I have a number of “self-help” books on my shelves that have been a part of my life for many years. One of the early finds was One Door Closes, Another Door Opens by Arthur Pine.
In it, he quotes mostly-famous people who overcame adversity, made a simple decision or had a twist of fate that change their lives. I came across it after making a bad career choice and landing in Cincinnati, Ohio in the mid-90s. I was unhappy in my job and ultimately was fired.
The good that came out of that career decision was meeting my then-partner in a chance encounter in a gay bar. We walked past each other – each thinking the other had said something. We then talked all evening, danced to Kate Bush Running Up That Hill, (our song) and ended the evening by exchanged landline numbers. One door had closed, but another had opened.
But I had already decided to make a move to Chicago to pursue my dream of living and working in that wonderful city. He subsequently followed me there, and we had a number of gerat years together. That was until wanderlust struck again and I had an opportunity to work in Los Angeles radio – with an LGBTQ talk host and a progressive talk radio station (KTLK). Another door had opened for me and my partner. He ultimately chose to remain in the Midwest, and we split up – another door closing.
Ultimately, those “doors closing and another one opening” led me to Palm Springs, and what I’ve been able to create here. It’s the serendipity of life, is it not?
Last week, Larry Eschenbacher, who has led our sales efforts for nearly three years announced he was leaving for a new opportunity in the media world. While it’s a big loss for our small organization, it was time for him to open a new door in his life. I’m grateful for the time he spent with us. He brought a lot of pure enthusiasm to the office each day, made great relationships and even brought us the boys who pushed our bed to 2nd place in the Cathedral City LGBT Days Bed Race!
I wanted to take a moment to share the concept of “One Door Closes, Another Door Opens” and pay tribute to Larry and the many others in my orbit who have brought me here.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Matteo Lane
Matteo Lane brings his sharp wit, musical flair, and unmistakable charisma to the Plaza Theatre stage for an added 4th show (due to very popular demand) on Sunday, January 18 at 8:45 pm. Known for his global sell‑out tours, viral comedy specials, and standout screen appearances, he blends soaring vocals, quick-fire storytelling, and unapologetic authenticity into a performance that feels both electric and intimate. Get tickets. Listen to John Taylor’s hour with Matteo Lane here.
Patti LaBelle 8065 Tour
Patti LaBelle brings her legendary voice to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, January 16 at 8 pm. As part of her 8065 Tour, the iconic performer delivers an evening of timeless hits and soulful storytelling drawn from a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. From chart‑topping classics to inspiring new moments, LaBelle’s artistry, warmth and unmistakable style make this a must‑see night with one of music’s most enduring stars. Get tickets
TASTE – On the Mark’s Food & Beverage Festival
On Saturday, January 17 from 12–5:30 pm, TASTE lands at The SHAG House with an immersive food and beverage festival hosted by On The Mark. Set inside the iconic midcentury home designed by SHAG, this exclusive event offers unlimited samples from 30+ boutique purveyors spanning caviar, oysters, wine, beer, spirits, chocolates and more. Guests receive early access to a limited‑edition SHAG glass and can choose between a general admission session or an elevated VIP experience featuring reserve pours and premium bites. Get tickets
Assassins
Revolution Stage Company presents Assassins, the Tony Award–winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, running January 16–31. This bold and provocative production examines the motivations and mythology surrounding nine figures who attempted to alter American history, blending dark humor, sharp commentary, and unforgettable music. It’s a rare chance to experience one of Sondheim’s most daring works live onstage in Palm Springs. Get tickets
I Do! I Do!
