Awards season isn’t just for Hollywood! We’re proud to come out on top of many of the “Best of Desert Awards” announced over the weekend by The Desert Sun. I’d forgive you if you missed it what with all the news about drones these days…
We have a bevy of winners again this year: KGAY was once again voted “Top Local Radio Station”. I really do take this honor with pride as a “gay” radio station competing against stations with bigger audiences and bigger marketing budgets.
Our KMEE midday host Patrick Evans won “Top Radio Personality” honors, just behind KGAY’s John Taylor. The two vie for the top spot in the competitions each year and I’m happy to employ them both! Patrick is busy spinning holiday classics on the radio until Christmas Day at 103.1 FM. John has just returned from Germany where we broadcast live from the Christmas markets of Germany.
Modgirl received honors for “DJ – Event/Wedding”, though I know she’s loath to ever play “Celebration” or “Uptown Funk”. We love her mixes each Sunday from 4-6 pm on KGAY.
Congrats also to Palm Springs Mayor and Pride CEO Ron deHarte (and all of Mitch’s volunteers) for “Best Festival/Fair” honors for Palm Springs Pride. It says a lot about how well our LGBTQ+ community is integrated into the mainstream when these honors come our way year after year.
If only the rest of America were as “woke” as the Coachella Valley.
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 reside! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
THE BENT presents Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza this Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, Dec 17, 18 & 19 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Skippy and Bitsy are taping their 1969 TV Christmas Special in front of a live studio audience, which is you! One of the most popular and happily married showbiz couples of their era (except when Skippy’s roving eye spots another man), this duo pulls out all the stops to entertain you with song, dance, fabulous guest stars and the best banter the TV censors will allow. Starring long time “Fruitcake Follies” alumni Terry Ray and Miss Jane Guy. Get tickets
Fa La La…Fabulous! w/Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Get ready to be dazzled at Fa La La…Fabulous! from the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus this Thursday–Sunday at 7 pm (2 pm Sunday) at the Annenberg Theater. This annual December concert has established itself as the ultimate holiday event. This year marks the silver anniversary, and they’re celebrating in grand style! The program is brimming with both classic holiday favorites like “Sure on the Shining Night,” “Silent Night,” and “We are Lights,” along with fresh new arrangements such as “That Christmas Morning Feeling,” “Pink Christmas,” and “A Super Gay Christmas.” Expect the unexpected with some fabulous surprises! The talented Desert Winds Freedom Band will add instrumental magic, while local artists join the stage for unforgettable collaborations. Get tickets
Holiday Performances at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre continues an exciting lineup of holiday events this week: on Tuesday, December 17, join a cappella sensation Voctave at 7 pm for an evening of incredible harmonies and holiday favorites. Jazz Weekly hails them for bringing a cappella music to a new dimension. On Thursday, December 19, experience the magic of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at 7 pm, featuring an extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian principal artists. Friday, December 20, welcomes Matteo Bocelli at 8 pm for A Night with Matteo, showcasing his dynamic vocal performances and heartfelt songs. The Irish Tenors will grace the stage on Saturday, December 21, at 8 pm, bringing their beloved Celtic music and standing ovation-worthy performances. Finally, wrap up the festivities on Sunday, December 22, with Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024 at 7 pm, featuring fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics and a Chanukah medley. Get tickets
Holiday Sing-A-Long
Join the Sunset Music Series for a Holiday Sing-a-Long on Thursday, December 19 at 5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Hosted by Sweet Baby J’ai and featuring the Yve Evans Trio, this enchanting evening blends classic holiday tunes with vibrant jazz. Described as a “private party in a public place,” the Yve Evans Trio brings boundless energy, and Sweet Baby J’ai adds a soulful touch to the festive sing-a-long. Enjoy top-notch jazz, holiday cheer, and community spirit at this free event—just bring your smile and join in the fun! More info
Paws n’ Claus Pet Food Drive & Winter Social
