Queer, starring Daniel Craig, will debut Monday at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The movie parallel’s what we see all too often here in the the valley – those May-December romances. That is a younger man (or woman) involved with an older lover. There are even apps for that: DaddyHunt, for example, where there are the “Hunter’s” and the “Daddy’s”.
Valerie Milano writes for The Hollywood Times and has generously shared many of her film reviews with you, dear readers, on Gay Desert Guide this year. Her take on Queer isn’t flattering, writing “There really isn’t much of a plot. We are offered a loose accumulation of incidents that ultimately add up to a kind of story.”
However, The Desert Sun’s Ema Sasic saw it much differently She writes, “While “Call Me By Your Name” was a tenderly handled coming-of-age love story, Guadagnino spares no sweat, spit or sloppy sound with “Queer.”
I recommend the film for both Daniel Craig’s brilliant performance and for its beautiful production. Craig’s nomination for the best actor in a motion picture drama category marked his third Golden Globe nod. The movie will be followed by an extended post-screening Book to Screen discussion with screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes.
We highlight other LGBTQ films that are screening during the festival. But there are hundreds of cinema gems to choose from. So start your new year with any one of them. Maybe take your May-December “other half” along??
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA’s $25 for 2025 Celebration
Celebrate the New Year with the Desert Business Association $25 for 2025 Celebration on Monday, January 6 from 5–8 pm at Boozehounds. For just $25, DBA members and guests can toast to 2025 while honoring the resilience, innovation, and leadership of LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses that uplift the community. Enjoy a delicious Boozehounds Taco Bar and some local entertainment as we foster economic inclusion and celebrate the future together. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 is underway from January 2–13 at multiple theaters across the valley. The festival features over 160 films from more than 70 countries; it’s a fantastic way to experience a diverse range of films from around the world, connect with filmmakers and stars, and immerse yourself in the year’s top offerings! Browse the Festival’s Film/Event Finder to filter by LGBTQ, Gay, and Lesbian titles (and many more). [Get tickets].
Rock the Park: Led Zepagain
Rock the night away on Wednesday, January 8, as the acclaimed Led Zepagain tribute band takes the stage at downtown Palm Springs Park with Symphony to Heaven in the Rock the Park tribute band series! This free concert kicks off at 7 pm, promising an electrifying evening filled with the timeless hits of Led Zeppelin. Let the nostalgic tunes transport you back to the golden age of rock, and come back on the first Wednesday of every month through May for tributes to Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, Tim McGraw, and U2. More info
Rod Stewart Tribute with The Desert Symphony
On Wednesday, January 9, The Desert Symphony presents Tonight’s The Night—The Rod Stewart Hybrid Tribute Band, featuring the uncanny talent of Rob Caudill, at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Rob Caudill bears a remarkable resemblance to Rod Stewart, both in looks and vocals. Joined by legendary drummer Carmine Appice and Rod Stewart’s former sax player Katja Rieckermann, the band guarantees an authentic and unforgettable tribute performance. Get tickets
Lunchtime Music Downtown
Starting Tuesday, January 7 from 11:30 am–12:30 pm, enjoy Lunchtime Music Downtown at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown Palm Springs. This weekly event in January features The Simon Duo—Adriana Simon (vocals) and Robert Simon (acoustic guitar). With over 15 years of performing experience, Adriana and Robert bring a mix of impressive technical skills and captivating vocals. Relax on the library’s patio with your lunch, coffee, or ice cream, and enjoy some delightful music. More info
Backstreet Art District Art Walk
Kee Gallery and the Backstreet Art District present their monthly First Wednesday Art Walk on Wednesday January 8 this month (due to the 1st being a holiday) from 5–7 pm. Kee Gallery will have new work and a guest artist, Amelie Laurice. More info
California Desert Plein Air Festival
From January 9–February 2, the California Desert Plein Air Festival will take place at the Artists Center in Palm Desert. This three-week event celebrates the tradition of painting the California desert landscape en plein air.The festival opens with four days of paint-outs at scenic locations such as Coachella Valley, Box Canyon, the Salton Sea, and the Mojave Desert. Over 80 artists will paint on site and submit their canvases for exhibition and judging. More info
Neil Berg’s Fifty Years of Rock & Roll
The McCallum Theatre presents Neil Berg with Fifty Years of Rock & Roll – Part 4. The show features a new cast and takes place on Tuesday at 7 pm and Wednesday at 3 pm and 7 pm. Broadway rock musical talents and rock & roll singers will be backed by an all-star band, as Neil Berg shares stories from the fifty-year history of music. Expect tributes to iconic rock stars and genres, from the 1940s to the early 1980s. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, January 10
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, January 11
World Desert Day | 9 am–1 pm at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Comedy Workshop with Mina Hartong | Sat & Sun 1:30–4:30 pm at PS Library
Opening of “Dots, Knots, Relics” (Modern textiles) | 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery
One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, January 12
Vedic Astrology Master Class | 3–5 pm at Khaga Yoga Palm Springs
