David Hockney’s exhibit Perspective Should Be Reversed, has one final day at the Palm Springs Art Museum. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that this will be the first and last time seeing the exhibit.
Of course, I’ve attended many events at the art museum since his work went on display in late November. While I caught a glimpse here and there, today’s members-only day will afford me the opportunity to see Hockney’s works.
Hockney came out as gay when he was 23, while studying at the Royal College of Art in London. As part of the museum’s Q+ Art series, more “gay” works were brought in. According to an article in Palm Springs Life, “The additions were selected by Adam Lerner, executive director and CEO of Palm Springs Art Museum, he says, “to underscore Hockney’s early exploration of his sexuality” as well as “to emphasize his interest in perspective,” and to highlight “why he saw painting and drawing and printmaking as being capable of doing something nothing else in the world could — capture the world in ways more like we do in real life.”
Many of the artist’s works feel more like Palm Springs than his home in England. He’s especially fond of naked men in swimming pools, a favorite subject of local artists and photographers as one can gather from the many LGBTQ+ galleries in greater Palm Springs. We have no record of him visiting Palm Springs for inspiration over his career.
At 87, he’s still going strong and we were fortunate to have the exhibition here. It’s a reminder that our Palm Springs Art Museum is worthy of your support — and attendance at the main museum as well as its branches for Architecture + Design and in Palm Desert. I suppose you could join today and get into the exhibition’s last day for members-only. That would be a nice way to support Q+ Art and the museum as well as see artwork from one of our own.
P.S. Saturday’s Trans Pride celebration was well supported by our trans allies and I thank those of you who stopped by. In Utah, while the state legislature banned pride flags from public schools and government property, a 200 foot long Trans Pride flag was unfurled and paraded about near the state capital.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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TUE: April Fool’s Day Cocktail Party to Benefit SafeHouse
Celebrate April Fool’s Day with style and purpose at the April Fool’s Day Cocktail Party to Benefit SafeHouse on Tuesday, April 1, 6–8:30 pm, at Willie’s Modern Fare. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live entertainment by Krystofer Do, and delightful surprises throughout the evening. More info
TUE: Positive Life Series: Anal Cancer Screening
Join the HIV+ Aging Research Project Positive Life Series for an informative session on anal cancer screening, Tuesday, April 1 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Presented by experts Anthony Velasco, NP (DAP Health), and Jon Colbert, NP (Desert Oasis Healthcare), this event offers valuable insights on health and prevention. More info
TUE: Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City
On Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30–7:30 pm, join the Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater for an evening of music from ABBAFAB with food from TKB Food Truck. This free weekly event is a wonderful way to connect with the community, savor great food and music in a beautiful outdoor setting. More info
WED: Rock the Park: Vegas McGraw
Get ready for an incredible night of country music as Vegas McGraw, a premier Tim McGraw tribute band, takes the stage at Rock the Park on Wednesday, April 2 at 7 pm in Downtown Palm Springs Park. Enjoy a high-energy performance that captures the spirit and sound of Tim McGraw’s iconic hits. More info
WED: A Cabbello – Keep Calm and Sing On
Get ready for a spectacular evening as A Cabbello brings back their hit show Keep Calm and Sing On at the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs. Celebrate the best of UK pop music on Wednesday, April 2, starting at 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm). Featuring fan favorites, new surprises, and toe-tapping hits, this show sold out last time! Get tickets
THU: Kelli O’Hara – Broadway’s Brightest Stars Series
Join Kelli O’Hara, one of Broadway’s brightest stars, on Thursday, April 3, 7–9 pm, as she takes the stage in the desert for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. A Tony Award winner for The King and I and an Emmy, Olivier, and two-time Grammy nominee, O’Hara’s incredible career spans Broadway, opera, film, and television. Don’t miss the chance to experience her world-renowned talent and mesmerizing presence live! Get tickets
Also this week at the McCallum: On Monday, March 31, at 7 pm, marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey presents Diving the Great Barrier Reef, a stunning exploration of coral reefs’ beauty and vulnerability. Discover the thousands of species inhabiting these underwater jungles and learn about efforts to protect them [Get tickets]. Then, on Friday and Saturday, April 4–5, at 8 pm, GRAMMY-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti takes the stage with his signature blend of jazz and genre-defying music. Get tickets
Artful Event: Studio Visit with Sara Genn
Experience the captivating world of Sara Genn during the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Artful Event on Thursday, April 3 from 3–5 pm. Renowned for her striking color field paintings and installations, Genn’s work is deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage and the philosophy of wabi-sabi, celebrating simplicity and natural beauty. This intimate studio visit offers a glimpse into Genn’s exploration of light, shadow, and texture, creating a balance of serenity and dynamism. Transportation, light bites, and refreshments are included. Get tickets
THU: Palm Springs Speaks: Mary Louise Kelly
Don’t miss the final event of Palm Springs Speaks Season Six, featuring award-winning journalist and author Mary Louise Kelly, in conversation with local journalist Kathy Strong, on Thursday, April 3, 7–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Best known as co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered and a former national security correspondent, Kelly brings deep insight into global affairs and personal storytelling. Following the presentation, Kelly will sign books, including her recent memoir It. Goes. So. Fast., a New York Times bestseller. Get tickets
THU: David Mills’ RIOT ACT!
