A Race to the End! President Biden is working fast and furious to both burnish his image and protect our country as he leaves office.
In a wide-ranging interview with Lawrence O’Donnell, he got an opportunity to look back and talk about how he put policy over politics – likely to the detriment of getting credit for how much was accomplished.
Today, Biden pushed through the Equal Rights Amendment as ratified, and more actions are expected before Monday.
We are all nervous — many scared — about what’s ahead. I keep remembering the mantra to watch what “they” do, not what “they” say. The rhetoric has been extreme and upsetting to our LGBTQ community, and it will continue. Let’s see what exactly gets passed, challenged in court and is ultimately implemented.
The inauguration will feature The Village People, whose leader made some terrible remarks and threats on social media. His claim that “Y.M.C.A.” should not be a gay anthem and was never written with any known “gay” behavior in mind rings hollow. KGAY Program Director Chris Shebel made the decision to remove all songs by The Village People from the KGAY playlist. You can read the story and see the video as reported by our partners at the Coachella Valley Independent here.
Come Monday, there will be a new sheriff in town with the inmates running the asylum. Let’s circle the wagons and do our best to persevere. See you at The People’s Rally!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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People’s Rally Palm Springs
The People’s Rally Palm Springs, a political gathering scheduled for Saturday, January 18 from 10 am–12 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park, aims to unite individuals who believe in defending their rights and shaping their future. The event seeks to mobilize those who support bodily autonomy, access to education and healthcare, free speech, and a just economy. The organizers emphasize that this rally is about demonstrating the power of the people and inspiring continued resistance and change. More info
Varla Jean: The Errors Tour
Catch Varla Jean: The Errors Tour on Friday & Saturday, January 17 & 18, at 7 pm at Toucans. It was a Cruel Summer, but that can’t keep a good diva down! What does she do? She “Shakes it Off” and faster than you can say “Ticketmaster site crash,” Varla Jean has swiftly tailored The Errors Tour for her fans, The Mermies. Everyone’s favorite ditzy diva takes you through her catalogue of hilarious hits and egregious errors in a show jam-packed with classic bits, giant wigs, over-taxed costumes, and new songs. Get tickets
Yappy Hour & Donations for LA Fire Victims
Join Animal Samaritans and Boozehounds Palm Springs for Yappy Hour on Friday, January 17, from 4– 6 pm, where they will be collecting donations for Los Angeles fire victims. Bring supply donations and enjoy free Yappy Hour admission and delicious tacos from the Taco Bar. All monetary donations during the event will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society, supporting animals displaced by the fires. See our listing for specific supplies needed for both humans and pets. More info
Spring Awakening
Revolution Stage Company presents Spring Awakening from January 14–30. This groundbreaking rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, captures the turbulent journey of adolescence with unflinching honesty. Set in late 19th-century Germany, it tells the poignant story of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, societal expectations, and identity. With powerful performances and a haunting score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, featuring unforgettable songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Bitch of Living,” this production speaks to the heart of growing up. Get tickets
Fat Ham
Dezart Performs presents Fat Ham from January 17–26 at the Pearl McManus Theater. Fat Ham is about a Black, queer discovery of self, softness, and resilience. Your typical Southern family cookout just got anything but. Juicy gets a visit from his father’s ghost seeking revenge for his death by his brother – now married to his mother! Sound familiar? Get tickets
Legally Blonde The Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets
The Skivvies: ICONIQUE!
Internationally acclaimed undie-rock stars, The Skivvies, return to the Purple Room with ICONIQUE! on Friday & Saturday, January 17 & 18. Serving their outrageous comedy-pop, genre-hopping mashups, the show will also feature surprise special guests. Broadway’s Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley not only strip down musical arrangements to cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica, and drums, they also strip down to their undergarments as they sing and play. Expect big voices and big laughs. Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm. Get tickets
A Very Sordid Wedding
Palm Canyon Theatre presents A Very Sordid Wedding from January 17–26. It’s 2015, seventeen years after Sordid Lives and Peggy’s unfortunate death, after tripping over G.W.’s wooden legs, and life has now moved on for the residents of Winters, Texas. A Very Sordid Wedding explores the questions, bigotry and the fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it. Get tickets
Broadway’s Best in the West: Norm Lewis
Broadway’s Best in the West at the Palm Springs Cultural Center features Norm Lewis on Saturday, January 18 at 7 pm. A nominee for Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Awards, Lewis has recently starred in the national tour of “A Soldier’s Play” and the West End’s “Love Never Dies.” He has also appeared in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” the FX series “Pose,” and NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!” alongside John Legend. Upcoming in the Best in the West series: Stephanie J. Block (2/15) and Max Von Essen (3/15). Get tickets
Tina Turner Tribute at The Gardens
The Gardens on El Paseo 27th Annual Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, January 18 at 4 pm with Always Tina (Tina Turner Tribute), benefiting the Bianca Rae Foundation. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming benefit shows include: Huey Lewis Tribute (1/25), Billy Joel Tribute (2/1), Journey Tribute (2/8), Rolling Stones Tribute (2/15), John Stanley King Band (2/22), Jimmy Buffett Tribute (3/1), and Rod Stewart Tribute (3/8). Get tickets
The American Express® PGA WEST 2025
The American Express® PGA WEST 2025 takes place this weekend at La Quinta Country Club. The tournament features top golfers like Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Tom Kim. The evening entertainment will include standout performances by GRAMMY Award-winners Little Big Town on Friday, January 17 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees JOURNEY on Saturday, January 18. Fans can look forward to exceptional golf, unforgettable fan experiences and show-stopping entertainment. Get tickets
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
On Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, the McCallum Theatre presents Paul Anka, one of music’s most successful singer/songwriters, as he delivers his legendary hits at 8 pm. On Sunday, January 19, at 3 pm, celebrate the 80th birthday of renowned Brazilian singer/songwriter Ivan Lins with a tribute concert by the Pacific Jazz Orchestra. Get tickets
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Celebration
On Sunday, January 19, there will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Celebration at 2 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 47535 Highway 74 in Palm Desert. The theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.” More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 17
Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Country Dance Fridays: LAST FRIDAY NIGHT Beginner East Coast Swing with Lise Baadh | 7 pm at Step by Step (Moves to Saturdays starting Jan 25)
Saturday, January 18
Palm Springs Art Festival | 10 am–4 pm (Saturday & Sunday) at Francis Stevens Park
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 19: Transgender Health
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 19, Tomi Clinton of the Transgender Health and Wellness Center joins John and Dr. Corzano to talk about Transgender Health. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
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
Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Justin Timberlake’s “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” makes its highly anticipated stop at Acrisure Arena on Monday, January 20, at 7:30 pm. This tour, supporting his sixth studio album “Everything I Thought It Was,” marks Timberlake’s return to the stage after a five-year hiatus. With 102 shows across North America, Europe, and South America, the tour features standout performances on a floating stage and intimate sets with his band, the Tennessee Kids. Get tickets
Volunteers Needed for the 2025 Best Friends National Conference
Best Friends Animal Society is seeking dedicated volunteers for the 2025 Best Friends National Conference, taking place at the Palm Springs Convention Center from February 20–22. This crucial event aims to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by the end of 2025. Volunteers are needed for various roles from February 19–22, including team leaders and event day assistants. While working with people, not animals, volunteers will engage in tasks such as event setup, support during the conference, and closing activities. Shifts typically last 3-4 hours, and volunteers must be 18 or older. More info
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!
- Varla Jean – The Errors Tour
Thu., Fri., & Sat., Jan 16, 17, & 18 at Toucans - Spring Awakening, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Jan 15–30 - Fat Ham, presented by Dezart Performs
Jan 17–Jan 26 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Legally Blonde The Musical, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Jan 17–Feb 9 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - The Skivvies: ICONIQUE!
Fri. & Sat. Jan 17 & 18 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Paul Anka (Fri & Sat), Pacific Jazz Orchestra (Sun)
Jan 17–19 at the McCallum Theatre - Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Mon. Jan 20 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - Tour of Norway – Meet Patrick Evans
Wed. Jan 22 from 5:30–7 pm at Frank’s Hideout - The Light in the Piazza, presented by CVRep
Jan 22–Feb 2 - Southwest Arts Festival
Jan 23–26 at Empire Polo Grounds, Indio - 5th Annual Desert Open Studios Tour
Fri.–Sun., Jan 24–25 at various studios throughout the valley - Tru, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Jan 24–Feb 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival
Sat. Jan 25 from 8 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park - Illusionist Rick Thomas – Mansion of Dreams
Mon. Jan 27 at the McCallum Theatre - Lunar New Year
Wed. Jan 29 from 5–8 pm at Hotel Zoso - PS Test Fest Cocktail Party & Silent Auction
Thu. Feb 6 at 5:30 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge - 27th Annual Tour de Palm Springs
Feb 7 & 8 in downtown Palm Springs - Modernism Week – 20th Anniversary
Feb 13–23 - Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Mar 7–10 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza - Fashion Week El Paseo
Mar 14–19 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Red Dress Dress Red Party
Sat. Mar 15 from 8 pm–Midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Palm Desert Food & Wine
Mar 20–23 at The Gardens on El Paseo
Step into the recently opened Hall Wines Tasting Room, nestled in the heart of Palm Springs. Located in the chic Thompson Hotel, this tasting room offers a sophisticated wine-tasting experience. Guests can enjoy wine flights, sip wine by the glass, explore bottle service, and savor paired food bites designed to enhance each wine’s unique flavor profile. Learn more
Natural Retreats Vacation Homes offers luxury vacation homes that promise an unforgettable stay. Ideal for homeowners looking to market their property for luxury renters, each home tells a unique story through creative artwork and furnishings, complementing distinctive architecture and design. Many homes are situated on gated, landscaped grounds within walking distance of downtown areas. Each property features a swimming pool with resort-style lounge furniture, and some grand estates are spacious enough to host weddings. Learn more
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 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 106.5 online
KGAY Wants to Hear From YOU!
As a KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 listener, you’re probably aware that we’ve been working hard to stay ahead of rapid changes in the radio and technology landscape. Our goal is to continue to provide great content the way that you want it on the platforms you use most often, so we’re inviting you to share your opinions about technology in our annual survey. Tell us how you use the radio, along with social media, smartphones, tablets, streaming and the web to stay connected to entertainment, news, and updates from KGAY and other sources. We hope you’ll find it to be an interesting way to reflect on your own changing habits as a KGAY fan and radio listener! Take the survey
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- White Party Palm Springs Takes a Break for 2025
- Legendary Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger Serve Up Hope Amid Fire Crisis
- From Teacher to Trailblazer: Comedian Mina Hartong Filming Palm Springs Special
- 20 Must-Try International Restaurants in Palm Springs and Beyond
- Lola Rose Grand Mezze Executive Chef Dishes on New Restaurant, Growing Up in the Desert
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 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, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
