Bragging rights are defined as “the opportunity to speak proudly because you have done something impressive”. So today our rights are front and center as KGAY and KMEE land top honors in the CVI/KESQ readers/viewers poll.
Ever since we started KGAY on Christmas day, 2018, the community has responded by awarding us top honors for best radio station. John Taylor has been awarded top personality honors. And Patrick Evans on our sister station KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM comes in a close second.
Our team includes dozens of people “behind the scenes” who all contribute to make us successful. As we approach Thanksgiving, let me give thanks to our entire crew who keeps the train on the tracks and on time.
Some toil away on the Gay Desert Guide website to keep our calendar and content fresh. Another schedule the ads that appear on air and online. Our engineer gets “beeped” every time there’s an on-air glitch to fix. My sales team makes sure we stay in business and help other companies grow and build awareness. And our street team are the goodwill ambassadors that you see at the many community events and appearances. In all, over 20 people are on the payroll on any given month.
Many others came before them and I am grateful that they were a part of our ongoing success as well. They also do incredible things outside their work volunteering and participating in making this world a better place. And even if they don’t take bragging rights for what they contribute, I wanted to take a few paragraphs to do so today.
So I give thanks to an incredible collective of people all pulling in the same direction and appreciate the honors we won, listed below.
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 reside! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
We Are Best of Coachella Valley Winners!
Readers of the Coachella Valley Independent and viewers of KESQ News Channel 3 voted in the Best of Coachella Valley 2024-2025 poll, and once again we are dancing for joy because we are WINNERS! KGAY 106.5 is honored in the TOP SPOT as BEST RADIO STATION for the 5th year running! KGAY deejays were honored as well, with Modgirl and DJ Galaxy taking the top two spots in their category of Best Local DJ, with DJ Eric Ornelas placing fourth as well! John Taylor, KGAY morning host, scored first in the Best Local Radio Personality category, and Patrick Evans, afternoon host of our sister station, 103.1 MeTV FM, nabbed the #2 spot; 103.1 MeTV FM was the third most popular radio station in the valley too! See the full list of winners in all categories at cvindependent.com
Palm Springs International Film Festival Program Released
The 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running from January 2–13, 2025, is set to showcase over 150 films from more than 70 countries, including 68 premieres. Highlights of the festival include a special focus on Spain and screenings of classic works by Pedro Almodóvar. Early ticket access for members is available starting November 26, with general sales beginning December 2. Attendees can pick up the festival program at local distributors like SHAG the Store, Riviera Palm Springs, and Los Arboles Hotel. With tickets selling out quickly, film enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their passes early for an unforgettable celebration of cinema. More info
Building Resilience
Join The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert for Building Resilience on Monday, November 25 from 5–6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion. This 90-minute session will be dedicated to strengthening our community’s ability to face challenges together, involving LGBTQ+ people and our allies to explore what resilience means at both personal and community levels. Through community building circles, and hands-on activities, the goal is to empower and inspire our community to rise above adversity. RSVP encouraged. More info
Come From Away
Broadway’s Come From Away is at the McCallum Theatre for 8 performances, from Tuesday, November 26, through Sunday, December 1. This uplifting musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Get tickets
Wildlights Returns to The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is back, open select nights from November 26–December 30! WildLights invites guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night as you take an enchanting stroll through the African Safari section of the Zoo, where in addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs. Get tickets
The November Center Social
Don’t miss The November Center Social at Chill Bar on Wednesday, November 27 from 5:30 pm–7 pm. This monthly event, held every 4th Wednesday, is a fantastic opportunity to forge new connections, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a tasty happy hour. Come join in for an evening filled with great conversation and community spirit! More info
Wild Turkey Trot 5K
Join the fun at the Palm Springs Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28. Starting at 8 am at the corner of Tahquitz & Palm Canyon, this 5K certified course welcomes runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs. Enjoy a scenic route through beautiful neighborhoods on this fast and flat course, and show your holiday spirit by dressing up as a turkey, pilgrim, or in another festive outfit. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus, who will be there to kick off the holiday season! More info
Thanksgiving Day 5K on El Paseo
The 18th Annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K is on Thursday, November 28 at 8 am, starting at the intersection of San Pablo and El Paseo. After the race, enjoy the awards ceremony at 9 am. Attractions include Festival Row with exhibitor booths, a photo station, and a doggie refreshment station. The Kids Zone offers complimentary face painting, arts and crafts, limbo, and hula hooping. Participants aged 21 and above can unwind in the Beer Garden with a refreshing local brew. More info
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, November 25
Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala | 5:30 pm at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Wednesday, November 27
Funk Monks R&B/Funk | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, November 29
Desert Art Festival | 10 am–4 pm Friday–Sunday at The River in Rancho Mirage
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, November 30
Art on Main Street | 10 am–4 pm in Old Town La Quinta
The Gand Band’s Woodstock Immersive Concert Experience | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Sunday, December 1
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 17: Dangerous MPOX Clade 1
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 17, John and Dr. Corzano discuss what you need to know about the dangerous MPOX Clade 1 case recently confirmed in California. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
The 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide is Here!
