“We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us.” You hear that phrase often in politics and movements. As Jose Sarria’s 100th birthday is observed this week, his Palm Springs Walk of Stars ceremony is slated near the Marilyn Monroe statue in the Downtown Park. Those shoulders bore a heavy burden. In 1961 became the first openly gay candidate for public office in the United States. That would have been a fete in and of itself, but he was also a drag performer at the Black Cat in San Francisco and founder of the Imperial Court System.
When you look at the political landscape post-midterms, remember this man who set an example for trying to breakdown barriers for our LGBTQ+ community. Now on to the week before – the week before Christmas! Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm SpringsFor the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
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José Sarria Walk of Stars Induction
José Sarria will be awarded a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Monday, December 12 at 2 pm in honor of his 100th birthday. The José Sarria Foundation is proudly sponsoring this event in the downtown park near the Marilyn Monroe statue. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to wear ‘big’ hats. More info
DBA Holiday Party
Join the Desert Business Association in celebrating the season at their Holiday Party on Monday, December 12 from 5:30–8:30 pm at Wilma & Frieda Palm Springs. Enjoy festive holiday fare & no-host beverages, plus a holiday raffle & silent auction, with entertainment by Deven Green and Handsome Ned. Get tickets
2nd Annual Flight to the North Pole
Bouschet & PS Air Bar present the 2nd Annual Flight to the North Pole on Wednesday, December 14 from 7–10 pm. Join in for a wonderful evening of live entertainment, caroling, & fun surprises to help spread the joy of the holidays for a great cause. This a fundraising event benefiting Make A Wish Foundation. Bouschet & PS Air will be serving a traditional holiday meal with all of the trimmings (on airplane trays, of course) & special holiday drinks. More info
Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time? – A New Musical
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Nunzio Sisto present the West Coast premiere of Why Can’t The Trains Run On Time? • A New Musical, on Monday, December 12 (and again Monday, December 19). This is an emotionally charged modern-day musical about an artist learning to let go of his past and appreciate his present. It’s a timeless tale that anyone can relate to, and a lesson about life that speaks to everyone who sees it. A Juilliard graduate, Nunzio Sisto’s music has been compared to Sondheim for its rhythmic and harmonic complexities, and to Schwartz for its memorable melodies. Get tickets
Desert Jam – Jammin’ for The Well
The Well in the Desert presents its annual fundraiser, Desert Jam – Jammin’ For the Well, on Monday, December 12 from 6–9:30 pm at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort in Rancho Mirage. Brian Wanzek will emcee this festive evening which includes the Jackson-Garrett Band, a buffet, and a silent auction. This year The Well’s honorees are Kal David and Lauri Bono. Get tickets
Fun Home
CVRep presents Fun Home now through Sunday, December 18. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Fun Home is a musical adapted from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. Follow Alison as she uncovers the secrets through three different ages in her life. Fun Home isn’t just a coming-of-age or coming out story, but one that sets out to unravel the many mysteries of childhood through which we can all identify. Get tickets
Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says of this production of Fun Home: “Under the excellent direction of Adam Karsten, the play is in constant motion with scene changes taking on an almost cinematic feel. His cast delivers uniformly strong, powerful performances.” Read his full review [here].
CV Philharmonic: Classical
The fall collection of the CV Philharmonic Society Chamber Series continues on Tuesday, December 13 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with Classical, featuring Dr. Joshua Phillips (Clarinet), and Dr. Charles Metz (Period Keyboard). The Chamber Series features soloists and small ensembles whose proceeds support local musicians, Youth Training Orchestra’s educational programs and PSCC’s Theatre 3 Expansion. Get tickets
The Lincoln Debate: A New Play by Terry Ray
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and The Bent present The Lincoln Debate: A New Play by Terry Ray opening Wednesday, December 14 with a reception at 6 pm and show at 7 pm. Terry Ray is the playwright of Electricity, the record-breaking longest running play in Palm Springs. The Lincoln Debate takes a funny, touching and historically honest look at the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, a man he shared a bed with for four years. Did they have an intimate relationship? Did one of the greatest men in American history have a letter under the LGBTQ banner that fit him? Get tickets
Mindful Eating and Cooking During the Holidays
Eisenhower Health and The Center present Mindful Eating and Cooking During the Holiday Season via Zoom on Wednesday, December 14 from 4–5 pm. Join Lisa Vesik, Registered Dietician and Nutritional Manager to learn how to cook and eat mindfully during the holidays. Become more aware of your body’s signals of fullness so that you can have your pumpkin pie and eat it too! More info
