Coco Peru is comedic genius. She also gives us much to celebrate and much to ponder. Her shows at Fuego Events space (formerly a bank, as she jokes), sold out over the weekend. She accurately opines that the reason the transphobes and homophobes hates us so much is because they are jealous. “We have what ‘they’ want – sexual freedom and full self-expression. And so, there has to be backlash,” says Coco.
It’s even true with pop stars like Taylor Swift, who continues to support us through thick and thin. She’s taking it on the chin for her stances of various social issues. Her Grammy’s victories on Sunday night will keep the tongues a waggin’. And if the Chiefs win the Superbowl, well…
Coco ended her show with a poem from Edwin Markham that I wanted to share today:
“He drew a circle that shut me out-
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle and took him In!”
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Plaza Theatre Plans to Include Museum
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced that it has added a new museum component to its renovation plans for the iconic building. The museum will display items that honor and celebrate the theatre’s rich history and impact on the city as well documenting early Palm Springs. When completed, the museum will feature stunning and fascinating exhibits that commemorate the many famous people that have graced its stage. Learn more
Witchland
Revolution Stage Company presents Witchland, playing Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun from February 7–March 2 with a Preview Night on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 pm. The story is based on author Tim Mulligan’s experiences growing up in Richland, a small town in Eastern Washington – deemed ‘the most toxic place in the Western Hemisphere, ’ and combines elements of traditional theatrical storytelling with immersive haunted elements. It tells the story of a family who moves to a town plagued by decades of misfortune. Is the terror they are shrouded in due to the nuclear reactor that the town revolves around – or is it something more sinister? And what about that mysterious elderly woman who lives across the street, alone in her run-down government home, piles of sticks and all – is she actually a witch, or just another victim of … WITCHLAND? Get tickets
Rock the Park: Tribute to Cash, Killer & The King
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Rock the Park series continues its 3rd season with a free concert by Last Train to Memphis: A Tribute to Cash, Killer, & The King on Wednesday, February 7 at 7 pm at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. The show covers 3 of music’s most iconic names: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or folding chairs. Upcoming on the first Wednesdays of March, April, and May: tributes to ABBA, Garth Brooks, and Bon Jovi, respectively. More info
Positive Life Series
The HIV+ Aging Research Project Palm Springs presents the Positive Life Series on Tuesday, February 6 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This month, the topic is HIV and the Law with speaker Andrew Vincent Alder-Larue. Up next: Beyond Testosterone (3/5), CROI Update (4/2). More info
The LGBTQ Struggle for Equality
OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute @ Cal State Bernardino) presents The LGBTQ Struggle for Equality on Wednesday, February 7 from 3–5 pm at the Welwood Murray Library. This presentation highlights queer history in the United States from the end of the late 1940s to the current time. It describes a period of turbulent shifts in public opinion concerning beliefs about sexual identity and expression. While this discussion ostensibly deals with the LGBTQ community, in a broader sense, it mirrors the challenges that all oppressed minorities have faced for centuries. Is there hope that one day “liberty and justice for all” will be fully realized in our nation? Get tickets
Evolution of the Blues
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents Evolution of the Blues on Wednesday, February 7 from 7–8:30 pm. Celebrate the richness of Black History Month with renowned singer, composer, and producer, Sweet Baby J’ai as she seamlessly blends music, drama, and visual arts. As the Co-founder and Artistic Director of such festivals as the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival, Juneteenth Jazz Fest, and the Sunset Music Fest, Sweet Baby J’ai presents an interactive experience that immerses audiences on a journey through the roots of Da’ Blues, the vibrant rise of the Harlem Renaissance, and the turbulence of the sixties and beyond. Get tickets
Cabaret
CVRep presents Cabaret, based on a play by John Van Duten and stories by Christopher Isherwood, running Wednesdays–Sundays through February 10. Multiple performances have already sold out, so CVRep added one additional performance on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 pm. In an immersive, one-of-a-kind production, you will step off the street and into a world you could only imagine. From the minute you enter the Playhouse you will be transported; to a wild nightlife; a dangerous time in an unstable country; and take a journey unlike any you’ve risked before. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says, “Having seen many different productions of CABARET, including the original, this is one of the strongest and most powerful I have seen and should not be missed.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite
Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, running Thursdays–Sundays, through February 25 (plus two select Wednesdays). Two actors play three different couples in one famous hotel room and the comedy ensues… Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials—if only they can get her out of the bathroom. A true comedic masterpiece. Get tickets
Pre-Order Now: Valentine’s Day Black Leather Dinner Fundraiser
Tool Shed presents a lively Valentine’s Dinner benefitting the Tom of Finland Foundation on Wednesday, February 14 from 6–9 pm. Enjoy a romantic 3 course plated meal with wine. No host cocktails available. Must pre-order by Wednesday, February 7. Include a note with your entree choice of lamp chops, teppanyaki plate, or chicken parmesan. More info
First Wednesday Art Walk at Kee Gallery
Come and enjoy the fabulous new work at the Kee Gallery in the iconic Backstreet Art District during the First Wednesday Art Walk on Wednesday, February 7 from 5–7 pm. Three principal artists 👨🎨 👩🎨 🧑🎨 , Kathleen Strukoff, Ernesto Ramirez, and Erich Meager, will be showing new work along with a surprise guest artist!🧑🎨 More info
Billy Idol at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Billy Idol on Thursday, February 8 at 8 pm. For forty-five years, Billy Idol has been one of the faces and voices of rock’n’roll, with an artistic resume to match the brilliant light of the image. Decades after releasing his first 45, Billy Idol still makes gliding, thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption, and the love of rock’n’roll… and that’s what you will find on The Roadside, Billy Idol’s first release of original material in seven years. Get tickets
The New Century
THE BENT Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick, opening Thursday, February 8 and playing Thursdays through Sundays, through February 18. Helene Nadler from Long Island, a Jewish mother who has weathered the uniquely varied coming outs of all three of her children; Ellen Diggs, a home-crafts fanatic who will tug on your heart when she talks about her late gay son, and Mr. Charles who was run out of Manhattan for being too stereotypically gay and his very, very sexy assistant, Shane (who we get to see a WHOLE LOT of) are the delightful characters mixed together for this hysterical night of theater. Get tickets
Intersect Palm Springs
The Intersect Art & Design Fair runs Thursday–Sunday, February 8–11, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, kicking off with a Preview and Launch Party on Thursday, and continuing through the weekend with panel discussions, VIP guided tours, and a Sunday morning reception, Mimosas and Muffins, with booth talks and more. Network with fellow art enthusiasts, and discover hidden gems throughout the fair, whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious art lover, or simply seeking a dose of inspiration. Get tickets
Sunset Cocktail Party at Frey House II
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s Artful Events presents a (SOLD OUT) Sunset Cocktail Party at Frey House II on Friday, February 9, from 5–7 pm. Guests will experience an enchanting evening of cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres, nestled within the architectural marvel of the Albert Frey House II, with the most breathtaking views the Coachella Valley has to offer, all while supporting a meaningful cause. The evening’s special guest, Marc Koller is the Godson of Albert Frey, and exquisite cocktails and cuisine are courtesy of 849 Fine Catering. More info
“Of All the People in the World” Exhibition
Idyllwild Arts and UK-based interactive theatre company Stan’s Cafe present an exhibition of “Of All The People in All The World” from February 6–14 on the Idyllwild Arts campus. This internationally-acclaimed performance installation turns abstract human population statistics into emotionally gripping stories using grains of rice. The rice is carefully measured to represent human population statistics arranged in labelled piles, creating an ever-changing landscape of rice. Their juxtapositions can be moving, shocking, celebratory, witty and thought-provoking. A Celebratory Reception is on Friday, February 9 from 6–7.30 pm, featuring InterArts students and Stan’s Café founders, James Yarker and Graeme Rose. More info
Sand, Stars & Guitars: Peter Rowan
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, February 10 at 8 pm, Peter Rowan will perform at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Rowan is an American bluegrass musician and composer. He plays guitar and mandolin, yodels and sings. Get tickets
Cinema on Ice: McCabe and Mrs. Miller
The Cinema on Ice Film Series presents McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971) on Friday, February 9 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, Hungarian cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, and iconoclastic American filmmaker Robert Altman combine forces to bring us this wintry, sepia-toned anti-Western…one of the best films of the 1970s. Get tickets
LA Galaxy Golf Tournament
The LA Galaxy will return to the desert on Friday, February 9 from 6:30 am–3 pm for the annual LA Galaxy Foundation Golf Tournament, presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The Golf Tournament will take place at the Firecliff golf course at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. Galaxy fans will be able to play alongside LA Galaxy players and alumni while enjoying premium giveaways, games and prizes. All proceeds will benefit the LA Galaxy Foundation. More info.
