May Day! May Day! May Day! The international voice radio distress call is used by aviation, maritime and for general emergencies. But it’s also the day when workers across the world fight for their rights for fair pay.
Today, “May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires” protests will take place around the USA with at least four scheduled in the Coachella Valley. It’s also known as International Worker’s Day, which started in Chicago in 1886. Then it was a protest demanding an eight hour workday. Today, it’s about income inequality and living wages.
Like the No Kings mobilizations and other mass protests that have drawn millions to the streets since the start of Trump’s second term, there will be a few centralized events in large cities and thousands of smaller ones in communities like ours. There’s a call for not spending money, calling in sick from jobs and skipping school. Unlike weekend “No Kings” rallies, this is meant to happen on a school day and work day.
According to the New York Times, current income inequality in the U.S. has the top 10% of earners controlling 69% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 50% holds only about 3%. This gap, along with stagnant wages and rising costs for essentials such as gas and groceries, has “supercharged” May Day protests. It’s about denouncing policies that are viewed as favoring billionaires over the working class.
We see vestiges of that inequality all over the Coachella Valley. The Bob Hope House at 23,366 square foot estate overlooks a mobile home park nestled along Highway 111 just blocks from the Porsche dealership. The Parker Hotel sits just across the street. Homeless encampments crop up along the wash.
Over 93.7% of Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) students in this district are classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged. Even in Desert Sands Unified School District, the most affluent of our valley’s three districts, 77% of students are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged, which is higher than the California average.
So it’s no wonder that food banks, toy drives and back to school fundraising efforts are prevalent in our valley. I recently attended a “thank you” tour of The Center’s food bank at which CEO Mike Thompson shared stories of the impact that made each week by food donations. It’s a constant struggle to keep those shelved filled as the need increases.
So May Day is a distress call for action today. Families living in their van while parents work multiple jobs is not the America I want to live in. Pick your battles today — an Amazon or fast food boycott, skipping school, attending a protest, or just educating yourself are all ways to participate. Sticking your head in the proverbial sand is not a good look.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Sebastian’s Rodeo Disco
Sebastian’s Rodeo Disco sparkles on Friday, May 1 from 9 pm–4 am at Studio 4707. This celebration channels disco energy and rodeo attitude into a high-momentum event with style and freedom. Music is led by John Ceglia, straight from New York’s infamous Studio 54 and SiriusXM, along with KGAY’s own Sunday T-Dance deejay, Modgirl. Move through furnished lounges and expansive patios while returning to a dance floor guided by the spirit of 1977. More info
Taste of Jalisco Festival
The tenth anniversary of the Taste of Jalisco Festival returns Friday–Sunday, May 1–3 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza. This annual celebration honors the thirty-year sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Attendees can explore a sprawling family-friendly carnival along with an artisan craft vendor market. The weekend features gold medal tequila tastings, authentic Mexican cuisine, and community folklórico dance presentations. Daily entertainment highlights include a Lucha Libre wrestling show and live acts at the community amphitheater. More info
Desert Winds Freedom Band May Concert: From Book to Stage
The season concludes with the Desert Winds Freedom Band’s May concert, From Book to Stage, on Sunday, May 3 from 2–5 pm. Presented at the Jewish Community Center, this symphonic program celebrates musicals inspired by literary works, highlighting how stories move from the page to the theatrical stage. Musicians from across the community come together to perform a varied repertoire shaped by classic and contemporary sources. More info
High Desert Pride Prom: An Intergenerational Celebration
The High Desert Pride Prom: An Intergenerational Celebration is on Friday, May 1 from 7–11 pm at the Victor Valley College Educational Event Center. The event is a safe space for all generations to celebrate authentically regardless of age or identity. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate prom their own way in a joyous and supportive environment. More info
Mental Health Awareness Day
The community gathers for Mental Health Awareness Day on Saturday, May 2 from 12–7 pm. Held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, this event features a full schedule of sessions focused on physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Peter Bedard delivers a keynote talk at 12:30 pm about the importance of holistic health. Panels moderated by Thalia Hayden, Corey Roskin, and Grace Garner discuss mindfulness and spiritual practice. Participants can enjoy a laughter yoga demonstration with Adry Rubino or a conversation about facing the death experience. The day concludes with a relaxing sound bath conducted by Katt Adkins from 6–7 pm. More info
Palm Springs Hot Rodeo
It’s a full weekend of Palm Springs Hot Rodeo events across multiple venues. Festivities begin Friday, May 1 with Rodeo School from 10 am–2 pm at Dysart Equestrian Park, followed by a pool party at the Velvet Rope from 1–5 pm. The official Grand Entry parade happens on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at 12 pm, with rodeo competitions running 10 am–5 pm both days at Dysart. Saturday night brings “Dancing Under the Stars” at Oscar’s from 7 pm–12 am, and the weekend concludes with the awards ceremony on Sunday at 8 pm at Revolution Stage Company. More info
SunLit – Men of Color Retreat
The SunLit – Men of Color Retreat takes place all weekend at Casa Oliver Hotel. For nearly twenty years, this unique space (formerly known as Blatino Oasis) has been curated for sex positivity, community building, and healing, specifically for men of color. The retreat includes personal growth activities to address the challenges and barriers that gay, bi, and queer men of color face. Participants will find opportunities for education, reflection, and connection within a clothing optional and sex positive environment. More info
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow brings her Grammy‑winning artistry to The Show at Agua Caliente on Saturday, May 2 at 8 pm, highlighting the songs and stories that have shaped her remarkable career. Celebrate an artist whose music has defined eras and crossed genres with ease. A fun bit of trivia: before her solo breakthrough, she toured as a backup vocalist for Michael Jackson on his Bad World Tour, performing for stadiums long before she became a headliner herself. More info
Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood!
Broadway power couple Nicolas Dromard and Desi Davar bring Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood! to The Purple Room Supper Club on Friday–Saturday. The duo presents an evening of dazzling dance and thrilling vocals. They have previously starred on Broadway in iconic productions like Wicked and West Side Story. The show blends beloved Broadway and Hollywood favorites with the pair’s undeniable chemistry. More info
Elvis – The Early Years with Scot Bruce
Celebrated entertainer Scot Bruce brings his high-energy tribute Elvis: The Early Years with Scot Bruce to the desert on Sunday, May 3. Performing at the Purple Room Supper Club, he showcases an uncanny resemblance to the young King of Rock and Roll. The show focuses on the 1950s era and features his ability to sing, strum a guitar, and swivel his hips. More info
Open Call Talent Project
Outstanding local performers of all ages showcase their skills in the Open Call Talent Project running Friday–Saturday at the McCallum Theatre. This stunning competition features a variety of acts culminating in a full cast finale that has historically been a sell-out event. Audience members have the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite performer during the shows. The winners are then announced and celebrated during the final performance on Saturday. More info
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is a wildly inventive new musical comedy performing Wednesday–Sunday at CV Rep from April 22–May 10. The story follows a sleep-deprived single mom who connects through space and time with the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Together they overcome the odds in a timeless and very funny musical romance. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “the pace never slackens, the surprises keep coming and the performances shine.” Read his full review and Get tickets
