She was only one hour and 19 minutes “late”, but Madonna brought a fierce show to Acrisure Arena on Wednesday night. It was an event that brought so many of us together for a shared experience unlike any other I’ve seen. Likely only this weekend’s Red Dress/Dress Red Party is a close second for doing so.
Yes, tickets prices were outrageoously high, and that’s a barrier to entry. But many found enough change in their proverbial couch cushions to buy a ticket and see Madge. Our DJ Modgirl has bragging rights that she “opened” for Madonna – albeit outside. It was fun to wander around the venue to see how people dressed up. I donned my “Say KGAY” shirt. Whether you loved the show or just liked it (me), it was one of the mostly highly produced shows I’ve seen.
And I’ll forgive her for comparing us to Little Rock, and thinking we were a bit low key and needed to bone up on her catalog. She’s used to nearly 10 times the audience at some of her shows. This was likely the most intimate space she played on the tour. She just didn’t ‘get’ us. But we got her!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Q+ Art Initiative Kickoff
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents Q+ Art, a major new initiative that centers on the work of artists who identify as LGBTQ+ and combines exhibitions, public programs, collection-building, and awards. This Saturday, March 16 from 1–7 pm is a day-long Q+ Art Kickoff, featuring an LGBTQ+ Art History lecture at 1 pm, The Q Word panel at 2 pm, Distinguished Keynote Award for Kent Monkman at 3:30 pm, a Soundscape Performance by Jeshua at 4:30 pm, and the opening of the exhibition To Move Toward the Limits of Living at 5:30 pm. Q+ Art not only supports the creative endeavors of LGBTQ+ identified artists, but also presents their often-untold critical histories. Get tickets
Red Dress/Dress Red Party
Are You RED-y? The biggest party in Palm Springs, Red Dress/Dress Red is Saturday, March 16 from 8 pm–Midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This SOLD OUT night of community, fun, and fantasy benefits The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert, where revelers come dressed to impress and dance the night away. Guests will be in everything from red top hat and tails to red sequin and feathers and everything in between. Stop by V Wine Lounge between 5–8 pm for the Red Dress Pre-Party to show off your fabulous fashions and start the fun early! More info
Fashion Week El Paseo
Celebrate 17 years of style at the West Coast’s largest consumer fashion show, Fashion Week El Paseo, starting Friday, March 15 and running through Thursday, March 21 at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Presented by Agua Caliente Casinos and produced by Palm Springs Life, Fashion Week is a celebration of creativity and innovation, bringing together fashion, culture, and art. This world-class event provides an inspiring, immersive fashion experience and features cocktail receptions, pop-up shops, celebrity meet-and-greets, and much more. Experience up close the exceptional design talent from internationally known as well as emerging designers. Get tickets
BNP Paribas Open
The 2024 BNP Paribas Open is down to the Semi Finals and Finals matches this weekend at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Friday is the Women’s Semi Final and Men’s Doubles Final. Saturday is Men’s Semi Finals and Women’s Doubles Final, and on Sunday it’s time to crown this year’s champions in both the Women’s and Men’s Singles Finals. There is also daily live entertainment, top-shelf retail stores and luxurious dining options throughout the venue [Explore the full lineup of on-site activities]. With 20 easily accessible practice courts, the opportunities are endless to encounter tennis’ hottest rising stars and most legendary icons as they prepare to take center stage! Get tickets
Up Your Alley – Bowling for Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Cheeky Charity and Let’s Kick Ass present Up Your Alley Bowling on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, May 17 from 12–2 pm at Palm Springs Lanes in Cathedral City. This fun bowling event promotes awareness and provides an opportunity to learn more about colorectal cancer screening and prevention. In addition to bowling, there’s a photo booth and silly prizes for how good (or bad) you are. Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights from March 16–April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns, hand crafted by artisans; Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Also: don’t miss the opportunity to light up your taste buds with specialty Asian-inspired dishes, American-style family favorites, and wonderfully wild themed cocktails. Adult Only nights are March 21 (Glow with Pride Night – KGAY will be Out and About, see event listing for all the details!), and April 11. Get tickets
Ellie
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Ellie, a new play by Bruce Bonafede, playing Friday–Sunday, March 8–10 & 15–17 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Brothers Richard and Warren are grieving the death of one of their wives. Their mourning sparks a confrontation that lays bare their life-long love/hate relationship and changes their lives forever. Bonafede, an award-winning, Desert-based playwright, wrote this piece specifically for DET company member Richard Marlow. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, A.T.C.A., says “the play thunders down the track to what can be the only truly befitting end…each turn of direction the plot takes feels right and, even more importantly, natural.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
Mid-Century Moderns, the hit jukebox musical comedy, is at Revolution Stage Company with performances every Friday and Sunday at 7 pm, every weekend through April 7, with an extra performance on Saturday, March 30. The pop hits of the 1960s come to life as a Wisconsin widow is transformed from frump to fabulous when she finds herself in an exciting new world in 1966 Palm Springs. Get tickets
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
