I love the new touches that Palm Canyon Theatre is putting on an old chestnut – “Sordid Lives” starts tonight with new audience participation elements. Read about it below.
On the big screen, it’s the last weekend of Cinema Diverse. I am giving a shoutout to Andrea Myerson, whose film, “This Is Jessica” screens Saturday night. I’ve known Andrea from the LA days and her stellar work where she has been featured at Outfest. This film about a Mormon boy who knew she was a girl. As described, “This is the story of a woman faced with an impossible choice between the life into which she was born, and the one she was born to live.”Listen Monday to me and John Taylor on the morning show when I’ll have a little dirt on Tammy Fae Baker’s life in the desert. And be sure to check out KGAY’s Facebook page for your chance to win Gladys Knight tickets.
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Listen to my weekly updates on Monday and Fridays on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs and the John Taylor morning show.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Cinema Diverse Continues
The 14th Anniversary Edition of Cinema Diverse, The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, is taking place now through Thursday, September 30, both in-theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (PSCC) and streaming. Cinema Diverse is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community through the establishment of a world-class film festival that presents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema from around the world. For example, there’s the short film Sheer Qorma, a tale of love and acceptance told through characters that are queer, Muslim women and non-binary individuals of color. It is the first ever Indian film to have a non-binary protagonist, and it’s available to stream at home, through Cinema Diverse [here].
Of course there’s an abundance of excellent films showing on the big screen as well, and the PSCC is committed to making it a safe experience with masking and vaccination requirements. Check out some of these recommendations: On Friday, September 24 at 2:45 p.m. it’s Terfslurred, exploring the misogyny of transgender identity politics and the intellectual fights fomenting from claims to “true womanhood.” On Saturday, September 25 at 2:45 p.m., When the Dawn Comes is the story of Chi Chia-wei, an 80s activist who gave away condoms while dressing as Snow White, Jesus, or the Mummy to spread awareness and understanding of AIDS. Then at 5:00 p.m., Baloney is the surprising story of the titular San Francisco’s beloved All-Gay Male Revue that invites the audience to embrace the sexualized aspects of striptease and burlesque. Sunday, September 26 at 2:30 p.m., The Mirror Will Take Us Home features Baltimore singer Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon contemplating what it means to feel at home in a journey that chronicles his life growing up gay in a conservative Christian family. And at 5:15 p.m., Once a Fury, a documentary profiling former members of the Furies (not to be confused with “furries”), a notorious 1970s lesbian separatist collective that published a national newspaper and planned to seize state power.
On Friday, September 24 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. there’s a special Artist Meet ‘n’ Greet with photographer Terry Hastings, whose show “Palm Springs Pool Party” is on display upstairs in the PSCC VIP Lounge. Hastings will also be on hand for a Q&A following the 7:30 p.m. screening of Being Bebe, which chronicles the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race; Terry was involved in the making of the film. Follow our link for schedule, tickets and passes! More info
Sordid Lives at Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Del Shore’s black comedy about white trash, Palm Springs favorite Sordid Lives, from Friday, September 24 through Sunday, October 3. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas. Since PCT is now doing Sordid Lives for the 8th time, they are shaking things up by making it audience participation. The audience will be encouraged to wear a wig cap, when Brother Boy does, and pop “pills” when Dr. Eve does. This play is already a blast…and now this will really make it fun and a different experience—even for those who have seen it 8+ times! Get tickets
Time to Write Your Memoir with Ronni Sanlo
Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D will share her four-module one-day method for writing your memoir on Saturday, September 25 from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have you often said you want to write your memoir, but people, work and events simply take up your time? Do you have a story about an event in your life, or a place, or your family of origin or choice? Ronni will personally guide you through the process of reviewing your entire life then separating and focusing on those points that changed the course of your life. More info
74th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday
