Ihave a number of “self-help” books on my shelves that have been a part of my life for many years. One of the early finds was One Door Closes, Another Door Opens by Arthur Pine.
In it, he quotes mostly-famous people who overcame adversity, made a simple decision or had a twist of fate that change their lives. I came across it after making a bad career choice and landing in Cincinnati, Ohio in the mid-90s. I was unhappy in my job and ultimately was fired.
The good that came out of that career decision was meeting my then-partner in a chance encounter in a gay bar. We walked past each other – each thinking the other had said something. We then talked all evening, danced to Kate Bush Running Up That Hill, (our song) and ended the evening by exchanged landline numbers. One door had closed, but another had opened.
But I had already decided to make a move to Chicago to pursue my dream of living and working in that wonderful city. He subsequently followed me there, and we had a number of gerat years together. That was until wanderlust struck again and I had an opportunity to work in Los Angeles radio – with an LGBTQ talk host and a progressive talk radio station (KTLK). Another door had opened for me and my partner. He ultimately chose to remain in the Midwest, and we split up – another door closing.
Ultimately, those “doors closing and another one opening” led me to Palm Springs, and what I’ve been able to create here. It’s the serendipity of life, is it not?
Last week, Larry Eschenbacher, who has led our sales efforts for nearly three years announced he was leaving for a new opportunity in the media world. While it’s a big loss for our small organization, it was time for him to open a new door in his life. I’m grateful for the time he spent with us. He brought a lot of pure enthusiasm to the office each day, made great relationships and even brought us the boys who pushed our bed to 2nd place in the Cathedral City LGBT Days Bed Race!
I wanted to take a moment to share the concept of “One Door Closes, Another Door Opens” and pay tribute to Larry and the many others in my orbit who have brought me here.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Matteo Lane
Matteo Lane brings his sharp wit, musical flair, and unmistakable charisma to the Plaza Theatre stage for an added 4th show (due to very popular demand) on Sunday, January 18 at 8:45 pm. Known for his global sell‑out tours, viral comedy specials, and standout screen appearances, he blends soaring vocals, quick-fire storytelling, and unapologetic authenticity into a performance that feels both electric and intimate. Get tickets
Patti LaBelle 8065 Tour
Patti LaBelle brings her legendary voice to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, January 16 at 8 pm. As part of her 8065 Tour, the iconic performer delivers an evening of timeless hits and soulful storytelling drawn from a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. From chart‑topping classics to inspiring new moments, LaBelle’s artistry, warmth and unmistakable style make this a must‑see night with one of music’s most enduring stars. Get tickets
TASTE – On the Mark’s Food & Beverage Festival
On Saturday, January 17 from 12–5:30 pm, TASTE lands at The SHAG House with an immersive food and beverage festival hosted by On The Mark. Set inside the iconic midcentury home designed by SHAG, this exclusive event offers unlimited samples from 30+ boutique purveyors spanning caviar, oysters, wine, beer, spirits, chocolates and more. Guests receive early access to a limited‑edition SHAG glass and can choose between a general admission session or an elevated VIP experience featuring reserve pours and premium bites. Get tickets
Assassins
Revolution Stage Company presents Assassins, the Tony Award–winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, running January 16–31. This bold and provocative production examines the motivations and mythology surrounding nine figures who attempted to alter American history, blending dark humor, sharp commentary, and unforgettable music. It’s a rare chance to experience one of Sondheim’s most daring works live onstage in Palm Springs. Get tickets
I Do! I Do!
