I hate to brag, but… Another Monday, and another set of awards for our KGAY team. The Desert Sun’s “Best of Desert” was announced Friday evening. Our on air bookends — John Taylor in the morning and Chris Shebel in the afternoon — took home honors for “Best Radio Personality/Show” and “Best Radio Station”, respectively.
Our Sunday Tea Dance Diva, DJ Modgirl, took home top honors for…Best DJ. These are in addition to the Best of Coachella honors we received last week from the CV Independent.
Thanks to you, our readers and listeners, for your votes and support. This week, our team is in town (some work remotely in LA, Washington state and Austin, TX) to celebrate these wins at our holiday party. We’ll raise a toast to you for recognizing our efforts on-air and online. Your feedback and comments are always welcome.
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 #FindYourOasis
Rock the Park: Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the return of Concerts in the Park on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. First up is Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience performing the hits of multi-platinum selling, Grammy winning and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famers Chicago. 103.1 MeTV fm will be on hand with your chance to win tickets to see Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire on tour together at Acrisure Arena next September! The Concerts in the Park are free and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or folding chairs. Upcoming concerts include: Tina Turner Tribute by Debby Holiday (1/3/24), Last Train to Memphis: A Tribute to Cash, Killer & the King (2/7/24), ABBAFab – The #1 ABBA Tribute (3/6/24) and more! More info
Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition
Modernism Week is offering an exciting online auction of unique and compelling experiences and intriguing and distinctive items with their Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition running for 9 days, from December 2–10, just in time for the holiday season. The auction features more than 100 unique architectural experiences, exclusive VIP Modernism Week event tickets and experiences packages, access to exclusive sold-out parties, and uncommon items not typically available to the public. See our event listing for a selection of highlights: More info
Stevie Nicks
Esteemed Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks brings her wildly successful 2023 Live In Concert tour to Acrisure Arena on Tuesday, December 5 at 7 pm. Get tickets
Book Talk: Wade Rouse
On Tuesday, December 5, at 6 pm the Palm Springs Public Library will host best-selling author Wade Rouse. He will be discussing his latest novel written under the pen name Viola Shipman, The Wishing Bridge, a book that sparkles with the humor and heart for the holidays. Books will be available to purchase and have signed following the presentation courtesy of The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. More info
Summer Session with the Bones Brigade Starts Wednesday
CVRep presents the world premiere of this powerful new play, Summer Session with the Bones Brigade by Kirby Fields from December 6–17. As part of the ORIGINS New Works Development Program, Summer Session with The Bones Brigade tells the story of four teenage skateboarders and their two female friends. When one of them mysteriously disappears, the gang fears the worst and directs their guilt and shame about his disappearance against one another. Skate alongside as they explore the often-complicated challenges of friendship, youth, overbearing parents, loss and the coming of age. Get tickets
Paws n’ Claus Pet Food Drive and Winter Social
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents their annual Paws n’ Claus pet food drive & winter social on Wednesday, December 6 from 5:30–7 pm, on the patio of Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge. Attendees are encouraged to bring pet food donations (wet/dry) to help stock the pet food pantry at the Community Food Bank. They’ll also be accepting monetary donations. Plus, hang out and get your holiday picture taken courtesy of @coachellaparty. More info
Cabaret6 Desert Stars: Rose Mallett Sings Sarah Vaughn
In the Cabaret6 Desert Stars series, a different Desert Star will take the stage each week at the newly renovated Revolution Stage Company in downtown Palm Springs. On Wednesday, December 6 at 7 pm, Rose Mallett brings her highly lauded and sold out New York Sarah Vaughn tribute show to the Revolution Stage with a rhythm section, keys, and a sax. You may have seen her perform at The Purple Room, but the last time she did her Sarah show in Palm Springs was in 2019. One of the most highly respected musicians in the valley, this is a golden opportunity to hear Mallett like you haven’t heard her before. Get tickets
The Chamber Masters Golf Tournament
