Eleven is this week’s number. Today (Aug. 30th as I write this) is the 11th anniversary of GayDesertGuide.LGBT hitting the interwebs.
I used the Wayback Machine to take a look at the first weekend’s homepage, fortunately captured by Internet Archives. Topping the news was Pride’s announcement of the Community Grand Marshals for 2013 and the 27th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade: Melanie Jones, Ellen Zimmerman, Mark Jones and Brian Vatcher.
Del Shores’ new movie Southern Baptist Sissies, was debuting at Cinema Diverse. Burning Man was the top event of the weekend and Lulu’s all Day Happy Hour at the bar was our featured Happy Hour.
It was the first time in many years I had looked back to that ‘first edition’ of the website. Thousands of events, blogs and business listings later we’re still here. It’s to the point where the LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert is collecting stuff from my early years!
My mother constantly quips, “Did you ever imagine that it would take off like it did?” And I have to answer, “I certainly hoped so!” I left a career in media having worked my way up to the Los Angeles market. And it all started at my hometown radio station and newspaper – housed in the same office – at age 15.
Now I’ve got KGAY/KMEE and Gay Desert Guide housed in the same office – only I own them. It’s a bit surreal, but gratifying nonetheless. As we celebrated 11 years at the Center Social on Wednesday night, I truly appreciated the positive comments from you. Below, find a few photos from the event.
I just would like to take that Wayback Machine forward to know where Will Rollins will be 11 years hence. Mr. President, maybe??
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasisJoin the Oasis Insiders Today to get our Weekly Newsletter!
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
“The Judy Show!” Returns
This weekend is the season-opener of The Judy Show! at The Purple Room Supper Club! Starting on Sunday, September 1 with dinner at 5 pm and show at 7 pm, this hysterical and glamorous parody of Judy Garland’s 1964 television variety show features celebrated entertainer (and Purple Room proprietor) Michael Holmes. Expect an evening filled with comedy, music, and iconic impersonations that will leave you in stitches. The show continues every Sunday, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience at one of Palm Springs’ most iconic venues! Get tickets
Club SIRocco Grand Opening
Join the grand opening of Club SIRocco this weekend for an exciting lineup of events starting with the Labor Day Lift Off featuring the Perry Twins starting on Friday at 9 pm. On Saturday at 9 pm it’s the SIRocco Launch Party with Jamie J Sanchez and John LePage. On Sunday at noon, The Durbins present Queer: A ‘Different’ Drag Brunch, and wrap up your Sunday with Afternoon Tea featuring DJ Matt Consola from 3–8 pm. Don’t miss out on the music & fun at this new hot spot at Hotel Zoso! More info
Neon Oasis
Neon Oasis premieres this Saturday, August 31 from 9 pm–2 am at The Sonoran. This new weekly club night features Palm Springs’ most dazzling light show and state of the art sound system with 3 bars, 2 dance floors, an outdoor patio and late night food. Resident DJs include KGAY’s own DJ Modgirl playing house and nu-disco in the Leopard Lounge and DJ LF spinning Top 40 and club hits in the Electric Ballroom, with special guest DJs weekly. More info
TOTO – Dogz of Oz Tour
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents TOTO’s Dogz of Oz Tour on Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm. Over the past decade, TOTO has had a major renaissance in popularity like few bands at this point in their career, surpassing 3.4 billion Spotify streams and approaching five billion total plays across platforms. Their songs, especially “Africa,” have achieved significant success. The band has a family tree of over 5000 albums, selling half a billion copies. Get tickets
HVW8 Gallery Presents Art+Music Weekender
Celebrate the end of summer with HVW8 Gallery’s Art+Music Weekender from August 30–September 2 at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. The event features a variety of special programming, including an artist workshop and DJ sets by Bryon the Aquarius, Frankie Banks, and Ty G & friends. Enjoy poolside and nightly DJ sessions in the Amigo Room, with free entry for those 21 and over. The Commune will be open to hotel guests and resort pass holders during the day. Stop by for a night or stay the whole weekend! More info
PLUNGE Pool Party
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents their PLUNGE Pool Party on Sunday, September 1 from 12–5 pm at CCBC Resort. Come check out the new bar setup and music by Palm Springs DJ Bill Dup. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, August 31, the series continues with Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Get tickets
Best of Coachella Valley Nomination Period Ends Friday
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is accepting nominations through Friday, August 30. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Write-in your nominations for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section: KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch Djs: DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy, and DJ Modgirl of the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance! Then, under the “Life in the Valley” section, for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and Patrick Evans of 103.1 MeTV FM. Fnally, also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please nominate KGAY 106.5 of course! Nominate Today
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 30
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Hot Summer Nights | 7:30–10:30 pm at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9 pm
Saturday, August 31
Dive-In Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 | 7:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Sunday, September 1
Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance | 3 pm (new start time)
Encore Summer Concert Film Series: Wattstax (1973) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Aerial Tramway Holiday Hours + Upcoming Maintenance Closure
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will have special holiday hours for Labor Day Weekend from August 31–September 2. On Saturday and Sunday, the first tram departs at 8 am, with the last tram up at 9 pm and the final tram down at 10:30 pm. On Monday, the schedule shifts slightly, with the last tram up at 8 pm and the last tram down at 9:30 pm. Additionally, the final Guided Nature Walks by Mt. San Jacinto State Park Volunteers will take place on Sunday, September 1, featuring the Desert View Trail and the Long Valley Nature Trail. Note: The Tramway will be closed for annual maintenance from September 9–October 6.
