Will Rollins perhaps said it best: “President Biden is a patriot. His decision today continues a lifelong legacy of putting his country first. Passing the torch sends a signal to younger Americans all over our country that we too can lead, and that we too have a role in shaping America’s future.”
Rollins, our openly gay Democratic candidate for CA 41, was responding to Sunday’s announcement by Pres. Joe Biden to not seek reelection. My initial reaction was that of sadness – not because I didn’t want that same decision – but because of how difficult it must have been for Biden to do so.
Our community is pinning hopes on a younger ticket that will help power the political pendulum swinging back left again. It’s been a cycle of LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms eroding state-by-state, and decision-by-decision at the Supreme Court.
Let’s all focus on the big picture rather than the minutia of getting our panties in a wad over something that was posted on a Facebook group.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA Networking Mixer
The Desert Business Association (DBA) is hosting a Networking Mixer on Monday, July 22 at 5:30 pm at Mizell Center, hosted by David Wagner Real Estate Services. This boutique real estate brokerage and appraisal firm serves residential buyers and sellers throughout Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Indian Wells. David Wagner Real Estate also conducts complex, high-exposure appraisals for multifamily, single-family, cooperative, new construction, condominium and planned unit development properties. More info
DBA New Member Inductee Breakfast
The Desert Business Association (DBA) will also hold a New Member Inductee Breakfast on Wednesday, July 24 from 7:30–9 am at the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) in Palm Springs. This is a free event for new and existing DBA members and will serve also as member preparation for the upcoming NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) International Business & Leadership Conference, starting Monday, July 29. More info
Thompson Hotel Talent Fair
Opening in September of this year, the much-anticipated Thompson Hotel, located in the Uptown Design District of downtown Palm Springs, is holding a “Talent Fair” on Wednesday, July 24, and Wednesday, July 31 from 8 am–6 pm in their San Jacinto Ballroom. They are hiring for management in Food & Beverage, Culinary, Sales, and Rooms, as well as hourly positions like servers, greeters, bartenders, housekeeping, front office, cooks, purchasing, finance and more. More info
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
The annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, happening now through Wednesday, July 31, is a chance to enjoy your favorite restaurants and enjoy great specials during the slower summer months, while helping out the non-profits selling the program wristbands. Take advantage of deals at Ben & Jerry’s, Brandini Toffee, Enzo’s Bistro & Bar, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Pinzimini, Si Bon, State Fare and The Edge at the Ritz-Carlton, Willie’s Modern Fare, and many more. See our event listing for links to all the details: More info
The Center Social for July
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents the July Center Social on Wednesday, July 24 from 5:30–7 pm at Toucans. Look forward to connections, friendship, and a tasty happy hour. More info
Cocktail Cinema: Parasite
The Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Society present Cocktail Cinema, a film series whose theme this season is films that shed light on the dark side of suburban living, revealing the hidden struggles and tribulations behind the facade of the perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences. The series wraps up with the Academy Award winning film Parasite on Thursday, July 25 at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater (with a 5 pm movie-inspired cocktail hour in the Meyerman Garden). In Parasite, a poor family schemes their way into jobs working for a wealthy household, but their elaborate web of lies unravels with shocking and violent consequences, exposing the deep chasm between social classes. Get tickets
Summer Sunset Art Walk
Several art galleries and studios in the Perez Art District of Cathedral City will be open on Friday, July 26 from 4–7 pm for a special Summer Sunset Art Walk, an installment of their popular seasonal 4th Friday Art Walk series. An eclectic array of art in many styles and mediums will be on display and for sale; come celebrate the diversity of Coachella Valley art! More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Wednesday, July 24
Julie & Jana Cardia at CVRep Summer Cabaret Series | 7 pm
The Desert Crows | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, July 25
David Burnham at CVRep Summer Cabaret Series | 7 pm
Claude Hall Tribute to Nina Simone | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, July 26
Flashback Friday Pool Party | 6–9 pm at Hotel Zoso
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9–10:30 pm
Hot Summer Nights at CCBC | Friday & Saturday $23 Night Passes
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, July 27
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Palm Springs Pavilion
Laura Coyle w/Sugar High | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
CumUnion at CCBC | 9 pm–4 am
2024 Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Nominations
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Modgirl. The categories to look for are:
- Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding
We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Nominations are open through July 31. Nominate Today
THIS WEEKEND
Dick’s Customer Appreciation Bacchanalia
Dick’s is throwing a Customer Appreciation Bacchanalia this Saturday, July 27 from 4–6 pm. Join KGAY’s John Taylor, making a live appearance at this lively celebration featuring overflowing drink specials, giveaways, and dazzling GoGo gods. Don your toga and receive a free drink upon arrival! Wallow in abundant giveaways and revel in the spirit of Bacchus as Dick’s gets on their knees and gives you thanks. More info
American Idol Winner Abi Carter in Concert
Abi Carter, Coachella Valley’s own newly-crowned winner of American Idol, will bring her first headlining concert, “No Amount Of Dark” to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, July 27 at 7 pm for an exclusive performance. The 21-year-old Indio native captivated audiences during her audition by performing a rendition of the Billie Eilish song “What Was I Made For?” from the ‘Barbie’ movie, that set social media ablaze. She then went on to create viral moments performing classics from widely varied artists such as Adele and Evanescence, putting her broad musical range on full display enroute to her much-ballyhooed victory. The evening’s special guest opener will be emerging indie-pop artist Laur Elle. Get tickets
Camp Caftan at Big Bear Lake
Camp Caftan takes place Friday–Monday, July 26–29 at Big Bear Lake. This 4-day queer campout and music festival features daily pool parties, late-night after-hours events, and crackling bonfires. Feeling adventurous? Explore the surrounding beauty with hikes, or simply unwind to the chill vibes of the Ambient Stage. The festival caters to all tastes, offering a “Sexy Bears’ Den,” a talent show, and even the first annual Caftan Games. Art exhibits and camping options with meal plans and cabins round out this unforgettable experience. Get tickets
Puptopia at Big Bear Lake
All dog lovers and pet parents are invited to come out to the inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival this Saturday, July 27 from 10 am–5 pm at Big Bear Lake Village. This inaugural free event celebrates the special bond with your furry friend with stunt dog shows, an agility course to test your pup’s skills, and giant photo opportunities to capture the memories. Browse vendors selling all things dog, relax in the K9 Lounge, let your pup loose in the socialization area called the “Pawground,” and get a peticure and pawssage at the “Spaw.” More info
Cheap Trick
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Cheap Trick on Saturday, July 27 at 8 pm. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Cheap Trick remains a rock icon. Known for catchy melodies, sharp riffs, and playful wit, the band has sold over 20 million records and achieved international success with hits like “I Want You To Want Me” and “The Flame.” Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, July 27, the series continues with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Get tickets
“Summer School” Wine Tasting
Calling all wine lovers! Sharpen your palate with Summer School Wine Classes at the Palm Springs Bottle Shop. Sommelier Adam Leemon leads these fun, informative Sunday sessions from 2–3:30 pm. Attend one or as many as you like, each stands alone. This week’s theme (Sunday, July 28) is “Grapes & Regions” followed by “Natural Wines” as the series wraps up on Aug 4. Bonus: Palm Springs Bottle Shop champions BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned wineries! Get tickets.