Join the Paws n’ Claus Pet Food Drive and Winter Social at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge on Wednesday, December 18 from 5:30–7 pm. This heartwarming event ensures that hungry pets are not forgotten while caring for hungry families. Participants help stock the pet food pantry at the Community Food Bank at The Center. Plus, attendees can bring their furry friends along for a delightful holiday picture with the friendly Claus! More info
Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert, Toy & Food Drive
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert and Toy & Food Drive on Wednesday, December 18 from 7–9 pm. Enjoy an evening of holiday music performed by PCT favorites including Se Layne, Paul Grant, Christian Quevedo, Jenne Carey, Olga Morales, Scott Clinkscales, Georgia Smith, Eric Stein-Steele, Ben Reece, Francesca Amari, Ron Coronado, Rebecca McWilliams, Jonathan Brett, and Michael Pacas. Additionally, the theatre is hosting a food and toy drive for the Community Food Bank at The Center. Please bring donations of non-perishable food and unwrapped toys to the theatre or drop them off at the theatre lobby until December 22. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert: Adults-Only Night Thursday
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30, inviting guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. If the delighted squeals of kiddos isn’t your jam, there’s an Adults Only (18+) Night: Thursday, December 19. In addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs at night. Get tickets
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame
Musical Theatre University presents the world premiere of a brand new holiday musical, Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame this Thursday–Saturday, December 19, 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm at the Richards Center for the Arts. This heartwarming show features a cast of talented students and alumni, as well as Broadway veterans Douglas Graham, Tim Ewing, and Leslie Tinnaro; written by celebrated stage, television and film actors Joyce Bulifant and Roger Perry. Come for a poignant holiday love story about a first love that lasted a lifetime and a man’s journey back in time to un unforgettable Christmas at the historic Hotel Colorado — the “Grand Ole Dame.” Get tickets
Deserted Films: The Judy Garland Christmas Show (1963)
Celebrate the holiday season with Deserted Films as they present a special free screening of The Judy Garland Christmas Show from 1963. Join the event on Wednesday, December 18 from 6–7:30 pm at the Palm Springs Public Library’s Learning Center. This rarely seen and intimate midcentury TV special, originally aired on CBS, features performances by Judy Garland, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and more. Deserted Films will enhance the experience with historical context and special treats from their collections. More info
Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular
Broadway Barbara, the stage legend, social media sensation, and subtly understated international entertainment titan, makes her triumphant return to Palm Springs on Friday & Saturday, December 20 & 21, at The Purple Room. This time she’s sliding down your chimney with a sackful of holiday tunes and unbelievable showbiz tales – for a one-of-a-kind holiday extravaganza packed with yuletide cheer. Get tickets
Ugly Sweater Theme Night at Acrisure Arena
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are heating up the holidays with the Annual Ugly Sweater Theme Night on Friday, December 20 at 7 pm as the Coachella Valley Firebirds go against the Ontario Reign. Show your holiday spirit with your best “ugly” holiday attire, enjoy photos with Santa, festive food and beverage specials, and bid on Ugly Sweater warm-up jerseys along with a variety of holiday and limited-edition themed merchandise. The first 6,000 fans can score a free Firebirds Holiday Stocking. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, December 17
Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer | 5–6:30 pm at Hall Winery Tasting Room and Wine Lounge at the Thompson Hotel
Wednesday, December 18
The Dreamboats Holiday Hits | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, December 19
Holiday Happy Hour at Kee Gallery | 5 pm at Backstreet Art District
The Azar Lawrence Experience | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
A Very Dirty Christmas w/Skyler Gentry, Deven Green & Handsome Ned | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Friday, December 20
Holiday Dance Party w/Keisha D | 6–9 pm at Spiritual Center of the Desert
Santa Drew’s Naughty & Nice Cabaret | 7 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 21
Desert Film Society Screening: Marcella | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sunday, December 22
Free Screening: The Muppet Christmas Carol | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
DUI Checkpoint Friday
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, December 20 from 6 pm–1 am at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
