
Inspiration for my blog comes from many places: An overheard comment at a bar, serious discourse with friends, movies, and of course, Rachel Maddow.
As we celebrate MLK Day and wince at the other event happening today, I was truly uplifted by a very lengthy analysis by John Blake of CNN. It’s titled, “What MLK knew that today’s progressives keep forgetting”.
I found it well worth the 12 minute read because I was inspired by the four lessons that King’s legacy taught us. Among them — and not popular today: “Don’t judge a movement’s success by who’s in office”. The piece gives a lesson in dealing with the despair we are feeling. It reminds us that “The civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s was filled with failures. Civil rights activists were assassinated, beaten, betrayed by friends, tortured in jail and disowned by their families,” quotes Blake of Diane Nash, now 86, who knew King.
From the essay: “King said there’s another solution to despair. He believed every social justice movement has “cosmic companionship” — that God, or some other force in the universe, is on the side of justice.”
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word,” King said during his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964. “That is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”
I’m more hopeful today having read the words of the immortal MLK. Take a few minutes to read this essay and try to avoid the other news of the day. Maybe take in the “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” tonight with Justin Timberlake as a diversion…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Justin Timberlake’s “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” makes its highly anticipated stop at Acrisure Arena on Monday, January 20, at 7:30 pm. This tour, supporting his sixth studio album “Everything I Thought It Was,” marks Timberlake’s return to the stage after a five-year hiatus. With 102 shows across North America, Europe, and South America, the tour features standout performances on a floating stage and intimate sets with his band, the Tennessee Kids. Get tickets
Red Dress Tickets on Sale Feb 12
Don’t miss the highly anticipated Red Dress/Dress Red Dance Party on Saturday, March 15 from 8 pm–Midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 12 and are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendar! This event, featuring a stunning venue and a great cause, has become a highlight of the Palm Springs social scene, raising support for The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s programs. Dress in red to show unity, solidarity, and community, and get ready for an unforgettable night. More info
January Center Social
Safety Blows presents Sound Off on Monday, January 20 at Chill Bar. This engaging community conversation series is dedicated to promoting safety, awareness, and empowerment in response to increasing concerns of hate crimes, targeted discrimination, and potential violence in communities most at risk. Come for a meet-and-greet at 5:30 pm, followed by an informative presentation from 6–7 pm. Learn how to better protect ourselves and each other, and support the efforts of the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Police Department in improving safety for everyone. Find out more at SafetyBlows.org.
January Center Social
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is the proud sponsor of this month’s Center Social, presented by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert on Wednesday, January 22 from 5:30–7:30 pm at Arrive Hotel Palm Springs. Look forward to connection, friendship, and a tasty happy hour! Everyone is invited. More info
The Light in the Piazza
CVRep presents The Light in the Piazza from January 22–February 2. Winner of six Tony Awards & five Drama Desk Awards, The Light in the Piazza takes us to the Tuscan countryside where, a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by the hand of the Sistine Chapel, the hat lands at the feet of a handsome young Florentine man. But as events unfold and secrets are revealed we follow a love story unlike any other. Filled with a beautiful blend of classical and Broadway melodies. Get tickets
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre is hosting an array of captivating events this week. On Monday, January 20 at 7 pm, National Geographic Live presents “Earth After Dark” by Babak Tafreshi, who merges art and science to showcase breathtaking night scenes from around the world. On Tuesday, January 21 at 7:30 pm, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by Swiss conductor Philippe Jordan, will perform Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto” and Tchaikovsky’s “Patétique.” Thursday, January 23 at 7 pm sees Canadian guitar sensation Jesse Cook returning to the stage with his fusion of modern and world music traditions. David Foster and Katharine McPhee will take the stage on Friday and Saturday, January 24-25 at 8 pm with a show featuring Foster’s hits and McPhee’s biggest songs. Finally, on Sunday, January 26 at 3 pm, comedian Rita Rudner will share her thought-provoking one-liners and amusing observations on everyday life. Get tickets
Meet Patrick Evans & Discover Norway at Frank’s Hideout
Join 103.1 MeTV FM’s Patrick Evans at Frank’s Hideout in Palm Desert on Wednesday, January 22, from 4:30–6 pm for an exciting event where you’ll get the chance to learn about the upcoming Tour of Norway. Scheduled for July 25 to August 2, 2025, this journey promises breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, glacial fjords, and legendary sights, including the iconic Oslo and charming towns of Bergen and Loen. Patrick Evans and a Collette representative will be on hand to share details and answer any questions. More info
Southwest Arts Festival
The Southwest Arts Festival® returns to the stunning Empire Polo Club in Indio from Thursday–Sunday, January 23–26, 10 am–4 pm daily. This acclaimed four-day event will feature over 200 artists showcasing traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine art, jewelry, and quality crafts. Set against the beautiful natural landscape and sweeping mountain ranges, the festival offers a unique blend of creative display and live music. Organized by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Arts Festival® is renowned for its high-quality art and professional integrity, supported by over 200 dedicated community volunteers. More info
An Evening with Figure Skating Pairs World Champion Randy Gardner
Join World Champion and Two-Time Olympian Randy Gardner at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Thursday, January 23, from 6:30–8:30 pm. This special event will feature a screening of Go Figure: The Randy Gardner Story a film by Sharidan Sotelo that delves into Gardner’s journey with his pairs skating partner Tai Babilonia, and his personal pursuit of his true identity as a gay man. The evening includes a live interview, audience Q&A, and an optional VIP meet-and-greet. Get tickets
Chuck Yates as Tru
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Tru from January 24–February 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Celebrating Truman Capote’s centennial year, actor Chuck Yates recreates his critically acclaimed performance that he created for Coyote StageWorks in 2013 (“Performer of the Decade,” Broadway World/Palm Springs). Capote remains a literary icon, but today is perhaps more known for his infamous betrayal of his society “Swans” in the pages of Esquire. Adapted from the writer’s own words and works, Tru is a one-person tour-de-force. Get tickets
Spring Awakening
Revolution Stage Company presents Spring Awakening from January 14–30. This groundbreaking rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, captures the turbulent journey of adolescence with unflinching honesty. Set in late 19th-century Germany, it tells the poignant story of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, societal expectations, and identity. With powerful performances and a haunting score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, featuring unforgettable songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Bitch of Living,” this production speaks to the heart of growing up. Get tickets
Fat Ham
Dezart Performs presents Fat Ham from January 17–26 at the Pearl McManus Theater. Fat Ham is about a Black, queer discovery of self, softness, and resilience. Your typical Southern family cookout just got anything but. Juicy gets a visit from his father’s ghost seeking revenge for his death by his brother – now married to his mother! Sound familiar? Get tickets
Legally Blonde The Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets
A Very Sordid Wedding
Palm Canyon Theatre presents A Very Sordid Wedding from January 17–26. It’s 2015, seventeen years after Sordid Lives and Peggy’s unfortunate death, after tripping over G.W.’s wooden legs, and life has now moved on for the residents of Winters, Texas. A Very Sordid Wedding explores the questions, bigotry and the fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, January 21
Palm Springs Walk of Stars Honors Phil Ford & Mimi Hines | 2 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park
Wednesday, January 22
Rancho Mirage Chamber Meet & Greet Mixer | 4 pm at Wally’s Desert Turtle
Desert Candlelight Concerts: Angie Delarie | 6 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre
Thursday, January 23
Wine & Design | 5:30–7:30 pm at Cambria in Palm Desert
Friday, January 24
The Comparable Dina Martina | 7 pm & 9 pm at Revolution Stage Company