Just one year ago the ink was drying on our final contracts and the FCC transfer of license for KGAY 106.5 and I took over ownership.
And 11 years ago was my official start date in the desert as a full time resident, having moved from Los Angeles. The idea for Gay Desert Guide was already hatched and I began the process of creating and populating the website over the months leading up to Labor Day, 2013. That’s the official launch date of GayDesertGuide.LGBT. We started our 10th year in 2022 and will celebrate that milestone this Labor Day.
KGAY has become a top radio station in Palm Springs. We now have the best talent on our airwaves: #1 radio personality John Taylor, # 1 voted DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, the most recognizable name on air, Ross Mathews, program director and afternoon host Chris Shebel, and the newest member of our lineup DJ ModGirl.
As I posted on social media yesterday, it couldn’t happen without an outstanding supporting cast. We have nearly 25 people who help keep the train on the tracks and running on time. Looking back on a rough and tumble 2022, we made it to 2023! I’m grateful for my team, and for you, our readers and listeners. Thanks also to our advertisers and partners who support us for the benefit of all!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & 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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Palm Springs International Film Festival
The 34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will open Friday, January 6 and runs through Monday, January 16, with the glamorous (and sold out) Film Awards Gala kicking things off on Thursday, January 5 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Opening Night film is 80 for Brady directed by Kyle Marvin, screening on Friday, January 6. The film stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field. Festival film screenings will take place at various venues, including the Annenberg Theater, Regal Cinemas, Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, Palm Springs High School, and Mary Pickford Theatre. The festival will close on Sunday, January 15 with The Lost King, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Sally Hawkins; with the Best of Fest screening on Monday, January 16. Check out our listing for links to purchase passes, view the full schedule of films, and a film finder: Get tickets
Rock the Park with Kings of Queen
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s free outdoor concert series of tribute bands at the Palm Springs Downtown Park, “Rock the Park,” presents Kings of Queen, featuring the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen, on Wednesday, January 4 at 7 pm. Rock the Park will continue on the first Wednesday each month, through May 3. Future dates will pay tribute to Prince, Bee Gees, and more. The concerts are free and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or folding chairs. More info
Live Stand-Up Comedy Class with Mina Hartong
Professional emcee and comedienne Mina Hartong (Curve Magazine America’s Funniest Lesbians) will guide you through a six part Live Stand-Up Comedy workshop series, culminating in a LIVE Final Show! The class begins on Friday, January 6, and continues for 5 additional weeks at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Fridays from 2:30–4:30 pm. Open to all ages and absolutely no experience necessary. Have fun collecting stories and sharing them at the final show on the last week. More info
Outbook Club: The Velvet Rage
The OutBook Book Club will meet on Wednesday, January 4 from 6:30–8:30 pm in the Community Room at Mizell Center, with the first half hour being a social mixer. The selection for this meeting is The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World (2nd Edition) by Alan Downs. Outbook is supported by The Palm Springs Cultural Center and the Palm Springs Public Library. Selections are chosen by group members and highlight a mix of new LGBTQ+ releases and influential classics. More info
90’s Hip Hop & Early Frank Gehry
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents 90’s Hip Hop & Early Frank Gehry on Thursday, January 5 from 5:30–7:30 pm in the main museum with speakers Danny Hastings & Paul Andersen. “Mixed Feelings” is a back-to-back lecture experience on unrelated topics (that are somehow connected). Two speakers talk about their respective areas of expertise and you get to make the connections during the Q&A. Get tickets
Desert Blues Revival: Steven Taylor Blues Band
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, January 4, the Steven Taylor Blues Band takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville: Pino Noir Quartet
Jazzville invites you to experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, January 5 from 7–8:30 pm, Phenomenal gypsy-swing guitarist Luca Pino returns to Jazzville with his wildly talented quartet. The artistry and precision of Luca’s playing is mesmerizing, joyful, and heartfelt. If you love that Django sound then pick your seats and come swing with the Pino Noir Quartet. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Film Fest 2023 Tickets + Giveaway
General Public ticket sales for the Palm Springs International Film Festival are open now [More info]. Passes are also available, and KGAY 106.5 has your chance to WIN a 4-pack of passes! This is one of the largest film festivals in North America featuring twelve extraordinary days of screenings and special events with celebrity appearances and post screening discussions. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
Win White Party SURGE Tickets
KGAY 106.5 has your chance to WIN your way into WHITE PARTY GLOBAL’s “SURGE” on Saturday, January 21 at the Midway in San Francisco, with superstar DJs GSP and Rick Braile. Get ready to hit the road or hop on a plane to the Bay Area! Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page
