Life is coming back to the Coachella Valley after what turned out to be a less than stellar summer season for our tourism-driven businesses. When the national headlines pegged us as the hottest place on earth a couple of times, it didn’t exactly entice visitors to experience THAT!
My Gay Desert Guide calendar is buzzing with activity: Job fairs (Fly PSP, Acrisure and PSGMC auditions); re-openings of our storied places (Michael Holmes’ Purple Room and The Sonoran with DJ Modgirl); and nearly daily invites to Fall fundraisers vying for our donated dollars.
While many of you commented on my Friday blog, we are striking a balance between the impending election and continuing to promote all the great fun things that happen here. If you are new here, you’ll soon get sucked into the vortex of what we call “season”. Every day brings an opportunity to see a drag show, attend a community event, enjoy happy hours, take in a performance or even volunteer. As Liza sings:
What good’s permitting
Some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret!
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!
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The Purple Room Launches Fall Season
The Purple Room in Palm Springs is launching a new live entertainment schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, starting this Tuesday, August 27. Jazz Happy Hour will run from 4–6 pm, followed by dinner and music from 6–9:30 pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The lineup includes Rose Mallet, a “Living Jazz Legend,” on Tuesdays; a Rat Pack Era celebration with Darci Daniels, Charles Herrera, and Michael Holmes on Wednesdays; and the versatile performer Sharon Sills on Thursdays. Chris Bennett and Kevin Tokarz will play during Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesdays, respectively. Tickets are on sale for the Fall 2024 season: catch acts like Elvis: The Early Years (Sept 6), Debby Holiday (Sept 7), Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine (Sept 13), Jane Monheit (Sept 20-21), Clint Holmes (Sept 28) and many more! Get tickets
DBA Mixer at Revolution Stage Co.
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) for their next Networking Mixer on Monday, August 26 at 5:30 pm, hosted by Revolution Stage Company at their theatre. Discover the exciting lineup for their 2024-25 season while enjoying a great evening of networking and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn about the upcoming theatrical offerings! More info
The Center Social
Join the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert for their August Center Social at Grand Central on Wednesday, August 28 from 5:30–7 pm! Enjoy delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and great company at this monthly gathering, proudly sponsored this month by Gay Desert Guide. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the LGBTQ+ community and make new friends. Don’t miss out on this fun and inclusive event! More info
Bark the Vote at Boozehounds
Join in supporting Will Rollins for Congress at Bark the Vote on Wednesday, August 28 from 6–8 pm at Boozehounds. All well-behaved dogs and people are welcome to come enjoy cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and music by Dry Heat, with retail partner Tailwaggers Pet Food & Supplies. Rollins is an openly gay former counterterrorism prosecutor running to defeat Ken Calvert and flip CA-41 in 2024. Get tickets
Being Black & Gay with Terry Dyer
Hunters Nightclub presents Being Black & Gay featuring Terry Dyer on Tuesday, August 27 at 6 pm. The show will be an intimate journey of music to amplify the Black LGBTQ+ voice through love, resiliency, and hope, with Dyer accompanied by Brian Alec Thom. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Get your tickets for VIP seating or enjoy free general admission (standing room). Get tickets
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions on Tuesday, August 27 from 8:45–10 pm, following an open rehearsal that starts at 7 pm at Mizell Center. PSGMC strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for their auditions, in a private setting with only the artistic director, accompanist, and potentially a small group directors present. Feel free to prepare your own song or let their talented pianist assist you in finding the perfect key. More info
GCVCC Brunch Club
Join the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Brunch Club at Hot Lips Cafe in Cathedral City on Wednesday, August 28 at 10 am. This fun networking event combines business connections with delicious food. Bring your business card and a 30-second elevator pitch to network with fellow chamber members. The event is free to attend, but brunch is self-paid. Register in advance as space is limited. More info
Free Pet Adoption Event
In honor of Jimmy Buffett Day of Service, Margaritaville Resort is hosting a Free Pet Adoption Event on Friday, August 30 from 10 am–2 pm. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter will have pets who are ready to adopt with all vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter. Everyone is welcome to attend and the shelter will also be accepting donations of sheets, towels, blankets, dog bowls, collars, leashes, and cash to support their ongoing efforts. More info
Best of Coachella Valley Nomination Period Ends Friday
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is accepting nominations for just a few more days, a fill-in-the-blank round that is open through through Friday, Aug. 30. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Write-in your nominations for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section: KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch Djs: DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy, and DJ Modgirl of the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance! Then, under the “Life in the Valley” section, for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and Patrick Evans of 103.1 MeTV FM. Fnally, also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please nominate KGAY 106.5 of course! Nominate Today
Palm Springs International Job Fair
Palm Springs International Airport and its partner organizations present the 4th Annual Palm Springs International Job Fair on Tuesday, August 27 from 10 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby. They are hiring for about 200 open positions ahead of the Coachella Valley’s busy tourism season. A wide range of organizations, including airlines, rental car companies, restaurants/retail, parking services, and federal agencies, will be offering positions such as customer service associates, ramp agents, sales representatives, and many more, with on-the-spot interviews and hires available. More info
Acrisure Arena Job Fair
Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert is hosting a job fair on Thursday, August 29, from 4–8 pm. They are hiring for various positions, including roles in food and beverage services, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Welcome Center Staff at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. Available positions include Bar Supervisor, Office Admin, Cashiers, Bartenders, Cooks, and more. Applicants can apply online in advance or register in person at the job fair. Interviews will be conducted inside the arena. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, August 26
