Life is coming back to the Coachella Valley after what turned out to be a less than stellar summer season for our tourism-driven businesses. When the national headlines pegged us as the hottest place on earth a couple of times, it didn’t exactly entice visitors to experience THAT!
My Gay Desert Guide calendar is buzzing with activity: Job fairs (Fly PSP, Acrisure and PSGMC auditions); re-openings of our storied places (Michael Holmes’ Purple Room and The Sonoran with DJ Modgirl); and nearly daily invites to Fall fundraisers vying for our donated dollars.
While many of you commented on my Friday blog, we are striking a balance between the impending election and continuing to promote all the great fun things that happen here. If you are new here, you’ll soon get sucked into the vortex of what we call “season”. Every day brings an opportunity to see a drag show, attend a community event, enjoy happy hours, take in a performance or even volunteer. As Liza sings:
What good’s permitting
Some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret!
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!
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The Purple Room Launches Fall Season
The Purple Room in Palm Springs is launching a new live entertainment schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, starting this Tuesday, August 27. Jazz Happy Hour will run from 4–6 pm, followed by dinner and music from 6–9:30 pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The lineup includes Rose Mallet, a “Living Jazz Legend,” on Tuesdays; a Rat Pack Era celebration with Darci Daniels, Charles Herrera, and Michael Holmes on Wednesdays; and the versatile performer Sharon Sills on Thursdays. Chris Bennett and Kevin Tokarz will play during Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesdays, respectively. Tickets are on sale for the Fall 2024 season: catch acts like Elvis: The Early Years (Sept 6), Debby Holiday (Sept 7), Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine (Sept 13), Jane Monheit (Sept 20-21), Clint Holmes (Sept 28) and many more! Get tickets
DBA Mixer at Revolution Stage Co.
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) for their next Networking Mixer on Monday, August 26 at 5:30 pm, hosted by Revolution Stage Company at their theatre. Discover the exciting lineup for their 2024-25 season while enjoying a great evening of networking and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn about the upcoming theatrical offerings! More info
The Center Social
Join the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert for their August Center Social at Grand Central on Wednesday, August 28 from 5:30–7 pm! Enjoy delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and great company at this monthly gathering, proudly sponsored this month by Gay Desert Guide. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the LGBTQ+ community and make new friends. Don’t miss out on this fun and inclusive event! More info
Bark the Vote at Boozehounds
Join in supporting Will Rollins for Congress at Bark the Vote on Wednesday, August 28 from 6–8 pm at Boozehounds. All well-behaved dogs and people are welcome to come enjoy cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and music by Dry Heat, with retail partner Tailwaggers Pet Food & Supplies. Rollins is an openly gay former counterterrorism prosecutor running to defeat Ken Calvert and flip CA-41 in 2024. Get tickets
Being Black & Gay with Terry Dyer
Hunters Nightclub presents Being Black & Gay featuring Terry Dyer on Tuesday, August 27 at 6 pm. The show will be an intimate journey of music to amplify the Black LGBTQ+ voice through love, resiliency, and hope, with Dyer accompanied by Brian Alec Thom. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Get your tickets for VIP seating or enjoy free general admission (standing room). Get tickets
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions on Tuesday, August 27 from 8:45–10 pm, following an open rehearsal that starts at 7 pm at Mizell Center. PSGMC strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for their auditions, in a private setting with only the artistic director, accompanist, and potentially a small group directors present. Feel free to prepare your own song or let their talented pianist assist you in finding the perfect key. More info
GCVCC Brunch Club
Join the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Brunch Club at Hot Lips Cafe in Cathedral City on Wednesday, August 28 at 10 am. This fun networking event combines business connections with delicious food. Bring your business card and a 30-second elevator pitch to network with fellow chamber members. The event is free to attend, but brunch is self-paid. Register in advance as space is limited. More info
Free Pet Adoption Event
In honor of Jimmy Buffett Day of Service, Margaritaville Resort is hosting a Free Pet Adoption Event on Friday, August 30 from 10 am–2 pm. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter will have pets who are ready to adopt with all vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter. Everyone is welcome to attend and the shelter will also be accepting donations of sheets, towels, blankets, dog bowls, collars, leashes, and cash to support their ongoing efforts. More info
Best of Coachella Valley Nomination Period Ends Friday
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is accepting nominations for just a few more days, a fill-in-the-blank round that is open through through Friday, Aug. 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
Palm Springs International Job Fair
Palm Springs International Airport and its partner organizations present the 4th Annual Palm Springs International Job Fair on Tuesday, August 27 from 10 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby. They are hiring for about 200 open positions ahead of the Coachella Valley’s busy tourism season. A wide range of organizations, including airlines, rental car companies, restaurants/retail, parking services, and federal agencies, will be offering positions such as customer service associates, ramp agents, sales representatives, and many more, with on-the-spot interviews and hires available. More info
Acrisure Arena Job Fair
Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert is hosting a job fair on Thursday, August 29, from 4–8 pm. They are hiring for various positions, including roles in food and beverage services, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Welcome Center Staff at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. Available positions include Bar Supervisor, Office Admin, Cashiers, Bartenders, Cooks, and more. Applicants can apply online in advance or register in person at the job fair. Interviews will be conducted inside the arena. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, August 26
Women’s Equality Day
Wednesday, August 28
Crimson Crow | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Lip Gloss – Benefitting Hanson House Foundation | 8 pm at Hunters
Thursday, August 29
Will Brahm Jazz Guitar | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Villagefest | 7–10 pm along Palm Canyon Drive
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
Encore Summer Concert Film Series: Wattstax (1973) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
