After a jam packed week last week, this transitional period into the shortest month is pretty sparse, but that just leaves you more time to gawk and genuflect at the Super Blue Blood Moon (the VERY noblest of all Moons) on Wednesday night. Here's some stuff to look out for in the weeks ahead, because tickets don't buy themselves but they do sell out. Get on it, and bow down to that celestial body!
OUT For Laughs' February Comedy Benefit Series Continues With Alec Mapa
Comedians Shann Carr and Max Mitchell present LA’s hottest LGBT headliners in OUT for Laughs at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly Camelot Theatre) in Palm Springs every Thursday in February. This week's headliner is actor/comedian Alec Mapa (Switched at Birth, Devious Maids), whose 2014 concert film Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy mined humor from his experience adopting a foster child with his husband. The evening benefits the local Foster Care facility Sanctuary Palm Springs.
Erin Foley (Feb 15, for Joy Silver for California Senate 28th District) and closer Jimmy James (Feb 22, for the LGBT Center) will round out the month of comedy for a cause.
Tickets are $25 advance or $30 at the door general admission. Get them here.
Where the Bears Are: Season Six Screening Kicks off IBC5
International Bear Convergence (IBC) is the premier winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, California. The four-day event will come to life with DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe. The last four years were hugely successful and they expect more of the same in 2018 with record-breaking attendance for their 5th Anniversary. Get your passes now!
You can also buy tickets now to the kickoff event on February 8 to join the cast and crew of the internet sensation whodunit web series WHERE THE BEARS ARE for a special screening of WHERE THE BEARS ARE: SEASON 6! Then take part in a special crowd taping scene for season 7! It all starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Palm Springs Cultural Center with a discussion with the cast and crew about the series.
V-Day Palm Springs – The Vagina Monologues
The LA Women's Theatre Project is teaming up with the global initiative V-Day.org to help raise funds and support a global activist movement to end violence against all women and girls (cisgender, transgender & gender non-conforming). Working with the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley communities, the troupe continues to do its part on a local level by producing the traditional production of Eve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues" which will benefit Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services in Palm Desert.
DBA Networking Event at Tool Shed
New Desert Business Association member Tool Shed hosts their first DBA Networking Mixer, co-hosted by GayDesertGuide, Monday January 29 from 6-9pm. The new owner, Rob, has welcomed the community since taking over this bar late last year. Daily and nightly events offer something that everyone can enjoy — even Bingo! Come welcome Rob and the team to the DBA and the community, and learn a little more about this Sunny Dunes neighborhood bar.
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Now in its 24th year, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala has raised millions of dollars to care for people living with HIV. First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase – a former D.A.P. donor, volunteer, and board member – the gala is a highlight of the desert social season and preceded the night prior by an exclusive VIP pre-party honoring major donors and celebrity guests. The event features performances by Thelma Houston and as headliner the influential R&B group En Vogue.
Honorees at the 2018 event, to be held on February 10 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, will be Tony Marchese, owner of Trio Restaurant, who will receive the Partners for Life Award, and Dr. Shubha Kerkar, Sr. Physician Specialist, who will be recognized with the 100 Women Award. Co-chairs Patrick Jordan and Lauri Kibby will join Senator Barbara Boxer will welcome attendees after a red carpet arrivals broadcast live on KMIR and KESQ, featuring Palm Springs Fashion Editor Susan Stein, Ethylina Canne, and Salvador Camarena.
Eat Drink Do Good – Desert Edition Wine Tasting Benefit
The Laurel Foundation’s 5th Annual Wine Tasting Benefit will bring together 20 plus wineries and spirit companies from across California and beyond. Held at a stunning 1920’s Spanish estate in Old Las Palmas, the early event will be rounded out with scrumptious nosh (passed) and the glamourous spinnings of an incredible DJ. Sommeliers and wine stewards will be present educate guests on the tastings and a bespoke Silent and Live Auction will round out the day. The event will benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS and Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth.