A Total Eclipse of the Heart makes a lot of dough for writer Jim Steinman every time we have one of these celestial phenomena. No wonder: it’s a strange song with an even more bizarre music video. We understand what happens when the moon blocks the sun, but our ancestors did not.
According to Architectural Digest, the eclipse symbolizes a time of darkness and spiritual renewal, offering an opportunity for introspection and the shedding of old energies. In astrology, the eclipse signifies the darkness of the ego and the potential for spiritual rebirth, marking a moment to release past patterns and embrace new perspectives.
Renowned publication La Opinion highlights the transformative energy of the upcoming eclipse, noting its alignment with the Aries new moon, a time for setting intentions and planting seeds of intention for the future.
This cosmic convergence, coupled with the influence of Mercury retrograde, intensifies the period’s introspective nature, urging individuals to confront unresolved issues and pave the way for personal growth. That according to Spain’s sports newspaper MARCA.
Now if we could just resolve the issue of what the lyrics to Total Eclipse of the Heart means…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
KGAY Night at the Firebirds – Discount Ticket Offer!
Join us for KGAY Night at the Firebirds this 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
KGAY Pride Firebirds Jersey Auction
You could take home the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ popular Pride Jersey from this season when you bid on the KGAY Pride Jersey Auction, which benefits Greater Palm Springs Pride! The auction opens at 10 am on Monday, April 8. Place your bid
Solar Eclipse is Monday
A total solar eclipse takes place on Monday, April 8. Visible across North America, it will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Palm Springs will see it as a partial eclipse for 2 hours 19 minutes. 53% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak. It will begin at 10:06 am and the peak viewing time will be 11:14 am and will end by 12:25 pm. Learn more
McCallum Announces 2024-2025 Season, Tickets on Sale Friday
The McCallum Theatre has announced its new lineup for 2024-2025 with a full season of great performances beginning in October 2024 and going through mid-May 2025, with additional performances to be added throughout the season. The season features touring Broadway shows like Book of Mormon, SIX: The Musical, Dear Evan Hansen and more, holiday favorites and new additions, National Geographic LIVE, Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin, Brian Stokes Mitchell, orchestral performances, a Disney Sing-Along and many more than we have space to mention here. Read the full announcement and plan your season [here].
Coachella Weekend 1
The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (known around the world as simply “Coachella”) is taking place over the next two weekends, April 12–14 and April 19–21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. With a capacity of 125,000, total attendance is estimated at a quarter of a million people over the two weekends. This year, headliners Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, and Tyler, the Creator are bringing their unique styles to the desert stage, with dozens of acts across multiple stages filling out the weekend of wall-to-wall music. Watch fro street closures and additional traffic through April. More info
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. This Thursday, April 11 is an Adults-Only Night. 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. Get tickets
Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City: Giselle Woo and the Night Owls
The City of Cathedral City’s Communications & Special Events Department presents the season-closer Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City with a performance from Giselle Woo and the Night Owls on Tuesday, April 9 from 5–7 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences while listening to live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Free and open to the community! More info
Body Dysmorphia, Muscle Dysmorphia & the Queer Community
Eisenhower Health and The Center present Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Muscle Dysmorphia on Wednesday, April 10 at 4 pm on Zoom. Shawn Wood, LCSW will help us flex our knowledge and dissect the fascinating connection between these body image disorders and the queer community, from societal standards to LGBTQ+ empowerment. Get ready to pump up your understanding and embrace body positivity in all its fabulous forms. Register today
Nice Work If You Can Get it
CVRep presents George & Ira Gershwin’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, Wednesdays through Sundays, April 10–28. Additional dates have already been added due to high demand! There’s a “Somebody I’m Longing to See” and they’re “S’wonderful” with a “Fascinating Rhythm”. Before you, “Call The Whole Thing Off”, get the “Sweet and Lowdown” of this “Lady Be Good” musical that hits the CVRep stage with Gershwin songs you’ll be humming the whole way home. This screwball comedy features romance, high-spirited production numbers, and a Tony Award winning script that pokes fun at class snobbery in the prohibition era. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, April 9
Desert Modernism 101: Arthur Elrod | 6 pm at UC Riverside Palm Desert
Trans Tuesdays | 6:30–7:30 pm on Zoom
Wednesday, April 10
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Morning Mixer | 8–10 am at CVRM
Play Lounge & Cafe Open Mic Night | 5–8 pm
The Gand Band w/Earl Thomas and Anthony Cullins | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, April 11
Women’s Chat Group | 10:30 am–12 pm on Zoom
Play Time: Private Jazz Concert | 2–4 pm at Eldorado Country Club
J. Randy Taraborrelli, Jackie: Public, Private, Secret | 2 pm at Rancho Mirage Library
The Secret Agents | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
Friday, April 12
Joslyn in Bloom (Sold Out, but featuring Gay Desert Guide’s Brad Fuhr) | 11 am–2 pm
