“Tenderful” is a new word I learned Thursday at the Senior Inspiration Awards. It means you’re ten times wonderful – “one” derful…
The word came from honoree Father Charlie Ara, a man of the cloth who had performed weddings at the Playboy Mansion and at the Vatican. His story of community service – and that of others who give their time – was a reminder to me of how life can continue to have purpose after retirement.
Or, like Palm Springs Honoree Lynn Hammond, you can turn your vocation into one that helps non-profits. She donates her catering services to charities so that they have more revenue for services. (Can you say “cheese puff”??) And in between, she volunteers at many LGBTQ+ organizations. She’s a true ally, and a good friend. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein presented her award.
I always make it a point to thank volunteers when attending the many events and activities at which they serve. Whether young or old, volunteers usually have a “why” to go along with their presence. Ask them, and they may tell you a “tenderful” story.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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White Party Palm Springs
White Party Global presents White Party Palm Springs this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 29, 30, & 31 and the celebration goes on, rain or shine! When have we ever let a little rain stop us from a party? To paraphrase Gaga and Ari, “We’d rather be dry, but at least we’re alive!” Headliner Ava Max will be on stage at Sunday’s T-Dance at the Convention Center, plus there are parties at host hotel The Saguaro and Margaritaville Resort with hot bodies modeling swimwear from THK Male and lots of Beatbox beverages to keep you refreshed. KGAY will be broadcasting live from the Sunday afternoon festivities, and we can’t dish the dirt here, but there will be surprises at the T-Dance! See our event listing for the times/locations all White Party events: Get tickets
Trans Pride 2024 – Empower and Employ
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center presents Trans Pride 2024 “Empower and Employ” on Saturday, March 30 from 11 am–4 pm, at the Palm Springs Pavilion (moved indoors due to weather conditions, it was previously scheduled for Frances Stevens Park). Come and connect with like-minded individuals, discover resources, and learn from inspiring speakers. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities or simply want to show your support, this in-person event is the perfect place to be. Come together, celebrate diversity, and create a more inclusive future for your community [More info]. Sunday, March 31 is the International Trans Day of Visibility and HRC.org has a page with more information and resources [here].
Melissa Etheridge – I’m Not Broken Tour
Grammy Award-winning rockstar and activist Melissa Etheridge will bring her I’m Not Broken Tour to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, March 30 at 8 pm. Need we say more? Melissa Etheridge is not only a rock music icon, but an LGBTQ trailblazer. Don’t miss this chance to see her perform live. Get tickets
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Humanitarians of all stripes are in for an electrifying evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 30 as DAP Health presents the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase). DAP is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a performance from internationally heralded solid gold hitmaker Barry Manilow. The evening pays tribute to DAP Health’s long legacy of protecting and expanding health care access for the most vulnerable, and recognizes nine honorees who represent every community member who has helped fulfill DAP Health’s mission. See our event listing for honorees and more details: More info
Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender day of Visibility comes to the Eastern Coachella Valley on Saturday, March 30 from 12–4 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert in Coachella. This year, it is brought to you by the newly formed Transgender Resource, Advocacy and Network Service in partnership with original host organization, Trans Community Project. More info
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree will take place in a private home on Friday, March 29 from 6–8 pm, capping off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Enjoy an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres (catered by the culinary wizard Andy Church), entertainment (including a live body painting exhibit, drag shows) as well as a butt-centric silent auction with art by Aaron Jay Young, Tysen Knight, and more. The evening will be hosted by Alexander Rodriguez and funds raised will go towards colorectal and anal cancer research, awareness & helping people who are at high-risk but without insurance to obtain free or subsidized screenings. Get tickets
KGAY & The Coachella Valley Firebirds
Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Firebirds for clinching their spot in the American Hockey League playoffs, we are looking forward to KGAY Night at the Firebirds on Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm! Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on the plaza with music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy; enjoy $5 beers, cheer on the Firebirds against the Ontario Reign and watch KGAY’s John Taylor and your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr ride the Zamboni machine! Get your discounted tickets today with our exclusive KGAY Night offer: Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through 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. Note: Another Adults-Only night is Thursday, April 11. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Mean Girls the Musical – Friday–Sunday, March 29–31
- Lang Lang | Wed. Apr 3
- Kathy Griffin – My Life on the PTSD-List | Thu. Apr 4
- The Four Phantoms | Sat. Apr 6
- Andrew Evans – Travel: A Bridge to Enlightenment | Sun. Apr 7
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
Karen Mason at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Karen Mason: Kander & Ebb And All That Jazz on Friday and Saturday, March 29 & 30 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). As one of the original stars of the off-Broadway production of And The World Goes ‘Round, Mason has a personal connection to these legends and their music. A night of unforgettable stories, laughter, and music, Including “Ring Them Bells,” “My Coloring Book,” and “Go Back Home.” Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, March 29
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–2 pm at Rancho Mirage Community Park
Broadway and Beyond: Kevin Chamberlin in Conversation with Corey Roskin | 6 pm at Mizell Center (5:30 reception)
Maggie Magalita touring production | 6 pm at Coachella Library
Country Dance Fridays | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch
The Secret Garden Immersive Musical Production | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum (Plus: March 30, 31)
Saturday, March 30
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Maggie Magalita touring production | 1 pm & 6 pm at Coachella Library
Sunday, March 31
Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Hwy 111 and El Paseo
Screwball Sundays: Harvey | 3 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Woman in the Mirror
I highly recommend this show at Revolution Stage Company, as I have a parent dealing with dementia. And while confronting, Dayna Steele’s The Woman in the Mirror, is brilliantly produced and moving. It’s about navigating Alzheimer’s with love, laughter, and wine, playing through Sunday, March 31. The play is adapted from Steele’s best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. Get tickets
Parts of Pippi: A Bawdy Benefit
Join Pippi Lovestocking for her triumphant return to the stage on Saturday, March 30 (reception at 6 pm, show at 7 pm) at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Hosted by Peaches Christ with special guests, including a comedy set by Pippi, this event is a fundraiser for the upcoming documentary film, Parts of Pippi, about the life of Pippi Lovestocking. This event Includes a rare screening of Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story, whose directors, Sean Mullens and Deena Davenport, will also be in attendance. Get tickets
Plunge Pool Party – POSTPONED
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents Plunge on Saturday, March 30 from 12–5 pm at CCBC Resort. Note: This event has been postponed due to weather concerns. The world-famous pool party will be back at a later date, stay tuned for updates!