Palm Canyon Theatre opens its run of the beloved two‑person musical I Do! I Do! on Friday, January 16, running through Sunday, January 25, inviting audiences into a tender, humorous and deeply relatable portrait of 50 years of marriage. With a graceful score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the show follows one couple through the milestones, missteps and moments of joy that shape a lifetime together. Get tickets
Eureka Day
Dezart Performs opens its new season with Jonathan Spector’s award‑winning satire Eureka Day, running through Sunday, January 25. Winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, this sharply funny and strikingly relevant comedy follows a progressive school board whose ideals are pushed to the breaking point when a mumps outbreak ignites a battle over public health, personal freedom and digital‑age discourse. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh called Eureka Day “…contemporary, timely theatre at its best.” Read his full review and Get tickets
One Man, Two Guvnors
CVRep kicks off the new year with the riotous comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, running through Sunday, February 1. This adaptation of a classic farce follows the endlessly hungry Francis Henshall (Peter Fanone), who takes on two jobs—while desperately trying to keep his bosses from discovering each other. With sharp wit, physical comedy and songs by Grant Olding, this fast‑paced production delivers a joyful tangle of mistaken identities, near‑misses and escalating chaos that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Peter Fanone delivers a performance with enough wattage to light up the entire valley.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Midnight Orienteering Opening Reception
Rubine Red Gallery hosts the opening reception for Midnight Orienteering on Saturday, January 17 from 5–8 pm, unveiling a compelling series of mono-prints by artist and printmaker Drew Peterson. Spanning work created from 2013 to 2025, the exhibition traces Peterson’s evolution as he blends analog printmaking with the immediacy of watercolor to explore experimentation, intuition and sustained artistic inquiry. More info
Broadway’s Best in the West: Sierra Boggess
Broadway’s Best in the West is at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for its third season, with Sierra Boggess taking the stage on Saturday, January 17 at 7 pm. One of Broadway’s most celebrated leading ladies, Boggess brings her acclaimed interpretations of iconic roles—including her internationally praised portrayal of Christine Daaé—to this intimate desert concert series. The season continues with Jessica Vosk on February 14 and Tony Yazbeck on March 14. Get tickets
Hermitage Piano Trio
International Classical Concerts of the Desert presents the acclaimed Hermitage Piano Trio on Saturday, January 17 from 3–5 pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. Celebrated for their expressive power and technical brilliance, the trio has earned multiple GRAMMY nominations and widespread praise from audiences and critics alike. Their return to the desert offers an afternoon of richly layered chamber music performed by one of the world’s leading ensembles. Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Festival
The Palm Springs Art Festival returns to Frances Stevens Park for its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, January 17–18 from 10 am–4 pm. This beloved Uptown event showcases an impressive range of work across two‑ and three‑dimensional mixed media, ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture, bringing together artists from across the region during peak season, this is the first in a trio of festivals scheduled through March. More info
This Weekend at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatre features legendary late‑night host Jay Leno on Saturday, January 17, and then on Sunday, January 18 it’s Wild Cats Revealed, with National Geographic Explorer Sandesh Kadur showcasing India’s extraordinary diversity of lesser‑known felines. More info
Top of the World Carpenters Tribute
The Plaza Theatre hosts the timeless sound of Karen and Richard Carpenter with Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute on Friday, January 16 at 7 pm. Led by vocalist Debbie Taylor, whose uncanny Karen Carpenter tone anchors the performance, this eight‑piece ensemble delivers every harmony and arrangement with remarkable authenticity, performing together as a full touring band with no tracks. Get tickets
Gardens on El Paseo Concert Series
The Gardens on El Paseo launches its 28th Annual Concert Series on Saturday, January 17 at 4:30 pm, inviting the community to gather on the Center Lawn for an evening of live music and local giving. This long‑running tradition has raised more than $1.5 million for Coachella Valley charities, and this year’s opener features Jimmy’s Buffet, a lively Jimmy Buffett tribute benefiting Parade Charities. More info
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts opens its 12th season on Sunday, January 18 at 4 pm at Grace Church with a free performance by the acclaimed Los Angeles–based string quintet Rogue Lemon Collective. Known for drawing record‑breaking crowds, the series continues to thrive with five additional performances planned through March. No tickets or reservations are needed — simply arrive, enjoy world‑class music in a welcoming community setting, and consider a donation at the door to support this beloved local tradition. More info
Catch Pickleball Fever
The Carvana Masters continues through this weekend at Mission Hills Country Club, turning Rancho Mirage into the epicenter of pro pickleball as the world’s top players battle it out on championship courts. Fans can soak up the action with grounds passes, courtside seating, or VIP access, all while enjoying food, live music, sponsor activations, and organized play throughout the venue. With the PPA transforming the facility into a full‑scale pickleball festival, this is the prime chance to experience the sport at its highest level before the tournament wraps on Sunday. Get tickets
KGAY Wants to Hear From YOU!
