We named her “Daisy”, an adorable Jack Russell Terrier puppy that I procured as a surprise Christmas present for my then partner, Tom, in 2006. Daisy had a famous mom – Nicole Kidman – who is being honored tonight at the Palm Springs International Film Festival with the Star Award for Babygirl. Here’s my “brush with greatness” story.
Daisy, pictured on the left, was procured by Kidman along with the other puppy in 2006. Kidman got the pups from my friend, Hollywood-breeder-to-the-stars Aaron. He knew I already had “Nipper”, a Jack Russell terror that my ex had gotten me as a surprise Christmas present just a few years earlier and was in the market for another.
Nipper, my ex, Tom, and I all lived a wonderful life in Chicago in those days. But the west coast was calling for a career opportunity in radio, and I moved to Hollywood in 2005 without them. Nipper became joint custody.
Nicole and Keith married in June, 2006, according to PEOPLE. The two puppies pictured were soon added to the household. But four months after the wedding, Nicole staged an intervention for Urban, who went to rehab. The puppies came back to the Aaron. He knew I missed having Nipper full time, and called me to come take a look. It was love – doggie style – at first sight.
I surprised Tom with Daisy that Christmas when he flew into the Burbank Airport with Nipper. The two dogs became fast friends, and grew up mostly together before Tom and I split in 2007. Daisy went back to Chicago and stayed with him for a long life that spanned some 13 years. Nipper lived to be nearly that old, but the two rarely saw each other after the breakup.
The photo of Kidman and her puppies was given to me by Aaron, and I’ve had it tucked away in a chest drawer full of memories. When I read about Kidman coming to the Film Festival, I thought about trying to show her the photo and let her know what a good life that dog had. She probably wouldn’t remember, but I do…and the now the story is told.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 is underway from January 2–13 at multiple theaters across the valley. The festival features over 160 films from more than 70 countries; it’s a fantastic way to experience a diverse range of films from around the world, connect with filmmakers and stars, and immerse yourself in the year’s top offerings! Browse the Festival’s Film/Event Finder to filter by LGBTQ, Gay, and Lesbian titles (and many more). [Get tickets].
The super-glam Palm Springs International Film Awards takes place on Friday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This star-studded event will honor outstanding achievements in film, with awards going to actors such as Ariana Grande, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini and Angelina Jolie, among others. More info
For special live coverage of red carpet arrivals at the film awards, tune to News Channel 3 between 5–6:30 pm for updates and a full half-hour special “Live from the Red Carpet” airing from 5:30–6 pm on Friday, January 3. Learn more
Aaron Tveit
Aaron Tveit performs at the McCallum Theatre on Saturday, January 4 at 8 pm. Tveit, the Tony Award-winning star of Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway, is known for his exceptional talent in theatre, television, and film, gained widespread recognition for originating roles on Broadway, such as Gabe in Next to Normal and Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can. His film credits include playing Enjolras in the movie adaptation of Les Misérables and Danny Zuko in Grease Live! Get tickets
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Watch Party
Get ready for an electrifying night as RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 premieres on Friday, January 3! Head to one eleven bar at 7:30 pm for a fabulous watch party hosted by the incomparable Norma Lee High. The excitement continues every Friday throughout the season, so don’t miss a single episode and join the fun with fellow fans in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Vanity’s DollHaus follows at 9 pm. More info
Palm Springs Vintage Market
The Palm Springs Vintage Market continues its grand return to downtown Palm Springs in its twelfth season this Sunday, January 5 from 7 am–2 pm. As Southern California’s premier destination for vintage finds and retro treasures, this vibrant market attracts locals, visitors, and design aficionados. Open the first Sunday of the month from October through May, the market’s new location is adjacent to the downtown casino. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 3
Country Dance Fridays: American Kids Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
LOOKING AHEAD
DBA’s $25 for 2025 Celebration
Celebrate the New Year with the Desert Business Association’s $25 for 2025 Celebration on Monday, January 6 from 5–8 pm at Boozehounds. For just $25, DBA members and guests can toast to 2025 while honoring the resilience, innovation, and leadership of LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses that uplift the community. Enjoy a delicious Boozehounds Taco Bar and some local entertainment as we foster economic inclusion and celebrate the future together. Get tickets
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!
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!
- 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13 - Aaron Tveit
Sat. Jan 4 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Rock the Park: Led Zepagain, a Led Zeppelin Tribute Band
Wed. Jan 8 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Tonight’s The Night – The Rod Stewart Hybrid Tribute Band
Thu. Jan 9 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - From Resilience to Action
Mon. Jan 13 from 5–6:30 pm, at Palm Springs Pavilion - Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Mon. Jan 20 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - Southwest Arts Festival
Jan 25–28 at Empire Polo Grounds, Indio - Modernism Week – 20th Anniversary
Feb 13–23 - Fashion Week El Paseo
Mar 14–19 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Palm Desert Food & Wine
Mar 20–23 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Tour Norway with Patrick Evans
Jul 25–Aug 2 Collette Travel
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 invites you to enter to WIN TICKETS to Pride Night with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, taking place Saturday, January 11 at Acrisure Arena [More info]. This 3rd-Annual Pride Night, presented by Silvercrest, will feature a Pride Blanket Giveaway and the team will be wearing specialty Pride jerseys! ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Don’t miss your chance to win tickets to FAT HAM, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! Dezart Performs presents this 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning and five-time Tony-nominated dramatic comedy by James Ijames, running from January 17–26 [More info]. This reinvention of Shakespeare’s Hamlet takes place at an uproarious family barbecue, delving into themes of love, loss, pain, and joy. FAT HAM explores Black, queer self-discovery and resilience, with a supernatural twist. ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
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 DJ’s took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
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
Get ready to rock with The Desert Symphony Presents Tonight’s The Night! 103.1 MeTV FM is giving away tickets to see the ultimate Rod Stewart Hybrid Tribute Band at the McCallum Theatre on Thursday, January 9 at 8 pm. Featuring Rob Caudill, who delivers a dead-on performance with the look, voice, and moves of Rod Stewart, along with legendary drummer Carmine Appice and Rod Stewart’s former sax player Katja Rieckermann, this live tribute band recreates the sound, excitement, and fun of a real Rod Stewart concert. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
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.