
Discothèque is French for a collection of records. It was co-opted and eventually shortened to “disco” by those of us in the gay and black communities in the 70s. How did that happen?
A three part PBS series, ‘Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution’ that is streaming on PBS SoCal, tells all.
As we continue to celebrate June Pride month, the roots of disco can be traced to the Stonewall uprising, according to the special. People were dancing at The Stonewall Inn when the police raided the bar, and ‘the whole dancing and music movement is entwined forever!’ The jukebox at Stonewall would not have any ‘thumpa thumpa’ tunes for some time, but the groundwork was laid.
Just a few years later in 1974, I was a young disc jockey at my hometown radio station, WBCH. We played country and middle of the road music, but these disco 45s started showing up in our studio: “T.S.O.P.” by MFSB, “Rock Your Baby” from George McRae, and The Three Degrees “When Will I See You Again”. My vibe was album rock, but something ignited in me with those rythyms.
I can’t wait to watch the series, and learn the history of how these songs built the foundation for the KGAY Palm Springs playlist. The Disco era lasted less than a decade, but the legacy of disco will live on forever. We’re glad to help make sure it’s ‘Stayin’ Alive’!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International ShortFest Starts Tuesday
The Palm Springs International Film Society presents the return of Palm Springs International ShortFest, celebrating its 30th year, from Tuesday, June 18 through Monday, June 24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This is one of the largest showcases of short-form cinema in North America; Academy Award, BAFTA and Goya-qualifying, screening hundreds of shorts from 60+ countries. The line-up is curated thematically into programs of approximately 90 minutes in duration which aim to bring together a diverse cross-section of contemporary cinema to you. Q&A sessions follow many of the programs. Passes as well as General Admission tickets are available, and a special “Comfort Pass” allows you to stream a selection of the top films from the comfort of home. Get tickets
DBA Networking Event at Play Lounge
The Desert Business Association (DBA) presents a Networking Event at Play Lounge & Cafe on Monday, June 17 at 5:30 pm. At this inclusive and welcoming place, you can have coffee in the morning, enjoy a sandwich or pizza at lunch, grab a beer or wine and play board games or cards in the evening, and hang out with old friends while making new ones. Since opening last year, they have become a go-to place for a variety of evening and weekend events, including Trivia Night, Karaoke, Musical Brunch and more! Stay after the mixer for a special Trivia Night hosted by owner Matt Irby. Regular DBA raffle to support scholarships will be held as well. More info
Firebirds in Calder Cup Finals
For the second year in a row, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are Western Conference Champions and playing in the Calder Cup Finals, which is also a rematch with the Hershey Bears, last year’s Calder Cup winners. Games 1 & 2, played in Hershey, PA over the weekend, resulted in one win for each team. Now it’s time to come back to the Coachella Valley to continue the championship series with Games 3, 4, and 5!
- 📺 Most games will be carried live by local TV networks [More info].
- 🎟️ You can buy tickets for home games here, for Games 3, 4 and 5, on Tuesday, June 18, Thursday, June 20, and Saturday, June 22 at Acrisure Arena where they recently honored LGBTQ+ Pride month with a “Pathway to Pride” 🏳️🌈 rainbow crosswalk. Go Firebirds!
Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution Premieres on PBS
PBS presents Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution, a three-part docuseries exploring the history of disco music, premiering Tuesday, June 18. The series covers disco’s rise, fall, and legacy, featuring interviews with original musicians, promoters, and innovators, as well as modern-day musical icons. Disco is described as embodying the height of 1970s glamour, a dance floor culture born in New York City that went on to take over the world. The series also highlights the connection between disco and major liberation movements of the 1970s, specifically LGBTQ+ identity and female empowerment. More info
Rock the City: Blue Breeze Band
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and City of Palm Springs present Rock the City, a series of concerts of around Palm Springs this summer from June through October!. On Wednesday, June 19 at 7 pm, Blue Breeze Band will take the stage at the Downtown Park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy their Motown, R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz, and Blues for a dance-floor-packing good time. More info
The Center Women’s Social
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents their Women’s Social for the month of June on Wednesday, June 19 from 5:30–7 pm at Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge. Tell your friends, bring a few, and look forward to connection, friendship, and a tasty happy hour! More info
Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Festival Week
Idyllwild Arts Foundation presents its annual Native American Arts Festival Week at the Idyllwild Arts campus from Monday, June 17–Friday, June 21. The week-long event, which has run each summer for over two decades, is designed to enhance and enrich the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program with Native American arts-based programming including an exhibition, demonstrations, Native food tastings and the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series. All festival week events are free and open to the public. More info
Juneteenth: Food for the Soul
Mizell Center’s 3rd Wednesdays Speaker Series presents Juneteenth: Food for the Soul on Wednesday, June 19 at 5:30 pm. Food plays an essential role in many national holidays. Juneteenth is no exception. Soul food has become synonymous with Juneteenth and boasts a rich history that tells the story of an enslaved people. Join Chefs Betty Berry Smith and Michael Taylor as they examine the sociological and historical context of “soul food” in a conversation moderated by Darlyne Johnson. The program will also honor local restaurateur Charles Brown, chef and owner of Brown’s BBQ. Chef Brown has been serving “soul food” to Palm Springs residents and visitors for more than a dozen years. Immediately preceding the conversation, enjoy a tasting of celebratory foods associated with Juneteenth. More info
Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center Grand Opening
TruEvolution presents the debut of the Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center on Thursday, June 20 at 5 pm in Riverside. Join the reception for the new center and find out what it is all about. More info
Western Xposure: Heatwave
Western Xposure presents Heatwave from Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23 at CCBC Resort. This 24-hour clothing optional event features Bear Naked pool parties and after-dark fun in a body- and sex-positive space. Come and go whenever you want and enjoy the pool, hot tubs, trails, play spaces, and more. BEARUNION party is on Saturday night and Tidal Wave DJs will be spinning daily. Get tickets
Tidal Wave: Weekend in Bearadise
Tidal Wave presents a Weekend in Bearadise from Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23 at Margaritaville Resort. The weekend will be relaxed, body-positive and fun-filled, including: a singles mixer, couple’s mixer, game room, drag queen bingo, two pools, a full spa, bear yoga, and the tried and true events including daily pool parties, x-rated bingo, trivia, bearaoke, FETISH (gear dance), Tidal Wave Marketplace & much more. See our event listing for a daily rundown: Get tickets
LGBTQ+ Archives Pride Month Display
The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is showcasing some of its collection at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in June in honor of National Pride Month. The Pride Month Display highlights the breadth and depth of the donations and acquisitions received during the last five years. The display includes publications, travel guides, commemorative pins, posters, and other memorabilia, viewable during the month of June during regular library hours: Monday–Sunday 10 am–6 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 pm. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, June 18
Visit Greater Palm Springs Meet & See | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club
Gay Men’s Colorectal Cancer Meet-Up | 6 pm at The Center
Hot Summer Nights at Palm Desert Aquatic Center | Tuesdays 7:30–10:30 pm thru Aug 15
Wednesday, June 19
Juke Joint Preachers | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Summer Cabaret Series: Leslie Tinnaro | 7 pm at CVRep
Gay Naked Talk Show w/guest Jack Dixon | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, June 20
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Annual Installation and Business Awards | 5:30–8:30 pm at JW Marriott Desert Springs
Summer Cabaret Series: Jason Graae | 7 pm at CVRep
Strada Swing | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, June 21
Senior Scam Awareness Seminar | 12:30–2:30 pm at Mizell Center
Saturday, June 22
Out At The Fair: San Diego County Fair | 11 am–5 pm at Paddock Stage, Del Mar Fairgrounds
Santa Ynez Valley Pride | 11 am–5 pm at at Solvang Park
LGBTQ+ Humanists: Open Topic Discussion | 3–4:30 pm on Zoom
Laura Coyle w/Sugar High | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Summer Cocktails and Culinary Series: Cake Decorating & Bubbles | 5 pm at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort