The morning headlines went from bad to worse. As I looked for fodder for this twice-weekly blog, a scan of The Desert Sun and LA Times did nothing for my morale.
We’re now blockading Cuba, causing residents to experience food shortages and power outages. The National Park Services is removing Native American verbiage from its displays.
Catherine O’Hara dies, while a vigil was held for “Walking Man” Ricardo Marano who was the victim of another hit and run. Prescott Preserve suffered a devastating fire to its palm trees. Worst of all: Puxatawny Phil saw his shadow portending six more weeks of Winter (we’re unscathed here – one bright spot!)
It is a lot, and for those of us who are paying attention the news cycle does take a toll. It’s a real thing – documented during the last administration. “Trump Anxiety Disorder” is recognized for raising the collective fears of Americans. Heart attack rates were 42% higher in the five days following the 2020 election than in the period prior.
Gen Z youth reported significantly higher levels of sociopolitical stress compared to older generations, with those identifying as LGBQ+ being over 20 times more likely to experience high stress trajectories during the 2020 election cycle.
And ever before the history books are written and research is done on what’s happening IRL, we can feel the impact in our psyche. That’s part of the plan, of course. But it’s hard to rise above the din and be logical about one’s feelings: We shouldn’t let it bother us, but it does.
If you don’t pay attention, maybe it’s time you do. Obviously not for the health benefits but for the stake of our republic. And if you need motivation, take it from Jelly Roll, who at Sunday night’s Grammy’s vowed to take a more active civic role. He’s quoted backstage saying, “I didn’t even know politics were f-cking real until I was in my mid-20s in jail.”
According to Billboard Magazine, he is ready to speak out. “I have a lot to say about it and I’m going to in the next week. And everybody’s going to hear exactly what I have to say in the most loud and clear way I’ve ever spoken in my life. I look forward to it.”
My guess is that it won’t be in support of what’s driving these headlines.
P.S. It’s my honor to have DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas celebrate seven years on KGAY this week! I hired them both as we started KGAY, and they stayed through thick and thin. To start year eight, Galaxy will rebroadcast his first shows from 2019 this week starting today at noon on KGAYPalmSprings.com and at 103.1 FM.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE: Positive Life Series
The Positive Life Series continues at the Mizell Center on Tuesday, February 3 from 6–7 pm with an informative session on Urological Health and HIV led by Dr. Jay Bischoff of Eisenhower Medical Center. This community program offers clear, accessible guidance on an often‑overlooked aspect of wellness, creating space for attendees to learn, ask questions, and better understand how urological issues intersect with HIV care. More info
This week at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre delivers a remarkable week of music and movement, beginning Tuesday, February 3 at 7 pm with Counterpoint, an inventive collaboration between pianist‑composer Conrad Tao and choreographer‑dancer Caleb Teicher. Their acclaimed blend of rhythm, harmony, and theatricality bridges traditions from Bach to Gershwin in a performance that expands the boundaries of both dance and music. On Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7 at 8 pm, the McCallum Theatre Orchestra takes the stage under the baton of Richard Kaufman, celebrated for his work conducting and supervising music for major films and television. Get tickets
WED: Rock the Park – Bruno and the Hooligans
Rock the Park keeps the energy high on Wednesday, February 4 from 7–9 pm as Bruno and the Hooligans take over Downtown Palm Springs Park with a lively tribute to the chart‑topping hits and show‑stopping style of Bruno Mars. This free outdoor concert invites the community to gather under the evening sky for a night of dancing and feel‑good music. The series continues next month with Always, Adele (3/4), followed by Song Bird: The Singular Tribute to Barbra Streisand (4/1). More info