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, ongoing 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
Streetbar Easter Bonnet Contest
Streetbar presents their Annual Easter Bonnet Contest on Easter Sunday, March 31 at 2:30 pm. This beloved tradition invites participants to showcase their creativity and style through the art of Easter bonnets. Put on your Easter Sunday best and enter your bonnet to win prizes! More info
Easter Sunday at JW Marriott Desert Springs
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – Palm Desert’s largest resort – is offering a family-friendly Easter Brunch at Rockwood Grill between from 10 am–5:30 pm on Easter Sunday, March 31. Reservations are required and the menu features specialty stations from Waffle & Pancake Art to Hand Crafted Sushi and a Benedict Station. Entrees include Seared Barramundi, Pork Osso Bucco and Potato Crust Quiche. More info
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LOOKING AHEAD
Faux Fur Ball Online Auction Now Open
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter presents their (SOLD OUT) Faux Fur Ball 2024 on Saturday, April 6 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This “Black And White Affair” raises critical funds for the Shelter. This year will feature an extended reception time, shorter program, entertainment and a cap of 500 attendees, so they sold out fast! You may, however, bid on some incredible auction items, whether you’re able to attend or not. Check out their e-catalog, open for pre-bidding until 12 noon on Friday, April 5.
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 latest 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
On Saturday, April 6 get ready to laugh your socks off with the one and only Fortune Feimster at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage [Get tickets]. This stand-up sensation is everywhere – from your radio to the big screen and everything in between! Catch her hilarious one-hour special, Sweet & Salty on Netflix, nominated for Best Comedy Special at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and Enter to Win Tickets on the KGAY Contest Page
You can WIN TICKETS to KGAY Night at the Coachella Valley Firebirds, on Wednesday, April 10 when the Firebirds take on the Ontario Reign. Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on The Plaza with live music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy, $5 Beer Night, giveaways and more! Puck drop is 7 pm. Get tickets or Enter to Win on the KGAY 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 is giving away tickets to Jeff Lynn’s ELO, about to embark on their final tour dubbed “The Over and Out Tour,” kicking off right here in the Coachella Valley on Saturday, August 24 at Acrisure Arena [More info]. Known as one of the most iconic forces in music history, in recent years Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a critically acclaimed and chart-topping album along with a sold out run of UK and European shows. Enter to win on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
103.1 MeTV FM presents 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 including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 weekdays from 10–3 pm! Listen online
- White Party Palm Springs
Mar. 29–31 Various Locations Palm Springs - Karen Mason: Kander & Ebb and All That Jazz
Fri. & Sat. Mar 29 & 30 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Mean Girls the Musical
Fri.–Sun., Mar 29–31 at the McCallum Theatre - The Chase: The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2024
Sat. Mar 30 from 5:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Trans Pride 2024 “Empower and Employ”
Sat. Mar 30 from 11 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park - Mid-Century Moderns: A New Musical, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Fridays & Sundays (plus select Saturdays) through Apr 7 - Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
Tuesdays through April 9 from 5–7 pm at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Rock the Park: The Garth Guy Show Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute
Wed. Apr 3 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park - The Pink Ball feat. Margaret Cho
Sat. Apr 6 from 6–9 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs - Fortune Feimster: Live Laugh Love Comedy Tour
Sat. Apr 6 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - KGAY Night at Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wed. Apr 10 from 5:30–9 pm at Acrisure Arena - 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
Welcome New Partner!
Thompson Palm Springs, the much-anticipated new luxury hotel in the Design District opening later this summer, is taking shape. Your author had a hardhat tour this week, and saw the progress firsthand! This chic urban oasis will offer unique rooms, suites with private pools, and unrivaled amenities—available to locals and visitors alike—including a signature restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine helmed by an award-winning chef, two large outdoor pool venues, and over 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space. Learn more
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V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar offers a large selection of California boutique and old world wines by the glass, throwback cocktails, craft beers and cheese plates in their beautiful mid-century lounge. With our HOT DEAL you can save 30% and get a $50 gift certificate for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Thai Smile, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Monster Shakes, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, Desert Zen Day Spa, 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.