed exclusively for the virtual stage. Imagine having your mind controlled, your secret thoughts revealed and predictions made about your imminent future — all through the screen and from your own home! Performances run through January 31. Check out the trailer [here] and get tickets [here].
Missing Mrs. Maisel? A Night with Mina Hartong
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents Missing Mrs. Maisel? A Night with Mina Hartong on Saturday, January 16 at 5:00 p.m. Spend an hour with award winning emcee and comedienne Mina Hartong (Caroline’s; Cipriani’s; Amsterdam Pride) – The girl next door who dares to say what is on everyone’s mind, Mina says it with humor, grace and empathy. After a short set, Mina will answer questions about the LGBTQ comedy scene AND she will get you started on writing your own short comedy set or story. More info
Women of the Moulin Rouge and Montmarte
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Women of the Moulin Rouge and Montmartre on Saturday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. The Moulin Rouge is the world’s most iconic nightclub, and its greatest attractions are the women dancers and singers, from Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters to Nicole Kidman’s Satine! Come learn about the history of the entertainers who seduced le tout Paris (and les USA too), from the day the CanCan was invented through great entertainers like Josephine Baker, Mistinguett, and Edith Piaf. Get tickets
More Fun & Games Dept Events Upcoming
Get your tickets now for these Gay Desert Guide Fun & Games Dept. events coming soon! We are adding some fun twists to the Virtual Speed Dating format with themed nights hosted by Alexander Rodriguez and much more!
- Bowties and Bears Virtual Speed Dating, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Sun Jan 24 at 1:00 p.m.
- Gossipy Potluck and Recipe Swap with Comedian Shann Carr – Sun Jan 31 at 1:00 p.m.
- Star Trek Virtual Speed Dating for Men, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Wed Feb 3 at 6:00 p.m.
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“The Goddess of Fortune” at Cinema Under the Stars
The Palm Springs Cultural Center Re-opens their Cinema Under the Stars program with “The Goddess of Fortune” on Friday, January 15. With a stellar cast and a gentle touch, Turkish-Italian auteur Ferzan Ozpetek (FACING WINDOWS; STEAM: THE TURKISH BATH) explores the ways love shifts and redefines itself in long-term relationships when a handsome gay couple unexpectedly find themselves taking care of their friend’s two adolescent children. Get tickets
❤️ This Week’s Crushes ❤️
Have you been following our Gay Desert Guide crushes on social media? Every Monday and Wednesday we are highlighting our man and woman crushes, which vary from local to global! Our Man Crush Monday this week is Brett Klein and Woman Crush Wednesday is Katie Stice. Click their image here to see a fun slideshow, and to keep up with all our crushes, follow @GayDesertGuide on Facebook and Instagram
COVID Testing Freebie Fridays
Whether you have symptoms or not, getting tested for COVID-19 helps protect your family, classmates, co-workers and friends who could be at risk. Make an appointment to get tested at the Indio Fairgrounds this Friday and get a coupon for free local eats! It’s fast, easy and self-administered, with sponsors changing every week. On Friday, January 15: get BOGO coupons from Ben & Jerry’s Rancho Mirage for delicious ice cream!! Make your appointment online [here].
Saturday Wine Tasting at Bouschet
Join the Bouschet crew for their Saturday Wine Tasting this week on Saturday, January 16 at 4:00 p.m. Featured this week: some favorite wines from the Talley Vineyards: 2018 Estate Chardonnay, 2018 “Rosemary’s Vineyard” Chardonnay, 2017 Estate Pinot Noir, 2018 “Rosemary’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir. All tastings include a gourmet food sampling specially selected and prepared by Tig & Co. The kit includes the wine samples, tasting notes and 10% off featured products. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
MLK Day ‘We Shall Overcome’ Sing-a-Long
The Brothers of the Desert and Stonewall Ministries along with KGAY 106.5 FM, and Blackbook Bar & Kitchen invite the Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Community and Allies to observe the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Holiday on Monday, January 18 at 4:00 p.m. On tap: introductions from Brothers of the Desert Officers Tim Vincent and Eric Davis and words of praise from Pastor Nathan Sobers of Stonewall Ministries, plus a special musical performance by Keisha D singing “Strange Fruit” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Join a group sing-a-long to the classic anthem “We Shall Overcome” and end with thoughts and reflections from some of our community members. More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats January Meeting
The January General Meeting of the Desert Stonewall Democrats will take place on Zoom on Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m. Get to know your elected officials and hear from several of our local endorsed, elected candidates on their plans and ideas to address LGBTQ issues and challenges in their communities and how the Desert Stonewall Democrats, as a club, can support their initiatives. New Year business also includes election of candidates for Treasurer, Secretary and Steering Committee. More info
NEXT WEEK: Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBT 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.
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.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesdays at 3:00 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.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Making Connections During COVID: Men’s Discussion Group with Arlen Keith Leight, LCSW, Ph.D
1st and 3rd Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
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See Tom Hanks’ new film “News of the World” at the Drive-In this weekend! Entertainment Dollars are redeemable toward Admission and Concessions for the Drive-In Movie Experience at Mary Pickford Theatre. Enjoy popcorn, soda, and your favorite cinema candy in a safer, naturally more socially distant experience. Save 50% with this HOT DEAL! $45 in Entertainment Dollars for just $22.50.
Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Bear Wear, Monster Shakes, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Johannes, Il Giardino, Destination PSP, Pinocchio, Mary Pickford Theatre, Bouschet and more! See All Deals