May-December relationships are a thing here in the Coachella Valley. Younger are attracted to older. “Daddy” takes on a whole new meaning. Like most relationships outside the norm, they are looked down upon. I take considerable teasing from my friends for my proclivity for younger men. But it takes two to tango, and if both are drawn to each other the relationship can work quite well.
“Age is one of the least likely factors to happiness in a relationship,” according to Ruschelle Khanna, CSW. “Relationships are made happy when they are based on trust, commitment, and understanding and respecting the other person’s experiences.” Khanna says that relationships with age gaps present may actually be happier than similarly aged couples, as they’ve often taken more care to put in the work, and their work is thus rewarded.
I saw Dezart Performs Mr. Parker over the weekend with stunning performances by the three person cast. It tackles the issue head-on and is well worth seeing. But this relationship didn’t end well. As our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh calls out (and I agree with): “It will make you laugh in recognition and will also bring some tears to the eyes for that very same reason.”
For me, that recognition did bring wisps of nostalgia for love’s lost, and a validation that May-December’s are indeed a delicate dance.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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“Pillars of Palm Springs” Public Art Installation
In celebration of World Art Day, on Monday, April 15 at 10 am the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission will host a special proclamation and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official unveiling of a spectacular new public art installation along the Tahquitz Canyon Way median running from Palm Springs International Airport to Sunrise Way called “Pillars of Palm Springs.” [Learn more about the artists and their work]. Slated to speak at the ceremony: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, Gary Armstrong, Chair of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission and Wayne Olson, the City’s Chief Economic Development Officer. More info
Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation presents Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future on Friday, April 19 from 5–8 pm at The Prescott Collection Hanger in Palm Springs. This exclusive venue houses more than 100 rare and vintage automobiles owned by collector Brad Prescott. It includes renowned luxury marques such as Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard as well as “orphan makes” including Nash, Rambler and Studebaker. Mingle with these beauties while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and helping to restore the Plaza Theatre to its original splendor. Get tickets
Coming Up: Fire Island Film Festival
The Filmmakers’ Gallery presents The Fire Island Film Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 & 21 at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City. This 2-day film festival celebrates the history, culture, and significance of Fire Island, New York with documentaries, comedies, shorts, and dramatic feature films, a panel discussion with author/activist Mark Okun, author Jill Langham and more. See our event listing for the full schedule. The festival also includes an opening night film screening of the adult classic Boys in the Sand at Barracks Bar, and a closing night party (with complimentary massages!) at Men’s Grooming Spot, all in Cathedral City. One-Day Passes and All-Inclusive VIP Passes are available. Get tickets
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Revolution Stage Company presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from April 16–28. An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers. Get tickets
Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast
The Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast is on Thursday, April 18 from 7:30–10:30 am at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center. KGAY/Gay Desert Guide team will be there, stop by and learn more about advertising opportunities with us, and gain insight and knowledge of current trends, the health of the region’s economy, as well as the economic outlook for the Coachella Valley. Register today
Windser at Civic Center Park
Palm Desert’s free Concerts in the Park series presents Windser in a special added show this Thursday, April 18 at Civic Center Park. The singer/songwriter, named one of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artists to Watch in 2023, was struck by the natural beauty of the desert during a recent visit, and was inspired to capture that feeling in his latest single, Desert Song, which will be featured as part of the City’s 2024 marketing campaign. More info
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns hand crafted by artisans. Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Get tickets
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Honors Brian Ellis
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will honor Brian Ellis with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars on Wednesday, April 17 at 10 am in downtown Palm Springs. At the age of 24, Ellis embarked on his illustrious career in Palm Springs at the newly opened Melvyn’s, under the guidance of restaurateur Melvyn Haber. Since its opening in 1975, Ellis has played an integral role in shaping Melvyn’s reputation as a symbol of classic service and historic Hollywood glamour. Ellis’ dedication extends beyond Melvyn’s, forming enduring relationships with celebrities, politicians, and locals alike. More info
Nice Work If You Can Get it
CVRep presents George & Ira Gershwin’s Nice Work If You Can Get It, playing Wednesdays through Sundays, April 10–28. Additional dates have already been added due to high demand, hitting the CVRep stage with Gershwin songs you’ll be humming the whole way home. This screwball comedy features romance, high-spirited production numbers, and a Tony Award winning script that pokes fun at class snobbery in the prohibition era. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “As the central couple, Jennifer Knox and Hayden Stanes are charmers blessed with wonderful voices and bring a sense of romance to “S’ Wonderful”, their long dance number which recalls Fred & Ginger as they danced their way to romance.” Read his full review and Get tickets
The Boys in the Band
Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Boys in the Band, playing Thursdays through Sundays, running through April 21. In his New York City apartment, Michael throws a birthday party for Harold, a self-described “thirty-two- year- old, pockmarked, Jew fairy,” complete with a surprise gift: “Cowboy,” a street hustler. As the evening wears on-fueled by drugs and alcohol-bitter, unresolved resentments among the guests come to light when a game of “Truth” goes terribly wrong. Get tickets
A Cabbello Men’s Vocal Ensemble presents Brasilanova
Men’s vocal ensemble A Cabbello presents Brasilanova on Wednesdays, April 17 & 24, at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs. The group will weave their harmonic tapestry through the velvety melodies and gentle, swaying rhythms of the Bossa Nova. You’ll be transported directly to the heart of Brazil, where every note tells a story and every beat is an invitation to dance. Brasilanova promises to be a rhythmic celebration that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, April 15
Idyllwild Arts’ Art in Society’s 7th Annual Symposium | Idyllwild Arts Campus
Tuesday, April 16
Drag Story Hour with Bella da Ball | 6 pm at Palm Springs Public Library
Movies in the Park: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial | 7 pm at P.S. Downtown Park
Wednesday, April 17
Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair | 9 am–Noon at Palm Springs Convention Center
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Mixer at Temalpkh Farm | 5–7 pm
The Gay Naked Talk Show with Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Tucson Roadrunners | 7 pm
Thursday, April 18
Soup Supper Fundraiser with Tracy Conrad | 6 pm at the VFW in Desert Hot Springs
Sherry Williams with the Doug MacDonald Trio | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
90’s Takeover Hosted by Los Angeles Magazine | 7–10 pm at GIGi’s Restaurant + Bar
Friday, April 19
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–2 pm at RM Community Park
Association of Fundraising Professionals Luncheon | 11: 30 am– 1 pm at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Saturday, April 20
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
PALS End of Life Options Act – Compassion and Choices | 9:30–11 am at The Center
Charity Bingo for Parkinson’s Awareness w/Burna Cross | 3 pm at Barracks Bar
BILLIE! Backstage with Lady Day | 7:30 pm at Revolution Stage Company (Also: 4/21 at 7p)
Sunday, April 21
Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Hwy 111 & El Paseo
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Diego Gulls | 3 pm
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
Desert Theatreworks presents Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, playing Thursdays through Sundays, April 12–28. The play opens in a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression, where Scout and her brother, Jem, live with their widowed father, Atticus Finch. The facade of the seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community. Timeless and lingering, this hard-hitting work explores prejudice, compassion and the courage to do what is right. Get tickets
For all events to to the GayDesertGuide.com