Women’s Equality Day
Wednesday, August 28
Crimson Crow | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Lip Gloss – Benefitting Hanson House Foundation | 8 pm at Hunters
Thursday, August 29
Will Brahm Jazz Guitar | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Villagefest | 7–10 pm along Palm Canyon Drive
Friday, August 30
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Hot Summer Nights | 7:30–10:30 pm at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9 pm
Saturday, August 31
Dive-In Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 | 7:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Sunday, September 1
Encore Summer Concert Film Series: Wattstax (1973) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our 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
TOTO – Dogz of Oz Tour
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents TOTO’s Dogz of Oz Tour on Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm. Over the past decade, TOTO has had a major renaissance in popularity like few bands at this point in their career, surpassing 3.4 billion Spotify streams and approaching five billion total plays across platforms. Their songs, especially “Africa,” have achieved significant success. The band has a family tree of over 5000 albums, selling half a billion copies. Get tickets
Neon Oasis
Neon Oasis premieres this Saturday, August 31 from 9 pm–2 am at The Sonoran. This new weekly club night features Palm Springs’ most dazzling light show and state of the art sound system with 3 bars, 2 dance floors, an outdoor patio and late night food. Resident DJs include KGAY’s own DJ Modgirl playing house and nu-disco in the Leopard Lounge and DJ LF spinning Top 40 and club hits in the Electric Ballroom, with special guest DJs weekly. More info
PLUNGE Pool Party
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents their PLUNGE Pool Party on Sunday, September 1 from 12–5 pm at CCBC Resort. Come check out the new bar setup and music by Palm Springs DJ Bill Dup. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, August 31, the series continues with Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Tickets for Center Stage, Modernism Week, PS Film Fest
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s 2024 Center Stage Gala is on Saturday, October 19 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and tickets are on sale now! Celebrate The Center and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community, honoring John McDonald & Rob Wright with the Legacy Award, With a special musical performance by American Idol Winner Abi Carter! Get tickets
Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture, presents Modernism Week – October from Thursday, October 24–Sunday, October 27. Get tickets
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to illuminate the desert from January 2–13. The highly anticipated and glitzy Film Awards Ceremony is Friday, January 3, where Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather. Secure your spot now for this unforgettable experience! More info
“Say KGAY” Apparel
The best response to “Don’t Say Gay” is “SAY KGAY!” – Our popular shirts are back with more options to choose your favorite background color and style of shirt. Pick a color and place our SAY KGAY slogan on the front or back. Get yours in time for Palm Springs Pride! Shop Now
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!
I’m “Living Out” for the next year at the 55+ LGBTQ+ community that you’ve been hearing about on KGAY Palm Springs! See Episode 2 of my Vlog with CEO Loren Ostrow as we talk about the beautifully appointed apartments and the special LGBTQ artwork that lines the walls of Living Out. HERE!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
You can WIN a pair of VIP tickets on the KGAY Party Bus to Pride Under the Pines with John Taylor, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM! Get a break from the heat and enjoy the cool mountain air on Saturday, October 5 with music, dancing, food trucks, booths, live performances, special guests, superstar drag divas, a movie and more! 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. She is also the resident DJ at The Sonoran’s new Neon Oasis, Saturdays from 9 pm–2 am starting August 31! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
The Judy Show! returns to The Purple Room Supper Club on Sunday, September 1 at 5 pm. You can WIN a pair of tickets and dinner! Michael Holmes, the owner and entertainer, will perform as Judy Garland and a variety of iconic female stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. The show promises an evening of laughs, glamour, and high camp, continuing every Sunday throughout the season. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Bark the Vote: A Fundraiser for Will Rollins
Wed. Aug 28 from 6–8 pm at Boozehounds - The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Every Saturday through Sep 7 at 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Judy Show! – Season Opener
Sun. Sep 1 from 5–8:15 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Rock the City Series: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 18 from 7–8:30 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
Sep 19–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Positively Aging Project – Legacy: Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV
Sat. Sep 21 from 9 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - Hokus Pokus Live!
Fri.–Sun. Oct 4–6 at Hotel Zoso - Pride Under the Pines 2024
Sat. Oct 5 in Idyllwild - Modernism Week – October
Oct. 24–27 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Thu.–Sun. Oct 24–27 - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk
Sat. Nov 2 at 8 am in downtown Palm Springs - CVRep 2024–2025 Season on Sale Now
Nov 6–May 4 - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
The Velvet Rope is a lavish Palm Springs hotel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood that pays homage to its Hollywood roots. Step back in time and enjoy nine unique suites designed by David Rios, inspired by icons including the Rat Pack, Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo, Playmates, and Liberace. Both locals and visitors are welcome at the pool and can experience the old Hollywood vibe at the hotel’s speakeasy-style Bar Valerie in the evenings. Learn more
- Restaurant News Bites: 1501 Has a New Owner; Taste of Palm Springs Returns; and More!
- Pride Under the Pines Announces Headliners for Oct 5 2024 Pride Festival in Idyllwild
- Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival Returns; Tickets and Passes Now on Sale
- The Dinah 2024: Celebrate 33 Years of Queer Pride and Music in Palm Springs
- PS Test Clinic Announces Shortened Summer Hours
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 2024 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.