Palm Canyon Theatre opens its run of the beloved two‑person musical I Do! I Do! on Friday, January 16, running through Sunday, January 25, inviting audiences into a tender, humorous and deeply relatable portrait of 50 years of marriage. With a graceful score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the show follows one couple through the milestones, missteps and moments of joy that shape a lifetime together. Get tickets
Eureka Day
Dezart Performs opens its new season with Jonathan Spector’s award‑winning satire Eureka Day, running through Sunday, January 25. Winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, this sharply funny and strikingly relevant comedy follows a progressive school board whose ideals are pushed to the breaking point when a mumps outbreak ignites a battle over public health, personal freedom and digital‑age discourse. A mix of laugh‑out‑loud chaos and incisive social commentary. Get tickets
One Man, Two Guvnors
CVRep kicks off the new year with the riotous comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, running through Sunday, February 1. Richard Bean’s award‑winning adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic farce follows the endlessly hungry Francis Henshall, who takes on two jobs—while desperately trying to keep his bosses from discovering each other. With sharp wit, physical comedy and songs by Grant Olding, this fast‑paced production delivers a joyful tangle of mistaken identities, near‑misses and escalating chaos that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Get tickets
Midnight Orienteering Opening Reception
Rubine Red Gallery hosts the opening reception for Midnight Orienteering on Saturday, January 17 from 5–8 pm, unveiling a compelling series of mono-prints by artist and printmaker Drew Peterson. Spanning work created from 2013 to 2025, the exhibition traces Peterson’s evolution as he blends analog printmaking with the immediacy of watercolor to explore experimentation, intuition and sustained artistic inquiry. More info
Broadway’s Best in the West: Sierra Boggess
Broadway’s Best in the West is at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for its third season, with Sierra Boggess taking the stage on Saturday, January 17 at 7 pm. One of Broadway’s most celebrated leading ladies, Boggess brings her acclaimed interpretations of iconic roles—including her internationally praised portrayal of Christine Daaé—to this intimate desert concert series. The season continues with Jessica Vosk on February 14 and Tony Yazbeck on March 14. Get tickets
Hermitage Piano Trio
International Classical Concerts of the Desert presents the acclaimed Hermitage Piano Trio on Saturday, January 17 from 3–5 pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. Celebrated for their expressive power and technical brilliance, the trio has earned multiple GRAMMY nominations and widespread praise from audiences and critics alike. Their return to the desert offers an afternoon of richly layered chamber music performed by one of the world’s leading ensembles. Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Festival
The Palm Springs Art Festival returns to Frances Stevens Park for its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, January 17–18 from 10 am–4 pm. This beloved Uptown event showcases an impressive range of work across two‑ and three‑dimensional mixed media, ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture, bringing together artists from across the region during peak season, this is the first in a trio of festivals scheduled through March. More info
This Weekend at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatrefeatures legendary late‑night host Jay Leno on Saturday, January 17, and then on Sunday, January 18 it’s Wild Cats Revealed, with National Geographic Explorer Sandesh Kadur showcasing India’s extraordinary diversity of lesser‑known felines. More info
Top of the World Carpenters Tribute
The Plaza Theatre hosts the timeless sound of Karen and Richard Carpenter with Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute on Friday, January 16 at 7 pm. Led by vocalist Debbie Taylor, whose uncanny Karen Carpenter tone anchors the performance, this eight‑piece ensemble delivers every harmony and arrangement with remarkable authenticity, performing together as a full touring band with no tracks. Get tickets
Gardens on El Paseo Concert Series
The Gardens on El Paseo launches its 28th Annual Concert Series on Saturday, January 17 at4:30 pm, inviting the community to gather on the Center Lawn for an evening of live music and local giving. This long‑running tradition has raised more than $1.5 million for Coachella Valley charities, and this year’s opener features Jimmy’s Buffet, a lively Jimmy Buffett tribute benefiting Parade Charities. More info
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts opens its 12th season on Sunday, January 18 at 4 pm at Grace Church with a free performance by the acclaimed Los Angeles–based string quintet Rogue Lemon Collective. Known for drawing record‑breaking crowds, the series continues to thrive with five additional performances planned through March. No tickets or reservations are needed — simply arrive, enjoy world‑class music in a welcoming community setting, and consider a donation at the door to support this beloved local tradition. More info
Catch Pickleball Fever
The Carvana Masters continues through this weekend at Mission Hills Country Club, turning Rancho Mirage into the epicenter of pro pickleball as the world’s top players battle it out on championship courts. Fans can soak up the action with grounds passes, courtside seating, or VIP access, all while enjoying food, live music, sponsor activations, and organized play throughout the venue. With the PPA transforming the facility into a full‑scale pickleball festival, this is the prime chance to experience the sport at its highest level before the tournament wraps on Sunday. Get tickets
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A Fresh New Glow on Sunny 106.5
Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s fresh new radio station, your go-to for feel-good favorites from the ’90s, 2000s, and more—music so bright, you gotta wear shades. From Mariah Carey and Matchbox Twenty to Adele, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and hundreds of other favorites, it’s the perfect soundtrack for your day. More than just great music, Sunny 106.5 keeps you connected to the community with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans of News Channel 3, plus friendly, familiar voices throughout the day. Sunny 106.5 is bright music and good vibes for Greater Palm Springs! Learn more
