Our performing arts organizations have really upped their game in recent years. It struck me as I watched the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) Sunday. Their performance incorporated dance, a barbershop-esque ensemble, video and the incomparable Kristine W. as the special guest.
And then the “breaking news” announcement from Artistic Director Jerry Soria-Foust: Disney/Pixar approved PSGMC to license the spectacular “Disney PRIDE in Concert” elements for the Spring 2025 show. I saw this last summer as my beloved GMCLA performed it at Disney Hall. Movie clips and orchestration join the chorus voices in a touching show (that I hope will move to a larger venue).
I must also give kudos to Michael Shaw and Dezart Performs for taking the leap on building out a new space in Cathedral City. They will join CVRep, who has also stepped up with great performances as well as smaller cabaret and classes.
The list goes on, but suffice to say we’re putting up some great theatre, dance, music and comedy on the many stages throughout the valley. Soon, we’ll have the newly-renovated Plaza Theatre bringing in acts to downtown Palm Springs and hosting some of our local performing arts in addition to national acts.
Our Events page is a robust collection of all these ways to spend your time in Greater Palm Springs – and escape the inevitable heat coming soon to a desert near you.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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The 2024 DBA Impact Awards
The Desert Business Association will present their 2024 Impact Awards on Monday, April 29 from 5–9 pm at the Fuego Event Space. The Impact Awards will recognize our LGBTQ+ business and community leaders and organizations, including:
— Business of the Year: Boozehounds
— Business Person of the Year: Cliff Young, Coachella Valley Coffee
— Outstanding Community Service Organization: Transgender Health and Wellness Center
— Outstanding Community Service Leader: Kimberly June Skeete
— Legacy Award: PFLAG Palm Springs/Desert Communities
The event will also recognize a number of recipients of the LGBTQ Youth Educational Scholarships. More info
WANTED: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Rock the Park series wraps up this week with WANTED: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. The group recreates the extensive catalog of Bon Jovi rock and love songs that have stood the test of time and appeal to generations of music lovers including: “Runaway,” “Livin’ on A Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” and “Have a Nice Day.” More info
Precision Wellness BTL Bus Event
Precision Wellness of Rancho Mirage welcomes The Great North American Form, Fit & Function Tour on Tuesday, April 30 from 4–6 pm. KGAY will be on-site, giving away incredible prizes—facials, weight loss packages, Botox, IV therapies, and a grand prize EmFace treatment worth $6000! There will also be a complimentary yoga class and exclusive deals on state-of-the-art body and face sculpting treatments with no downtime. The BTL Bus has all the demos. An all encompassing wellness center, Precision Wellness uses state-of-the-art non-invasive aesthetic treatments. More info
The Lincoln Debate
The Bent Theatre Company presents The Lincoln Debate for an encore run to close out their season, Thursdays–Sundays, running through May 12. This play launched The Bent, and Jason Reale, who won a Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lincoln, will be back in his stovepipe hat. Join the debate and decide for yourself whether or not Abraham Lincoln might have an initial under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella that fits him, exploring the first source facts with humor and historical accuracy surrounding Lincoln’s rocky courtship with Mary Todd juxtaposed with the four years that Lincoln shared a bed with Joshua Speed, a man that history records as Lincoln’s “best friend.” Get tickets
Purple Room: Niki Haris, Janis Mann, The Judy Show
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Niki Haris: Grown Ass Woman on Friday, May 3. Niki is a Purple Room favorite and returns for one night only! On Saturday, May 4, Janis Mann performs The Look of Love: Songs of Burt Bacharach. Her interpretation of the Bacharach songbook with imaginative delivery and soul-stirring vocal quality “wows” audiences whenever she presents this tribute. Both evenings start with dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. On Sunday, May 5, it’s hysterical comedy, outstanding music, and high camp as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland in The Judy Show! (dinner at 5 pm, show at 7 pm). Get tickets
The Look of Love
Revolution Stage Company presents Bonnie G in The Look of Love: The Music of Dusty Springfield on Friday, May 3 at 7 pm. Come for an unforgettable journey through the hits of Dusty Springfield, one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, whose soulful voice and hits like “Son of a Preacher Man” have left an indelible mark on music history. Bonnie G is known to Palm Springs and SoCal audiences for her distinctive voice and sensual stage presence. She will be joined by special guest Gregg Marx. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKTuesday, May 30
Movies in the Park: The Sandlot | 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park
Wednesday, May 1
First Wednesday Art Walk at KEE Gallery | 5–7 pm at Backstreet Art District
Jessica Kaczmarek Band | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Palm Springs
The Gay Naked Talk Show with Guest Drew Sebastian | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, May 2
PALS Death Cafe | 2 pm on Zoom
Double Bass Battle w/Lakshmi Ramirez & Marquis Howell | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Pretzel Logic – A Steely Dan Revue | 7 pm at Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Friday, May 3
Idyllwild Arts Visual Arts Exhibition | 4–7 pm at Melissa Morgan Fine Art
It’s Me, Charlie! A Night of Music Exploring Pop & Broadway | 6–8 pm at Oscar’s
Sunday, May 5
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am–2 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Screwball Sundays: Holiday | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