Theatre lovers, Broadway is officially back after the long COVID-induced hiatus, and theatre’s biggest awards night of the year is back as well, with the 74th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, September 26 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, starting at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Awards will honor outstanding shows, performances, and artistry of the 2019—2020 Broadway season. The evening is hosted by Audra McDonald and Leslie Odom, Jr., and a special “Broadway’s Back” performance will feature superstar Broadway entertainers reuniting on stage to perform beloved classics and celebrate the joy and magic of live theatre. More info
Michael Carbonaro’s Fresh New Magic
The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents Michael Carbonaro on Saturday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, The Carbonaro Effect, on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Get tickets
Older LGBTQ People and the COVID-19 Pandemic
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBT Seniors) presents Feels Like We’ve Been Here Before: Older LGBTQ Persons and the COVID-19 Epidemic on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Using data from a national Canadian study, this presentation focuses on the responses of LGBTQ older adults to the COVID-19 pandemic. From mask use and social distancing, to physical and mental health, to preparations for end of life, it is clear that LGBTQ persons took the pandemic more seriously than cisgender, heterosexual persons of comparable age. Speaker: Brian DeVries, Professor Emeritus of Gerontology, San Francisco State University. More info
Drag Me to Giving Brunch
Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine present Drag Me to Giving Brunch with emcee Bella da Ball on Sunday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m., hosted by Richard Odell and Andrew Uris. Come enjoy mimosas and Bingo! Drag attire is encouraged, go through your drag closet and put on your finest frock. Prizes will be given for best drag. Proceeds benefit Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, the valley’s only free health center. Get tickets
Sunnylands Presents Free Films in the Gardens
Now open for the season, Sunnylands Center & Gardens is reviving its popular outdoor movie series, Films in the Gardens, showing a movie musical free of charge on Friday evenings, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. This Friday, September 24, the film is Mary Poppins and then it’s Mamma Mia! on Friday, October 1. Films in the Gardens are presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
An Evening on the Lanai – Less Than 2 Weeks Away!
Gay Desert Guide and Oscar’s are pleased to bring back An Evening on the Lanai: Remembering the Golden Girls after two sold-out performances this summer! On Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m., one of the masters behind the success of The Golden Girls, TV sitcom writer Stan Zimmerman, takes us down memory lane with fun behind-the-scenes stories, little known facts, and more with host Alexander Rodriguez. Join in the fun as we watch clips of our favorite episodes complete with sing alongs and trivia – how well do you know your Golden Girls? Show us your best Golden Girls look, you may just take home a St. Olaf Women of the Year award from our list of giveaways! Don’t let this one sell out before you save your space! Get tickets
Dana Eagle Headlines Last Laugh Wednesday
Dana Eagle will headline Last Laugh Wednesday on September 29 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Oscar’s Palm Springs. Eagle is known for numerous TV appearances and has performed for the troops in Iraq many times. In 2017, her book, How to Be Depressed: A Guide, hit the shelf and in 2018 it was released in four languages. The show, hosted by Max Mitchell, also features comics Renee Percy and Wyatt Cote. Get tickets
Jazzville Palm Springs: “Birth of the Cool” Performance
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents The New Nine on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Hear Miles Davis’ “Birth of the Cool” album played live in its entirety by the New Nine jazz ensemble. It was a truly groundbreaking album, Miles scored an atmosphere like none other, creating a cool yet daring environment. The playing is very tight, and there isn’t one mundane song. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
Welcome New Partners!
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See the hottest films at Mary Pickford Theatre is D’Place this weekend, including the popular Broadway show coming to the big screen, Dear Evan Hansen, as well as The Eyes of Tammy Faye, getting early Oscar buzz for Jessica Chastain’s performance as the televangelist. D’Place Entertainment Dollars are redeemable toward admission and concessions like popcorn, soda, and your favorite cinema candy. With this HOT DEAL, get $25 in D’Place Entertainment “Bucks” for just $12.50, that’s 1/2 Price! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at One Eleven Bar, Desert Mischief, Destination PSP, Grand Central, Lulu California Bistro, Runway, Monster Shakes, Bear Wear, Roost Lounge, Johannes and more! See All Deals