Country Dance Fridays | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Bakersfield Condors | 7 pm at Acrisure Arena
BILLIE! Backstage with Lady Day | 7:30 pm at Revolution Stage Company (Also April 14, 20, 21)
Saturday, April 13
Flagging in the Desert w/DJ Mark Tarbox | 11:30 am–3:30 pm at Ruth Hardy Park
Touch, Stretch & Restore Yoga | 4 pm at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Sand, Stars & Guitars: Rebekah Speer | 8 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sunday, April 14
Screwball Sundays: After the Thin Man | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Diego Gulls | 3 pm at Acrisure Arena
Conversion Therapy Survivor Sunday | 4:30–6 pm on Zoom
Monday, April 15
Idyllwild Arts’ Art in Society’s 7th Annual Symposium | Idyllwild Arts Campus
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- The Desert Symphony Presents: “Let’s Hang On” | Thu. Apr 11
- Patti LuPone: “A Life in Notes” | Fri. Apr 12
- Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy!” | Sat. Apr 13
- George Hinchliffe’s Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain | Sun. Apr 14
- Open Call Talent Project | Sat. & Sun. Apr 20 & 21
- Guys and Dolls, presented by College of the Desert | Fri–Sun, May 3–5
- Bianca del Rio | Mon. May 6
- Wanda Sykes | Wed. & Thu. Jun 5 & 6
- Samara Joy | Sat. Jun 15
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
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!
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!
THIS WEEKEND
Desert Gold
The Ace Hotel and Swim Club presents Desert Gold, a “sacred ceremony of far-out sound alongside Coachella,” taking place both weekends, Thursdays–Sundays, April 11–14 and 18–21. This year’s lineup includes REMEZCLA, kicking off weekend one by turning the Commune into a temple of Latine excellence while ride-or-die party partner The Do-Over will fill the Amigo Room with some FRiends. Poolside will be Montreal collective Moonshine, championing Afro-futuristic, bass-heavy and electro-funk sounds while bringing diasporas together under one roof. LA’s own Hood Rave will set it off in the Amigo Room for weekend two, followed by an all-weekend poolside showcase by Franchise. More info
World Art Day Festival
The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department presents their annual World Art Day Festival on Saturday, April 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park. This exciting event highlights and promotes the artistic talent within our community, with the theme “Dream to Create.” Enjoy captivating art displays, interactive activities, and live performances that will delight attendees of all ages, celebrate diversity and inclusion through the arts. Attendees will have the chance to participate in interactive workshops, where they can try their hands at various art techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, these workshops will provide a unique opportunity to nurture your creative spirt and discover new artistic talents. More info
The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute
The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute comes to the Fuego Event Space on Saturday, April 13 at 7 pm. This incredible live entertainment experience features Roy Cruz, who brings you as close as you’ll ever be to the rock icon. Not only does he sing every song authentically, but his costumes, style, persona, and audience engagement all measure up to the legendary Freddie Mercury. Roy even accompanies himself on the piano, just like the iconic Freddie did in his concerts. Get tickets
Summer Pool Party at Hotel Zoso
Members of the Arenas District present a Summer Pool Party on Saturday, April 13 from 12–4 pm at Hotel Zoso. Get your $20 wristband at Streetbar or Dick’s on Arenas and enjoy a special menu and cocktails at Hotel Zoso’s fabulous pool, with tunes by DJ Thiccboi. More info
Coming Outdoors Hike & Mixer in the High Desert
Joshua Tree National Park Association presents a Hike and LGBTQ+ Mixer in the high desert on Saturday, April 13 from 4–8 pm at the Hi-View Trailhead. This is an LGBTQ event intended to bring community together for an accessible hike and social. The easy/moderate hike ascends 400 feet of elevation gain and reaches a high point with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, with stops at multiple points to discuss plants, wildlife, and geologic features. The LGBTQ+ mixer follows the hike, from 6–8 pm. More info
Sherlock Holmes Confidential
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Sherlock Holmes Confidential, Fridays–Sundays April 12–14 and 19–21. This sparkling comedy was a great success at DET’s 2022 Summer reading series. In an alternative version of the Holmes origin story, a spurned romance leads to someone threatening to unmask the young detective as a fraud. Get tickets
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
Desert Theatreworks presents Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Thursdays through Sundays, opening Friday, April 12 and running through April 28. The play opens in a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression, where Scout and her brother, Jem, live with their widowed father, Atticus Finch. The facade of the seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community. Timeless and lingering, this hard-hitting work explores prejudice, compassion and the courage to do what is right. Get tickets
Mr. Parker
Dezart Performs presents Mr. Parker, a new play by Michael McKeever, writer of Daniel’s Husband, Fridays through Sundays April 12–21. At 54 years old, Terry Parker finds himself at a crossroads in his life. After the loss of his partner of 30 years, he finds himself suddenly single and unable to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes up with a 28-year-old bartender-slash-Uber-driver. These two very different people begin a tentative relationship, and what starts out as a one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America. Get tickets
Meghan Murphy – Adventures From A Broad!
