As the first international gay hockey tournament begins in Greater Palm Springs, there’s word of the Chicago Blackhawks caving to Russian anti-LGBTQ laws.
Thursday night was the kickoff for the Palm Springs LGBT Hockey Tournament at Hunters, where teams from the US and Canada gathered ahead of competition this weekend at Acrisure Arena. The CV Firebirds have been nothing but supportive of our rich and diverse LGBTQ+ valley in their first year. They are affiliated with the NHL team The Seattle Kraken.
News comes today that another NHL team will not wear Pride jerseys due to fears that it could endanger Russian athletes who play for the team.
On the positive side, other LGBT-related events will take place along side Sunday’s game. The Firebirds donated a Pride jersey signed by all members of the team. It’s on auction right now and could be a piece of LGBTQ history. You can learn more and bid here. And by all means, check out the free games this weekend at Acrisure Arena!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International LGBT Hockey Tournament
The Palm Springs International LGBT Hockey Tournament takes place Thursday–Sunday, March 23–26, welcoming ten teams from across North America to our community to celebrate LGBT Hockey. Independent players from across North America, those players who do not have a local LGBT team will also be joining, along with a national Trans Team participating in the tournament.
The Coachella Valley Roadrunners team will also make its debut, comprised of LGBT players and supporters from the Coachella Valley and other areas to represent our community in all local and international LGBT hockey tournaments! More info
On Saturday, March 25 from 9 pm–2 am, The Barracks presents BUMP, the hockey tournament’s official after party, with music by DJ Aaron Elvis playing dance music from 1990–2010. Free admission with tournament wristband, $10 otherwise. More info
The Chase
The 29th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase) returns as a SOLD OUT event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 25, from 5–10 pm. This glittery gala is a golden star on the desert’s social calendar! The show will feature Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor and musician Darren Criss as its headline performer. The DAP Health Equity Award will be presented to fashion icon and philanthropist Donna Karan. Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Dr. Conrado E. Bárzaga and the organization’s board of directors will be honored with the DAP Health Humanitarian Award. More info
Trans Pride 2023 – Empower and Employ
The 2nd Annual Trans Pride 2023 takes place on Sunday, March 26 from 11 am–5 pm at Frances Stevens Park, presented by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center and featuring performances by Ryan Cassata, Kalista Stage, Flagging in the Desert, Hula Palm Springs, DJ Bos, DJ Baby Yoda and more. Focusing on celebrating transgender, gender diverse and intersex equality and equity, organizations and businesses that believe in this will come together to show their support for marginalized communities that have been systematically oppressed. Trans Pride 2023 will feature its first-ever career fair to “Empower and Employ” transgender, gender diverse and intersex job seekers. More info
The Sky’s the Limit
The Desert Winds Freedom Band present their spring concert, The Sky’s the Limit on Saturday and Sunday, March 25 & 26 at the Jewish Community Center. The Concert Band will perform two very exciting selections by guest composer Richard Saucedo: “Into the Clouds” and “Shooting Stars.” There’s also popular arrangements from “Star Trek,” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” to mention just a few of the selections. The Jazz Band will also perform “Orange Colored Sky” and “Blue Moon” among others. Get tickets
Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament
The Stonewall Golfers Rainbow Challenge returns on Saturday, March 25 & Sunday, March 26 at Mission Hills Country Club. Leading up to the tournament is a full a week of events, with individual stroke play, an Opening Party, Twilight Golf, practice rounds, Pairing Party, a silent auction and putting contest for charity. It all wraps up on Sunday with an awards banquet. More info
Raw Talk: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask Your Gay Doctor
DAP Health, Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and Vaccinate All 88 present Raw Talk: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask Your Gay Doctor on Friday, March 24 from 4–7 pm at VIP Nightclub in Riverside. Miss Rusty Waters will host Queer Sexuality: A Night of Open Discussion, featuring special guest Dr. James Simmons, with free vaccinations, taco truck, HIV self-test kits and more! More info
Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam
KGAY’s own Retro Lunch and Sunday Brunch DJ Eric Ornelas will be spinning at Acrisure Arena on Friday, March 24 for the Freestyle Throwback Jam concert event taking place that evening at 7:30 pm. Freestyle Explosion is bringing the power of throwbacks with Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Taylor Dayne, The Cover Girls, Lil Suzy, The Jets, Trinere, Rob Base, Freestyle, and MC Shy D. More info
Palm Springs International Dance Festival: “Launch”
The 7th Annual Palm Springs International Dance Festival celebrates its spring gala with a two week series of professional performances and education programs for high school and college students, from March 24–April 2. This weekend’s highlighted public event is “Launch,” on Saturday, March 25 from 6–7 pm at Nickerson-Rossi’s Dance House. Festival Founder Michael Nickerson-Rossi invites college directors to set premiere works on the professionals of the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company, while he sets works on their college students. Performances by: Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company, Johns Hopkins University | Peabody Institute, Stockton University, and Palm Springs Dance Academy [Get tickets]. And next weekend: on Saturday, April 1 from 5–7 pm, the festival’s gala event, is a cocktail social and dance concert titled “Our Bodies,” this year benefiting the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center. Get tickets
One-PS Annual Picnic & Community Expo
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (One PS) present their 14th Annual Picnic & Community Expo on Saturday, March 25 from 11 am–2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. The picnic has become a favorite citywide neighborhood event, growing each year: over 1100 residents enjoy the lunch, DJ entertainment, Pooch Parade, and exhibits at more than 50 booths. Exhibitors range from the Desert Water Agency to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Enter your cutie in the dog contest, enjoy live performances by Parks & Recreation performers and meet your neighbors! More info
The Kingdom Choir™ at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatre presents The Kingdom Choir™ on Friday, March 24 at 8 pm. Hailing from London, the choir is best known for their show stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The group’s performance of “Stand By Me,” seen by a global audience of over two billion, instantly catapulted the Choir to worldwide fame. Another great musical export from the UK plays the McCallum on Saturday, March 25 at 8 pm: Katherine Jenkins has performed all over the world, for the Pope, for Presidents and is a favorite of the Royal Family, having been invited to sing ‘God Save The Queen’ at Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, perform at Her Majesty’s Coronation Concerts at Buckingham Palace and by special request at Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle. Coming up at the McCallum: Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin (3/28 and 3/29). See the full March schedule for the McCallum Theatre with ticket info on our event listing: Get tickets
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays through May 27, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been so popular they’ve extended its run by several weeks! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets
Escape to Margaritaville
Desert Theatreworks presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, playing now through Sunday, April 2. This upbeat and energetic new show features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Volcano”, “Fins”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and of course “Margaritaville.” With a tropical island theme, this heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! Get tickets
Boozehounds Rock Your Socks Patio Party
Boozehounds is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day all week long with a special “Piece-A-Paper” cocktail in honor of co-owner Jimmy McGill’s beloved brother, Patrick. On Saturday, March 25 from 2–5 pm, join the Rocks Your Socks Patio Party and Happy Hour with DJ Chris De Jesus. Bring your own crazy socks and/or purchase some for a good cause, and enjoy dancing, drinks and snacks. More info
10th Anniversary of Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance
Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs‘ famous Sunday afternoon T-Dance is turning 10 years old, and this weekend they are having a special anniversary event on Sunday, March 26 from 4–8 pm, featuring a performance by Jai Rodriguez. Your pre-purchased ticket will serve as a line pass. More info