CVRep presents POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, playing Wednesdays through Sundays, February 28–March 17. This side-splitting comedy applauds the women who somehow manage to keep things running in, and out, of the presidential Oval Office. Join CVRep for this hysterical Tony Award nominated comedy and start off the election year with a smile. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, A.T.C.A., says POTUS “…is an over-the-top farce…the language may be coarse, the laughs are plentiful.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Sweeney Todd
Palm Canyon Theatre Presents Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, playing Thursdays through Sundays, March 8–24. An unjustly exiled barber returns to nineteenth century London, seeking revenge against the judge who framed him. Renaming himself Sweeney Todd, the now mad man vows revenge, applying his razor to unlucky customers and shuttling the bodies down to Mrs. Lovett’s meat shop. Though many fall to his blade, Todd will not be satisfied until he slits the judge’s throat. Get tickets
This Weekend at The McCallum Theatre
- Pink Martini / Featuring China Forbes With Special Guest Meow Meow / Friday, March 15 @ 8 pm / Saturday, March 16 @ 2 pm & 8 pm / Sunday, March 17 @ 7 pm
- See the full March 2024 schedule on our event listing
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, playing Thursdays–Sundays, March 1–24. With tickets selling like hotcakes, they’ve added two performances: Wednesday, March 20 at 7:30 pm and a matinee performance on Saturday, March 23 at 2 pm! From the string of pop classics Carole King wrote for the biggest acts in music, to her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began—and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and Natural Woman,” this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember—and the story you’ll never forget. Get tickets
The Woman in the Mirror
Revolution Stage Company presents the California premiere of The Woman in the Mirror, a dark comedy about navigating Alzheimer’s with love, laughter, and wine, playing Tuesdays through Sundays, March 10–31. The play is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. Steele takes audiences on an inspirational journey filled with laughter, wit, and the resilience required when facing extraordinary and unexpected circumstances. Get tickets
Lesbian Hikes
Each week Kim Kieler leads a variety of hikes for Lesbians in the Greater Palm Springs area. She does a moderate hike on Saturdays and Tuesdays, with an easy hike/walk on Mondays, and every week she walks at the Prescott Preserve at 8 am on Wednesdays and Fridays. See our event listing for links to sign up and get the weekly newsletter with each week’s schedule sent out on Sunday afternoons. More info
Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch at Hunters
Hunters Nightclub presents a Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch with Jennifer McClain on Sunday, March 17 at 11 am. Get ready to enjoy delicious food, great music, and a lively atmosphere to celebrate the holiday in style. More info
Sound & Vision Art Exhibition
MAD.KAT Gallery presents Sound & Vision, an art exhibition of musicians who are also visual artists, from March 16–April 21, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, March 16 from 5–9 pm. This assemblage of 15 diverse musical artists, most recognizably Joan Baez, also represents a wide range of visual art mediums and styles. Since retiring from active performing, Joan has been able to focus her talents in the visual arts on painting and drawing, creating art with a social conscience. See the full list of artists/musicians on our event page: More info
Joey Fatone & AJ McLean: A Legendary Night
The Show at Agua Calient Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Joey Fatone & AJ McLean: A Legendary Night on Saturday, March 16 at 8 pm. Fatone and McLean, former members of *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, respectively, have successful careers beyond their boy band days. Fatone is an actor, host, Broadway star, and voiceover artist, while McLean is a multiple award-winning and Grammy-nominated pop singer. Get tickets
Richard M Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians presents the Richard M Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run on Saturday, March 16 from 6:30 am–Noon at Indian Canyons. Whether hiking is used for a corporate function, employee appreciation, or family fun, hikes will begin at about 7:30 am. Shuttles will take hikers from the parking area to the designated hike start location, for a celebration at the finish around 10:45 am. Presented in partnership with UCLA Native Nations Law & Policy Center for proceeds to benefit the Richard M Milanovich Educational Fellowship. Get tickets
Fashion Week Event: Peach Fuzz Buzz
Join Van Zaig Gallery in Palm Desert for Peach Fuzz Buzz on Saturday, March 16 from 4–6 pm to celebrate the color of the year during Fashion Week! Enjoy bubbles, nibbles, and the work of artists Cheryl Barnett, Andrée B. Carter, Sandra R. Escobar, Shelley Heffler, Adrienne Kinsella, Susan Van Zaig, and Gina Word. More info
Dave Damian Sings Sinatra with the CV Symphony
The Coachella Valley Symphony presents Celebrating Sinatra and the City of Rancho Mirage at their performance home, the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, on Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 pm. As part of the city’s 50th anniversary celebration, CV Symphony and Dave Damiani will celebrate the City by performing some select Sinatra. Free event, registration required. Get tickets
Maggie Magalita Touring Production
Green Room Theatre Company (GRTC) presents Maggie Magalita by Wendy Kesselman at various locations in the Coachella Valley, including this Friday, March 15 at 6 pm and Saturday, March 16 at 2 pm at Joslyn Center in Palm Desert. Have you ever felt different? Isolated? Doing what you can to fit in, even if it meant denying a part of who you are? Get ready for this moving, bilingual drama about bullying, family and Hispanic heritage. Get tickets
Screwball Sundays: The Awful Truth
