Weekend Guide: Curtain Calls and Tennis Balls

March 8-11, 2018: Guys and Balls! 

This weekend is full of balls (tennis and dance) and curtain calls (there's a lot of theatre going on, plus a dancing charity event and a charity dance event, which helps tie it all together in the kind of nice little bow we like here at Gay Desert Guide because it's easier for our writers to summarize at the top.

Have a ball!

-DK 

BNP Paribas Open 2018

The Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament (known now as the BNP Paribas Open because I guess those are companies and they paid money to make the naming thing confusing) returns to Indian Wells this month, and features the highly anticipated return of new mom Serena Williams, who at 36 will play for her third title; also playing are Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Venus Williams, straight off an impressive quarterfinal run last year. 

See a list of players and get tickets here.
 

What to Do After Sold Out Red Dress Dress Red Party

The LGBT Community Center's Red Dress Dress Red on the Tarmac fundraiser and dance party takes off on Saturday Mar 10 at 8pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum, but if you don't have a ticket already I'm afraid you're SOL. But never fear, there are alternatives! Tool Shed and Bearcules will host the second annual Red Dress Dress Red After Party to also benefit The Center. DJ Chubjim and hot go-gos will brighten the night, and 10% of bar sales will be donated to the Center. More info here.

Follow that up with the "Mourning" After Red Dress Dress Red Party Brunch, hosted by the bitchiest brunch at Oscar's Cafe & Bar. Enjoy bottomless mimosas served with endless attitude. Featuring a special appearance by Tamara Mourning! Call 760-325-1188 for reservations.
 

Dancing With Our Stars – Get Tickets to Benefit Desert AIDS Project

Dancing With Our Stars is a Dance Show with participation open to not only charities to use as a fundraising opportunity, but to "Amateur' and "pro/Am' Couples. These couples, along with the charity dancers, will participate for "Audience Choice" trophies in their respective categories.

Multiple dancers are welcome to dance for each charity earning more fundraising opportunities for each charity. Desert AIDS Project will be represented by Mohamed Kastiro & Roxx Anna. The event is Sunday Mar 11 from 1-4pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. 
 

Tickets can include a luncheon ($90), just the dance show ($45-55), or just as a donation and vote ($20) for one or more of the dancers. Tickets to benefit DAP must be purchased through this link in order for the organization to get the funding benefit.
 

Desert Theatreworks presents Grease

The Broadway mega-hit Grease follows the '50s romance of innocent ingenue Sandy and bad-boy greaser Danny Zuko in their senior year at Rydell High. Danny believes their hot summer fling is over …until Sandy unexpectedly enrolls at Rydell. This inventive Desert Theatreworks production pays homage to the original 1972 Broadway musical phenomenon with catchy sing-along tunes like "Summer Nights," "Beauty School Dropout," "We Go Together" and "Greased Lightning." Join Sandy, Danny, Rizzo, Kenickie and the rest of the gang, and discover why Grease is still one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Recommended age 13 and up. Contains mild language and adult situations. Runs March 8-25, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun Matinees (also Sat March 17) 2pm.
 

The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? at CV Repertory

CVRep's third show is The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee. Martin—a hugely successful architect who has just turned fifty—leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. But when he confides to his best friend that he is also in love with a goat (named Sylvia), he sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters.

Runs March 7-April 1, 7:30pm Wed-Sat, 2pm Sat & Sun, also Tues Mar 20 and Mar 27 at 7:30pm (dark Mondays). $48-53. 
 

Suddenly Last Summer at Desert Rose Playhouse

The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ Stage Company, will present Tennessee Williams' drama Suddenly Last Summer, opening Friday, March 9, 2018, for a four-week run.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 1, 2018. 

Tennessee Williams’ classic horror story is the tale of Sebastian Venable’s life and death, and his mother Violet’s diabolical plan to stifle the truth about Sebastian by cutting the memories out of her niece Catherine’s brain. Can money really change the truth? Suddenly Last Summer continues Desert Rose Productions’ mission to produce and present literate, relevant and entertaining plays and musicals for LGBTQ and Gay-Friendly theatregoers in the Coachella Valley.  

Tickets are $37 for evening performances and $34 for matinees, which includes a $2 per ticket Facility Fee. Go online or call 760-202-3000 to order tickets.
 

HAPPY HOURS OF THE WEEK

Chill Bar

Looking for somewhere awesome to unwind that’s got something fun going on every day of the week? Chill Bar on Arenas is just that! And you haven’t truly experienced Sunday Funday until you’ve experienced it at Chill. They’ve got everything from drink specials to life size jenga. And not to mention the addicting trail mix offered at the bar that is sometimes your saving grace at the end of the day! Visitors and locals alike love Chill bar because they treat everyone like family! With a happy hour that runs from opening to 7 PM and a late night happy hour from midnight to closing, the fun never stops!

Lulu California Bistro

Lulu is a favorite for locals and travelers alike and there's no doubt as to why! And incase you haven’t heard, their daily specials include ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR, nibbles and cocktails, 11am-closing every day of the week! And enjoy LATE NIGHT with music at Lulu every Friday and Saturday from 11pm-12am.

Thai Smile

Thai Smile is a Palm Springs staple in the perfect location, conveniently located just a block away from Arenas! The menu offers healthy, high-quality flavors from Thailand. They offer an extensive array of vegan and vegetarian options as well. They have a full bar and happy hour specials too! Enjoy $50 worth of delicious food and drinks for only $35 with this HOT DEAL!

Río Azul

Do you love Mexican food and tasty Margaritas combined with a great atmosphere? If you answered yes then you will love Rio Azul as much as we do! Try their delicious tacos, enchiladas and tasty margaritas for an insane price with our one of a kind hot deal! Enjoy $25.00 worth of food and drink for 40% off. And can this hot deal be used at the famous Drag Brunch on Sundays? The answer is YES!

• Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Presents Community Service Awards

• Coachella Valley Hosts Eight Festivals Celebrating Music And LGBTQ Culture

• Oscars: 'A Fantastic Woman' Makes Cinematic History

• 2018 BNP Paribas Open: Tickets, Parking And General Information

• Coachella And Stagecoach Passes Now On Sale For Local Residents Only — But There's A Catch

Compiled with love by David Kenniston, staff writer at Gay Desert Guide. Got an event or business in Greater Palm Springs that might fit our site and interest our readers? Get in touch!