With 90+ degree temps, I start to think about summer vacation to escape the inevitable heat. And there’s nothing better than a European vacation like the one we’re giving away with Brandg Vacations on KGAY starting next week with our “Song of the Day” contest.
Flying in and out of Palm Springs International Airport is such a breeze. They’ve partnered with us to provide the airfare for our contest this year. I tell friends that many days I can leave home an hour before my flight departs, park, get through TSA Pre, and still have time for a cup of Coachella Valley Coffee! (Don’t try this at home or in the height of season!)
A big thanks to our friends and fans who came out to K-GAY Desert Guide Night as the Firebirds clinched the top spot in the Calder Cup playoffs. Palm Springs Pride’s Ron DeHarte and I got to drop the (frozen) puck for the game. The online Pride jersey auction benefitted Pride.
Acrisure is pulling in some great shows for the summer. So even if you can’t fly away to escape the heat, a concert in the cool respite of the ice arena will be a good staycation.
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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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 for street closures and additional traffic through April. More info
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
Goldenvoice Surf Club
Also alongside Coachella, and produced by the same company as the big event, is the Goldenvoice Surf Club, on Saturday & Sunday of both Coachella weekends, April 13–14 and 22–21. This curated music program takes place in the music amphitheater of the new Palm Springs Surf Club, with parkwide wellness activities, and all attractions open, including a wave pool, a heated lazy river, and additional surrounding pools. Add to the fun an incredible roster of festival talent, world renowned DJs plus live entertainment! Get tickets
Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy!”
The McCallum Theatre presents Och & Oy!: A Considered Cabaret on Saturday, April 13 at 8 pm. Alan Cumming (Cabaret, The Good Wife) and Ari Shapiro (NPR’s All Things Considered, Pink Martini) both transport audiences to other worlds through their stories. Now, they’re joining forces in song. Witness the critically acclaimed evening of tunes and tall tales, with musical direction by Henry Koperski. Get tickets
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. Reserve a spot
Coming Up: Fire Island Film Festival
The Filmmakers’ Gallery presents The Fire Island Film Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 & 21 at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City. This 2-day film festival celebrates the history, culture, and significance of Fire Island, New York with documentaries, comedies, shorts, and dramatic feature films, a panel discussion with author/activist Mark Okun, and author Jill Langham and more. See our event listing for the full schedule. The fesival also includes an opening night film screening of the adult classic Boys in the Sand at Barracks Bar, and a closing night party (with complimentary massages!) at Men’s Grooming Spot, all in Cathedral City. One-Day Passes and All-Inclusive VIP Passes are available. Get tickets
Recap: KGAY Night with the CV Firebirds
Thank you to everyone who made KGAY Night at Acrisure Arena with the Coachella Valley Firebirds a success! We had great pre-game music and fun, John Taylor was on the microphone entertaining the masses, Palm Springs Pride’s Ron DeHarte and your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr dropped the puck, and the KGAY Pride Jersey Auction featuring this season’s popular Pride-themed Firebirds Jersey reached $1,175 to benefit PS Pride! Congratulations to Matt from the state of Washington, for his winning bid!
Joslyn in Bloom
The Joslyn Center’s annual fundraiser, Joslyn in Bloom, is Friday, April 12 from 11 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. This popular luncheon with live auction and fashion show is sold out, but for those of you who are going: look for your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr as host, with DJ Modgirl providing the music!
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
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 on sale Friday, April 12 at 8 am, starting 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].
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. 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
Sherlock Holmes Confidential
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Sherlock Holmes Confidential, playing 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
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. 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, playing 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
Nice Work If You Can Get it
CVRep presents George & Ira Gershwin’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, playing Wednesdays through Sundays, April 10–28. Additional dates have already been added due to high demand, hitting 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. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “As the central couple, Jennifer Knox and Hayden Stanes are charmers blessed with wonderful voices and bring a sense of romance to “S’ Wonderful”, their long dance number which recalls Fred & Ginger as they danced their way to romance.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- 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
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. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, April 12
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
Meet the Artist: William Gullette | 11 am–3 pm at Stephen Baumbach Gallery
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
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
Desert Theatreworks presents Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, playing Thursdays through Sundays, April 12–28. 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
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
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. 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
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!
LOOKING AHEAD
“Pillars of Palm Springs” Public Art Installation
In celebration of World Art Day, on Monday, April 15 at 10 am the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission will host a special proclamation and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official unveiling of a spectacular new public art installation along the Tahquitz Canyon Way median running from Palm Springs International Airport to Sunrise Way called “Pillars of Palm Springs.” [Learn more about the artists and their work]. Slated to speak at the ceremony: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, Gary Armstrong, Chair of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission and Wayne Olson, the City’s Chief Economic Development Officer. More info
Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast
The Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast is on Thursday, April 18 from 7:30–10:30 am at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Event Center. KGAY/Gay Desert Guide team will be there, stop by and learn more about advertising opportunities with us, and gain insight and knowledge of current trends, the health of the region’s economy, as well as the economic outlook for the Coachella Valley. Register today
On the Air: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY wants to send you on a Brand g Vacations luxury all-LGBT+ cruise to Venice, Croatia, and Sicily this summer! Starting Monday, April 15, listen to KGAY weekdays at 8 am, 1 pm and 5 pm for the Brand g/KGAY Cruise Song of the Day, then go to the KGAY Contest Page, enter the song name, and you’re registered to win! Brand g Vacations is the #1 operator of luxury, all-LGBT+ cruises and land tours. The contest winner will also receive roundtrip airfare provided by Palm Springs International Airport! Explore the world on your terms.
You can WIN TICKETS to The Boys in the Band, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre from April 12-21. Synopsis: In his New York City apartment, Michael throws a birthday party for Harold, a self-avowed “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 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
- 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 - Meghan Murphy – Adventures From A Broad!
Fri. & Sat., Apr. 12 & 13 at The Purple Room Supper Club - The Epic Freddie Mercury Tribute
Sat. Apr 13 at 7 pm at Fuego Events Space - Glow in the Park
Mar 16–April 28 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Nice Work If You Can Get It
Apr. 10–28 at CVRep - The Boys in the Band
Apr 12–21 at Palm Canyon Theatre - 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
Welcome New Partner!
March and Ash has multiple cannabis dispensary locations across Southern California, with their newest location in Palm Desert. March and Ash has all your recreational and medical cannabis with a great selection of flower, vapes, concentrates, edibles, pre-rolls, clones and CBD. Learn more
- Splash Jams: The Goldenvoice Surf Club Combines Music, Aquatics and Fun at Palm Springs’ New Water Park
- Things to Do in the High Desert, Joshua Tree and Beyond
- Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter To Open The Desert Wildlife Center
- Hidden Treasures Rediscovered at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre
- Cyndi Lauper Announced as WeHo Pride Parade Icon: Lifetime Ally Icon
Willie’s Modern Fare combines the elegance of fine dining with the warmth and conviviality for which its founder is best known. Recognized for Palm Springs’ top restaurants EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge and 1501 Uptown Gastropub, your host Willie Rhine invites guests to savor classic cuisine with a modern twist, along with creative cocktails and a carefully curated wine list. With our HOT DEAL, you can save 30% at Willie’s Modern Fare and get a $50 gift card for $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Desert Zen Day Spa, 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.