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents another season of Screwball Sundays, filled with the wacky plots, witty dialogue, and zany characters of the great screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age, featuring live introductions, Q&As with the Film Society of Screwball Comedy, and special appearances by world renowned authors and film scholars. On Sunday, March 17 at 3 pm, the film will be The Awful Truth (1937) starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. Get tickets
LA Leather Pride – Dark Angel: Seduction
LA Leather Pride takes place March 17–24 with this year’s theme “’Dark Angel: Seduction.” This week-long series of events dedicated to promotion and celebration of the leather and fetish community leads up to the Mr. Los Angeles Leather Contest which is now in its 24th year. Thanks to generous sponsors & supporters, LALC was able to make record level contributions to the Charity Partners for 2023 at its summer Southland Honors event. More info
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concert Series: Molly Gebrian & Danny Holt
The 10th Anniversary season of the Desert Hot Springs Classical Concert Series continues with Molly Gebrian (viola) and Danny Holt (piano) on Sunday, March 17 at 4 pm at Grace Church. Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist and scholar with expertise in applying learning and memory research to music practice, performance, and language intersections. Danny Holt, pianist, is known as a “phenomenal” and a “local hero” of Los Angeles, performing globally with a diverse recording catalog. Free event, donations appreciated. 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
The Center Women’s Social – RSVP by Friday
The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert’s monthly Women’s Social is on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30–7 pm. This month’s Social will be held at a private residence in Palm Springs. Special thanks to Valerie Milano with The Hollywood Times for hosting, as well as Desert Legends Palm Springs. Libations will be courtesy of Leslie Barclay. **RSVP to Roman@thecentercv.org by Friday, March 15 (the address will be emailed prior to the event). More info
Spring 2024 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our NEW Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY 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 new edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
You can WIN tickets courtesy of KGAY 106.5/92.1 for the Greater Palm Springs Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam, on Saturday, April 6 at Acrisure Arena [tickets and info]. Come see Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Exposé, Lisette Melendez, Noel, Connie, Pretty Poison, Nocera and more. Enter to Win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page!
An unjustly exiled barber returns to nineteenth century London, seeking revenge against the judge who framed him, in Sweeney Todd, the new production from Palm Canyon Theatre [tickets and info]. KGAY 106.5/92.1 wants you to WIN tickets to this musical thriller! Enter to Win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page!
The KGAY 106.5 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 DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM presents ☘️ Playin’ of the Green: Green songs and artists for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend! ☘️ And all month it’s a salute to Women’s History Month with Two @10, featuring two songs back-to-back by an influential female artist at 10 am and 10 pm, every day in March. 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Q+ Art Initiative Kickoff
Sat. Mar 16 from 1–7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K
Sat. Mar 16 from 6:30 am–12 pm at Indian Canyons - Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Mar 8–24 - POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, presented by CVRep
Feb 28–Mar 10 - Mid-Century Moderns: A New Musical, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Fridays & Sundays (plus select Saturdays) through Apr 7 - Ellie, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Mar. 8–17 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
Tuesdays through April 9 from 5–7 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Glow with Pride Night at Glow in the Park
Thu. Mar 21 from 6:30–10 pm at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - 2024 Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament
Mar 20–24 at the Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena - It’s a Wonderful World, presented by the Desert Winds Freedom Band
Sat. & Sun., Mar 23 & 24 at the Jewish Community Center - Chadwick Johnson: Soul Provider
Sat. Mar 23 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Sage and Friends Palm Springs
Sun. Mar 24 from 11 am–1 pm at Living Out Palm Springs - White Party Palm Springs
Mar. 29–31 at The Saguaro Palm Springs - The Chase: The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2024
Sat. Mar 30 from 5:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Nice Work If You Can Get It, presented by CVRep
Apr. 10–21 - World Art Day Festival
Sat. Apr 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park
- Red Dress Dress Red – What You Need to Know
- True Stories: The American Documentary and Animation Film Festival Is Bringing an International Slate of Movies to the Palm Springs Cultural Center
- ELLIE – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh, A.T.C.A.
- Love and Loss: DET’s World-Premiere Production of ‘Ellie’ Is a Powerful Exploration of Toxic Brotherhood
- Goldenvoice to Launch a Wavey New Daytime Party Series During Coachella 2024: See the Lineups
Enjoy a cool spa vibe at Men’s Grooming Spot, while experiencing men’s massage, skincare, hair, waxing, and men’s nails. Men’s Grooming Spot was created for men to relax, recoup, renew, and just be; there’s something special about feeling pampered, something powerful about giving yourself attention. Let them send you on your way into life—focused and maybe even just a little spoiled, and save $25 with our HOT DEAL when you get a $100 gift card for just $75! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge, Desert Zen Day Spa, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, and more! See All Deals
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 2023-24 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 DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.