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay 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 at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
THIS WEEKEND
Mary Poppins
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Mary Poppins from November 29–December 22. This musical invites us to London, England in 1910 where the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy and disciplined common sense to the Banks children’s lives. Together, they go on many fantastical and memorable adventures. Mary Poppins teaches all ages that “anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
The Purple Room Supper Club presents The Marvelous Marilyn Maye for 5 shows: Friday & Saturday, November 29 & 30, and Thursday, Friday & Saturday December 5–7. The toast of New York’s jazz and cabaret scene, Marilyn’s riding high from rave reviews of her sold-out Carnegie Hall performance with the New York Pops! (Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm). Get tickets
Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band
Get ready to rock out with Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band on Saturday, November 30 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. This electrifying band, comprised of rock star musicians and lead singers from the original Broadway cast, will deliver a thrilling concert featuring the greatest ’80s rock hits played the way they were meant to be heard. Get tickets
“Nobody Does It Better” Benefit Concert
Experience an unforgettable evening at “Nobody Does It Better: A Big Screen Immersive Benefit Concert” on Saturday, November 30, from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Join celebrity hosts Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford, alongside Coachella Valley’s finest talents, for a spectacular musical tribute to Oscar’s greatest songs from the ‘70s. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception at 6 pm, followed by the benefit concert at 7 pm, all brought to life by a wide array of talented artists. Proceeds go to supporting the transformation of the Cultural Center’s Theatre 2 into a live performance space. Get tickets
World AIDS Day is Sunday
World AIDS Day is Sunday, December 1: an annual event that serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. More info
World AIDS Day Symposium at Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum is hosting a special event on Sunday, December 1, from 11 am–3 pm, to commemorate World AIDS Day. This event is a collaboration between the HIV+ Aging Research Project and the museum. The day will feature a variety of programs, including the 3rd Annual Timothy Ray Brown Community Cure Symposium, a discussion among those impacted firsthand by HIV, and a screening of the video series “A Day With(out) Art.” The event will also include a panel discussion featuring local AIDS organizations and scholars. More info
Jersey Boys
Experience Desert Theatreworks’ electrifying production of Jersey Boys: The Musical running through December 1. With innovative staging and dynamic performances, this fresh take on the classic tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons promises an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll and nostalgia. Get ready to sing along to hits like “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” in a show you won’t want to miss. Get tickets
“Say KGAY” Apparel
It’s always a good time to “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!
- Building Resilence – Facing Challenges Together
Mon. Nov 25 from 5–6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion - Broadway’s Come From Away
Nov 26–Dec 1 at the McCallum Theatre - Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Experience
Nov 19–Dec 29 at Empire Polo Club - Mary Poppins, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Nov 29–Dec 22 - The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
Nov 29, 30 and Dec 5, 6, 7 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Nobody Does it Better: A Big Screen Immersive Benefit Concert
Sat. Nov 30 at 6 pm - Jersey Boys, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov 8–Dec 1 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Invisible Valley – A Special Screening
Wed. Dec 4 at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Center’s Wreath Auction 2024
Wed. Dec 4 at 5:30 pm at Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge - Rock the Park: Hot August Night – A Tribute to Neil Diamond
Wed. Dec 4 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park - Holiday Banner Awards & Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec 6 from 4–5:30 pm at Frances Stevens Park - Paws & Clause Photos with Santa
Sat. Dec 7 from 11 am–2 pm at Rio Del Sol - The Laurel Foundation 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
Sat. Dec 7 from 5:30–9:30 pm - Nuncrackers, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Indio International Tamale Festival
Sat. & Sun., Dec 7–8 at Miles Avenue Park - Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
Dec 10, 11, 17, 18 & 19 at 7pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - The 39 Steps, presented by CVRep
Dec 11–22 - Rat Pack Tribute
Thu. Dec 12 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - Modern Men: Home for the Holidays
Sat. Dec 14 at 7 pm & Sun. Dec 15 at 3 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Fa La La…Fabulous Holiday Concert by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Dec 19–22 at 7 pm at the Annenberg Theater - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room
Tue. Dec 31 at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm (three seatings) - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025 - From Resilience to Action
Mon. Jan 13 from 5–6:30 pm, Location TBD - Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Mon. Jan 20 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - 4th Annual Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival
Fri. & Sat., Feb 2 & 3 at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa - Modernism Week 2024 – Tickets on Sale Nov 1
Feb 13–23
Bones-N-Scones is committed to making pet parenting affordable and easing barriers to adopting a new dog or cat. Enjoy Everyday Low Prices and Perks Prices on food and supplies at all locations. Adoptees in Coachella Valley get reduced food prices for the first year. Their bakery offers healthy treats for special occasions. Learn more
Brooks Services, founded by Jason Brooks, is ready to guide you or your business through the upcoming tax season. Offering Notary and Tax Services, including tax preparation, tax planning, resolutions, and look-backs, Brooks Services LLC will be by your side through the tax season and beyond. Notary Public services are also available, both mobile and in-office. LGBT-owned and -operated, Brooks Services understands the specific needs of you, your family, and your business. With Jason Brooks and Brooks Services, it’s not too early to start planning your taxes now. Learn more
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 & 103.1 MeTV FM both have your chance to WIN BRUNCH for 2 at Alice B., Palm Springs’ newest weekend brunch destination, now open every Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–2 pm (in addition to dinner from Wednesday–Sunday). Savor all new breakfast and lunch favorites from award-winning chefs Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez! Delight in the unctuous Croque Madame Flatbread with sweet and savory honey ham and a silky mornay sauce or a Green Shakshuka with perfectly poached eggs and fresno chile for a bit of a kick. ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page!
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 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 Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
103.1 MeTV FM
It’s time to get your figgy pudding on! Santa Claus is on his way from the North Pole with your Timeless and Memorable Christmas favorites until Christmas Day! Spend the holiday season with ME! 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
- More Than 180 David Hockney Prints Come to Palm Springs Art Museum
- Hiking With T: The La Quinta Cove Area Offers an Abundance of Trails and Some of the Area’s Most Beautiful Views
- What If? Dezart Performs’ ‘Hillary and Clinton’ Is a Thought-Provoking Piece of Historical Fiction
- Madcap Mystery: Desert Ensemble’s Production of ‘Loot’ Will Keep You Confused—in a Hilarious Way
- Travel Smart This Thanksgiving: What to Know Before Flying from PSP
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 2024-25 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 Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.