The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce presents the Chamber Masters Golf Tournament on Wednesday, December 6 at 9 am for a shotgun scramble at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. The resort features a “must play” Pete Dye Course, set among beautiful rolling hills; it offers spectacular sights of the surrounding desert mountains. The course is playable for all levels and is described by some as potentially diabolical, yet indescribably playable. More info
Equality Garden Party Fundraiser
The Transgender Health and Wellness Center Equality Garden Party Fundraiser is on Thursday, December 7 from 6–9 pm at the Beverly Astro House in Palm Springs. Please come join this casual social event to support LGBTQ+ equality with free drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Your contribution and attendance will help the Transgender Health & Wellness Center provide housing to homeless community members and expand youth services at the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-in Center. Get tickets
Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer
Get ready for a festive time at the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta on Thursday, December 7, from 5:30–7:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit and wear their best ugly sweater. Holiday activities will abound, including an ugly sweater contest and a Toy Drive with Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Guests can also enjoy food, drinks, networking, games, raffles and more. Free for members and prospective members. More info
Machine Dreams: A.I. Artificial Intelligence
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Machine Dreams, curated in partnership with the advanced language model ChatGPT, which will introduce each film via AI generated video—seamlessly blending cutting-edge AI technology with great movies for an unforgettable adventure. On Thursday, December 7 at 7 pm, embark on an emotional and thought-provoking journey with AI: Artificial Intelligence. In a future where robots are designed to love, a young android boy embarks on a quest to become human, uncovering the deepest complexities of humanity along the way. Get tickets
Exoplanets and Contemporary Native Art
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents Mixed Feelings: Exoplanets and Contemporary Native Art on Thursday, December 7 from 6–8 pm in the main museum with speakers Stephen Kane & Gerald Clarke. “Mixed Feelings” is a back-to-back lecture experience on unrelated topics (that are somehow connected). Two speakers talk about their respective areas of expertise and you get to make the connections during the Q&A. Get tickets
Australia’s Thunder from Down Under
Australia’s Thunder From Down Under comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, December 8 at 8 pm. Thunder From Down Under is the number one male revue in the world, a fully interactive experience with chiseled bodies, seductive dance routines, cheeky humor and boy-next-door charm. Get tickets
Sand Stars & Guitars: Levi Kreis – Home for the Holidays Tour
The Sand, Stars and Guitars Series is back for an all-new season with the very best in Americana, Country, Bluegrass, NewGrass, Country Gospel, American Folk and even a little bit of ole time Blues. On Friday, December 8 at 7 pm, Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis presents the 9th annual Home for The Holidays Tour. A seamless blend of jazz, gospel, country and rockabilly, Levi gives a fresh and unique perspective to a flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. From uproarious storytelling to soul-stirring renditions, Kreis will leave you laughing, crying, and filled with the spirit of the season. Get tickets
Parents As Heroes Toy Give Away
The American Legion Auxiliary Post 519 presents the Parents As Heroes Toy Give Away from December 7–11. Parents are invited to shop for free at a Toy Bank located in the American Legion Auxiliary Post located at 400 N. Belardo Road, Monday–Friday from 1–6 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 12–5 pm. The first day, Thursday, December 7, is for veterans and active duty military families. More info
Artist-Made Gifts at Desert Art Center
The Desert Art Center presents: Holiday Shop: Artist-Made Gifts, now through December 31. Don’t miss the finest artist-made giftables in the valley. You’ll find fine ornaments and decor, jewelry and wearables, prints and wall art, greeting cards, and much more. More info
WildLights at The Living Desert
Light up your holiday with WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, recognized in the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, presented this week on Friday & Saturday, December 8 & 9 from 6–9 pm. This magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family. This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. But don’t worry, many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, s’mores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! WildLights continues on select nights through December 30. If kiddos aren’t your thing, mark your calendar for Adults Only (21+) Night on Thursday, December 14. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Get tickets
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 now through December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets.