This Week at the Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre lights up this week with three spectacular events: On Wednesday, February 4, Piaf! The Show brings Edith Piaf’s world to life in a breathtaking theatrical tribute praised internationally for its emotional depth and authenticity. On Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, the theatre unveils rePLAY: The Importance of Being Earnest (in New York), a star‑studded script‑in‑hand performance featuring Christine Ebersole, Isabella Coben, Judy Kaye, Priscilla Lopez, Jess Salgueiro, Ryan Spahn, Michael Urie, and Lillias White. The week wraps on Sunday, February 8, with MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, a globe‑touring celebration of ABBA’s greatest hits, complete with stunning vocals, choreography, and disco‑era magic. Get tickets
THU: Black History Month Opening Celebration
Black History Month begins with a community celebration at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday, February 5 from 5–8 pm. The evening opens the exhibition A Century of Black History Commemorations and features a high‑energy performance by the James O Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center drumline and drill team, remarks from local leaders, a live set by Poetic Moor, and small bites from Tasteful Soul Catering with Chef Corinne. More info
THU: Palm Springs Yappy Hour
Yappy Hour returns to the Riviera Resort’s Desert Rose Garden on Thursday, February 5 from 4–6 pm, offering an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and tail-wagging fun. Hosted by KiKi Tormo, this pet-friendly gathering invites guests and their leashed pups to mingle in a lush garden setting while supporting Animal Samaritans’ life-saving programs for local homeless animals. More info
THU–FRI: NGPA Industry Expo
The National Gay Pilots Association brings its annual Industry Expo to the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday–Friday, February 5–6, offering one of the country’s largest aviation recruiting and networking gatherings. Pilots, students, and aviation professionals from across the industry will be in town for two days of speakers, exhibitors, and career‑focused programming that highlight the depth and talent of the LGBTQ aviation community. More info
Opens THU: Timeless Traditions, Modern Context
The Artists Council Exhibition: Timeless Traditions, Modern Context opens on Thursday, February 5, running through March 1 at the Artists Council Artist Center at the Galen, presenting more than 130 juried works from the region’s creative community. Featuring pieces that bridge historical influence with contemporary vision, the exhibition highlights the depth and diversity of talent among the Artists Council’s 700 members. It’s an inspiring showcase of how tradition and modern expression continue to shape the Coachella Valley’s artistic landscape. More info
THU–SUN: Varla Jean Merman is The Drowsy Chappell Roan
Varla Jean Merman storms into Palm Springs Cultural Center with a deliriously fun new spectacle, serving up her own drowsy, deliciously off‑kilter take on Chappell Roan and today’s reigning pop powerhouses. From Thursday–Saturday, February 5–7 at 7:30 pm, she rewires hits from Chappell Roan, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Doechii and Miley Cyrus, all while unraveling her accidental identity crisis with trademark wit, glamour and theatrical chaos. With Todd Alsup joining the ride, this is Varla at her most playful and pop‑obsessed. Get tickets
STARTS FRI: Hair
Hair opens at Palm Canyon Theatre on Friday, February 6, launching a spirited run through March 1 that channels the raw energy and cultural revolution of the 1960s. Audiences are invited into a world of peace, love, and youthful rebellion as a tribe of free‑spirited hippies navigates identity, protest, and the power of community. With its electrifying rock score and timeless call for change, this landmark musical continues to resonate with its bold, joyful, and unapologetically revolutionary spirit. Get tickets
FRI & SAT: The Kinsey Sicks
The Purple Room turns up the sparkle Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, as DRAGAPELLA! featuring The Kinsey Sicks storms the stage with their outrageous blend of four‑part harmonies and razor‑sharp comedy. This beloved troupe delivers a night that’s equal parts Pitch Perfect polish and Drag Race attitude, serving fresh a cappella spins on pop hits, musical‑theater favorites, and classics — all wrapped in their signature bawdy brilliance. Get tickets
FRI: National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6 invites everyone to stand in solidarity for women’s heart health by wearing red and helping raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Landmarks across the country—including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—will glow red in support, while the American Heart Association encourages all to join the Go Red for Women movement by sharing the message and spreading awareness throughout the day. More info