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Meghan Murphy – Adventures From A Broad! on Friday and Saturday, April 12 & 13 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). Murphy sings an impressive range of songs, from pop parodies to jazz, from Broadway to Beyoncé. Through her dynamic storytelling and old Hollywood Charm, she will thrill and delight you with her vocal prowess and razor sharp sense of humor. She’s an old broad with a new twist! Big Voice. Big Laughs. Big Red. Get tickets
The Boys in the Band
Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Boys in the Band, Thursdays through Sundays, opening Friday April 12 and running through April 21. In his New York City apartment, Michael throws a birthday party for Harold, a self-described “thirty-two- year- old, pockmarked, Jew fairy,” complete with a surprise gift: “Cowboy,” a street hustler. As the evening wears on-fueled by drugs and alcohol-bitter, unresolved resentments among the guests come to light when a game of “Truth” goes terribly wrong. Get tickets
Jo Koy and Friends
Stand-up comic Jo Koy will return to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage for three nights on Friday, April 12, Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14 at 8 pm. This trio of shows marks a return to The Show for Koy who performed three sold-out nights in April 2022. As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. Jo’s uniquely relatable comedy pulls inspiration from his colorful family that has reached all kinds of people and has translated into sold-out arenas around the world. Get tickets
Francesca Amari & Jason Stuart
Twice Blessed presents award winning singer Francesca Amari with an opening act featuring Jason Stuart on Sunday, April 14 from 1–3 pm at Temple Isaiah. Francesca will be performing Different Drum, her love letter to Linda Ronstadt. Jason Stuart, the first openly gay stand up comedian, has performed for over thirty years. Musical Conductor Wayne Abernavel. Wine & Snacks will be served. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
ShortFest Passes on Sale
The 2024 Palm Springs International ShortFest takes place June 18–24, and passes are on sale now! This is your chance to get the ultimate experience and access to everything ShortFest has to offer. With a variety of pass options to choose from, including the Patron Pass, Insider Pass, Student Pass and ShortFest @Home Pass, you’ll have the flexibility to create your own unique ShortFest experience. Also, Film Society Members get a discount on Insider Passes. More info
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
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
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 weekdays from 10–3 pm. 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. Listen online
- KGAY Night at Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wed. Apr 10 from 5:30–9 pm at Acrisure Arena - 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 - Nice Work If You Can Get It
Apr. 10–28 at CVRep - Meghan Murphy – Adventures From A Broad!
Fri. & Sat., Apr. 12 & 13 at The Purple Room Supper Club - The Boys in the Band
Apr 12–21 at Palm Canyon Theatre - Desert Gold
Apr 11–14 and 18–21 at Ace Hotel and Swim Club - World Art Day Festival
Sat. Apr 13 from 4–8 pm at Demuth Park - The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute
Sat. Apr 13 at 7 pm at Fuego Events Space - Sherlock Holmes Confidential, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Apr 12–21 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Mr. Parker, presented by Dezart Performs
Apr 12–21 at the Pearl McManus Theater - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Apr 16–28 at Revolution Stage Company - Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future Event
Fri. Apr 19 from 5–8 pm at the Prescott Collection Hangar - The Row House Dispensary Grand Opening Event
Sat. Apr 20
- The Past, Present, and Future of Drag Culture in Greater Palm Springs
- The Swiss Architect Who Brought Modernism to the New World
- America’s First All-Metal-And-Glass House is Reborn in Palm Springs
- What to Eat and Drink at Coachella 2024
- 15 Rejuvenating Resorts Near Palm Springs for a Post-Coachella or Stagecoach Retreat
Desert Zen Day Spa in Bermuda Dunes features reasonable prices, a soothing atmosphere, and the cleanest salon in the Coachella Valley. They offer individual and private treatment rooms and many high-end therapy options for you to choose from. For 21 years they have been at the same location with friendly staff, soothing services, and a relaxing environment; locally and family-owned and operated too! With our BOGO HOT DEAL you can buy one $50 gift card to Desert Zen Day Spa and get a second $50 gift card for FREE! 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, 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.