Experience a night of razor-sharp comedy as David Mills presents RIOT ACT! at Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs on Thursday, April 3 at 7 pm, joined by pianist Russell Deason. Known for his bold satire and cabaret flair, Mills hilariously dissects modern culture, from politics to social media, with unapologetic wit. Having performed in iconic venues across San Francisco, London, and New York, Mills promises an unforgettable evening of biting humor, musical surprises, and unfiltered takes on contemporary life. Get tickets
FRI: The Rocket Man Show
Prepare for an electrifying evening with The Rocket Man Show on Friday, April 4 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. Featuring Scotsman Rus Anderson—handpicked by Elton John himself as his official ‘70s body double—this unforgettable tribute captures the flamboyance, talent, and energy of the legendary performer. With dazzling costumes, incredible piano skills, and a setlist of Elton’s greatest hits, this show guarantees a spectacular celebration of music and showmanship. Get tickets
FRI & SAT: Cheryl Bentyne – Siren Song
Experience the magic of Grammy-winning Cheryl Bentyne as she returns to the Purple Room on Friday & Saturday, April 4 and 5 with her captivating new show, Siren Song. Let her mesmerizing voice and enchanting melodies, from “Angel Eyes” to “Put The Blame On Mame,” transport you to a world of passion and intrigue. Dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets: Friday or Saturday
WIN PASSES to COACHELLA!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is giving away two VIP passes to Weekend One of the Coachella Music Festival! From now through Sunday, April 6, you can enter to win at any of the 17 participating locations. These locations span Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and La Quinta; it’s like a scavenger hunt offering plenty of opportunities to enter for your chance to experience Coachella in style. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to attend one of the biggest music festivals in the world! Learn more on the KGAY Contest Page
THEATRE
The Diary of Anne Frank
Desert Theatreworks presents a powerful new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Blackbox Theater, running April 4–13. This production weaves survivor accounts with excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary, presenting a modern, emotionally charged portrayal of the Nazi era. Set in a hidden attic where eight individuals seek refuge, this adaptation captures their daily struggles and celebrates Anne’s enduring message of resilience and hope. Get tickets
The Cake
Join The Bent Theatre Company for their production of The Cake from April 4–12, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This heartfelt and timely dramatic comedy, written by Tony-nominated playwright Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Kudra Wagner, tells the story of Della, a conservative North Carolina baker, who faces a moral dilemma when Jen, someone she loves like a daughter, asks her to bake a cake for her lesbian wedding. Get tickets
Victor/Victoria
Palm Canyon Theatre presents their production of Victor/Victoria, running from March 14–April 6. Victoria Grant finds stardom by masquerading as “Count Victor Grazinski,” a man performing as a female impersonator. When macho businessman King Marchan develops feelings for “Victor,” and Victoria reciprocates, it sparks a whirlwind of complications. Get tickets
Desert X
Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition delves into the nonlinear narratives of time, with installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs. Hub visitors can chat with knowledgeable volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, March 31
Zone Palm Springs Community Meeting #3 (A) | 5:30 pm at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Desert Town Hall Speaker Series: Megyn Kelly | 5 pm at Renaissance Esmeralda
Tuesday, April 1
Zone Palm Springs Community Meeting #3 (B) | 12 pm at Demuth Community Center
Wednesday, April 2
CV Firebirds v. Colorado Eagles | 7 pm at Acrisure Arena
Thursday, April 3
Carousel’s 1 Year Anniversary with Alpha Rhythm Kings | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, April 4
Superbloom and New Show | 5–7 pm at Desert Art Center
Saturday, April 5
Country Dance Saturdays: High Class Line Dance Lesson with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Comedian Colin Quinn | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, April 6
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