As a KGAY 103.1 listener, you already know we’re always hustling to stay ahead of the fast‑moving world of radio and technology. We want to keep delivering the content you love in the ways you actually use, which is why we’re inviting you to take part in our annual tech survey. Tell us how radio fits into your day alongside social media, smartphones, tablets, streaming and the web—everything that keeps you connected to entertainment, news and updates from KGAY and beyond. You might even enjoy taking a moment to reflect on how your own listening habits have evolved as a KGAY fan! Take the survey
A Fresh New Glow on Sunny 106.5
Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s fresh new radio station, your go-to for feel-good favorites from the ’90s, 2000s, and more—music so bright, you gotta wear shades. From Mariah Carey and Matchbox Twenty to Adele, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and hundreds of other favorites, it’s the perfect soundtrack for your day. More than just great music, Sunny 106.5 keeps you connected to the community with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans of News Channel 3, plus friendly, familiar voices throughout the day. Sunny 106.5 is bright music and good vibes for Greater Palm Springs! Learn more
KGAY is Now at 103.1
Meanwhile, KGAY Radio started the New Year with a major upgrade, moving to a stronger, farther‑reaching signal at 103.1 FM as it enters its eighth year serving Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley and the LGBTQ+ community by expanding coverage and adding an HD digital signal for clearer, more reliable listening. Streaming also continues worldwide at KGAYPalmSprings.com.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 16
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Liberace & Liza: A Tribute (SOLD OUT) | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Razzle Dazzle Broadway Revue | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Saturday, January 17
Liberace & Liza: A Tribute (SOLD OUT) | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Dance Ranch: Beginner Two-Step with Alicia Hennick | 7 pm at Step by Step
Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, January 18
A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
Desert Town Hall: KT McFarlan | Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
The Judy Show! (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
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!
LOOKING AHEAD
MON: Bourbon Tasting featuring the Garrison Brothers Distillery
The Purple Room Supper Club hosts a special bourbon tasting on Monday, January 19 from 6–8 pm, featuring an exclusive showcase of Texas‑crafted spirits from Garrison Brothers. Led by Ramon Chavez, this evening highlights a standout lineup that includes new releases, rare selections and the Purple Room’s own hand‑selected single barrel. 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!
- TASTE – On The Mark’s Food & Beverage Festival
Sat. Jan 17 from 12–5:30 pm at The SHAG House - One Man, Two Guvnors, presented by CVRep
Jan 14–Feb 1 - Eureka Day – presented by Dezart Performs
Jan 15–25 - I Do! I Do! – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jan 16–25 - Assassins – presented by Revolution Stage Company
Jan 16–31 - The Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas
Dec. 22–Jan. 25 at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Bourbon Tasting featuring the Garrison Brothers Distillery
Mon. Jan 19 from 6–8 pm at The Purple Room - Pops at the Plaza: Liz Callaway
Tue. Jan 20 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Camp Morning Wood – presented by Prism Theater
Jan 23–Mar 22 - The Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival
Sat. Jan 24 from 9 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park - Art Party 2026 – Bob Mackie
Sat. Jan 24 at 5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Rock the Park: Bruno & The Hooligans
Wed. Feb 4 at 7 pm at Downtown Park, Palm Springs - PS Gay Softball New Player Clinic & Tryouts
Sat. & Sun. Feb 7 & 8 at Demuth Park - The Chase 2026
Sat. Feb 21 from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Legends of Pop Festival: Madonna, Prince & Michael Jackson
Sat. Feb 28 at 6 pm at The Show
Hunny’s Restaurant & Bar is a women‑owned, family‑run Palm Springs original built on four generations of homestyle cooking. The menu leans into fresh‑baked pies and from‑scratch comfort classics, each dish served with big flavor and even bigger heart. Mondays turn into line‑dancing nights with lessons, great food, and plenty of fun. Hunny’s now brings its warm welcome to the former Grand Central space on La Plaza. Learn more
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 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 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
This Weekend: Modgirl heads to West Hollywood on Friday, January 16 at 9:30 pm with a Velour Fridays takeover at Roosterfish. She keeps the momentum going on Saturday, January 17 at 10 pm for Paradisco at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in Los Angeles, before shifting into daytime mode back home on Sunday, January 18 at 10 am with a bright, beat‑driven A.M. Stream at Café La Jefa in Palm Springs.
- Understanding Palm Springs’ Springs and Palms: History, Culture, and Climate Insight
- History of the Purple Room: Palm Springs’ Iconic Supper Club Reimagined
- CVRep’s One Man Two Guvnors Delivers Zany British Comedy
- Ultimate Indian Wells Weekend Guide: Resorts, Dining, Tennis, and Desert Leisure
- Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Explore in Cathedral City
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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.