ANeeded Distraction. Sunday’s taping of “LIVE with Kelly and Mark“, arranged by Visit Greater Palm Springs, was a much needed break from the news cycle I’ve been experiencing since election night.
It was a picture-postcard perfect day at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort where the show was recorded for airing Monday and Tuesday. Another taping happens Monday for the Wednesday and Thursday shows. KGAY’s John Taylor and I had a front row seat to the proceedings. We shared the row with The Desert Sun, KESQ and others from the media.
Kelly Ripa’s quote in a preview article in the Desert Sun couldn’t have been more prescient: “Palm Springs is such a palate-cleanser for America.” She and husband co-host Mark Consuelos even had a local psychic on the show!
For a couple of hours, I was taken away from the week’s terrible results for the LGBTQ+ community and truly entertained. The show airs each morning at 9 am on ABC TV. Check your local listings, as we say…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Veterans Day
The Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade is Monday, November 11 at 3:30 pm. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of LGBTQ veterans earning the right to march in this parade. The parade will be followed by a concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band and a dazzling fireworks display. Veterans Day Festivities continue with a special screening of Stalag 17 and vintage film reels on Monday evening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center [More info]. Also: Cathedral City will hold a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday at 10 am with several presentations, including a Silver Helmet Award for Bill Kibler, founder of GayVeterans.us [More info].
WEEKEND PREVIEW: When the Band Played On
Join author Michael Lee in conversation with journalist Hank Plante about his book, When the Band Played On, covering the life of Randy Shilts, this Saturday, November 16 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. For more than 20 years, Lee has had a passion for storytelling that has fueled a dynamic career of LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizing, human services, research, writing, and teaching. His interest in Randy Shilts came about while he was researching the origins of 1970s-era gay and lesbian community services and their influence on AIDS organizations of the 1980s. Get tickets
Living Out Palm Springs Episode 4
Your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr is ’embedded’ at Living Out this year. This week he talks with leasing agent Ace Whittaker about … View Episode 4 HERE. – If you’re touring Living Out, be sure to tell them KGAY sent you!
Brown-Forman Premium Bourbon Tasting
Join the Purple Room Bourbon Bar for a special evening featuring the entire Whiskey Row series from Old Forester. Taste a variety of bourbons and enjoy a special treat from Jack Daniels Sinatra Select. This exclusive event takes place on Monday, November 11 from 6–8 pm. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in fine whiskey and good company. More info
Square One Medical Grand Opening
Square One Medical is excited to announce its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 12 at 4 pm at the Palm Desert Chamber and on Thursday, November 14 at 4 pm at the Palm Springs Chamber. Located at 165 N Luring Drive in Palm Springs, Square One Medical specializes in detox & recovery and cognitive enhancement, offering cutting-edge treatments and therapies. More info
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time
Get ready for a magical holiday experience as Mariah Carey brings her iconic Christmas concert to Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 pm. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of her legendary album, “Merry Christmas,” with a night of timeless hits, including (of course) “All I Want for Christmas is You” and tons more holiday cheer. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Queen of Christmas and the best-selling female artist of all time (200 million records sold!) live in concert. Get tickets
Also Wednesday at Acrisure Arena: At 5 pm, the holidays will be officially kicked off with a Holiday Tree Lighting of a 55-foot Christmas tree, the largest in the Coachella Valley. The community is invited to experience a variety of activities including writing letters to Santa, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the hottest mascot in the AHL, Fuego, tunes from KGAY’s own Modgirl (of the Sunday Tea Dance), and enjoying holiday treats from cocoa & hot toddy stations. More info
2nd Annual Big Gay Tupperware Party
Join one eleven bar for the 2nd Annual Big Gay Tupperware Party on Wednesday, November 13, from 4–6 pm. This fun-filled event benefits the HIV+ Aging Research Project – Palm Springs. Enjoy happy hour specials, great company, and a chance to support a worthy cause. Scan a QR code to order your Tupperware and show your support for this important initiative. More info
3rd Annual RMCC Marketing Summit
Join the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Marketing Summit on Wednesday, November 13 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory. This event offers a wealth of knowledge and insights from industry experts on topics such as digital marketing, storytelling, AI, and social media. Learn how to elevate your business with effective marketing strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with other business professionals and gain valuable insights! Register today
Gimme Shelter Luncheon
Join the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Desert Wildlife Center for their Gimme Shelter Luncheon on Wednesday, November 13 from 12–1 pm at the Ace Hotel. This one-hour event will focus on the mission of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Desert Wildlife Center and guests will be treated to a vegan lunch while being invited to make a multi-year pledge to support the shelter and/or the wildlife center. More info
La Quinta Art Celebration
The La Quinta Art Celebration takes place Thursday–Sunday from 10 am–4 pm daily at the La Quinta Civic Center. This four-day event showcases the work of talented artists from around the globe, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic styles and purchase unique pieces. From paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry, there’s something for everyone from best in class artists and an event staff committed to providing a VIP experience. Get tickets
Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute
The Desert Symphony presents the magic of The Carpenters with Debbie Taylor, a talented vocalist who perfectly captures the essence of Karen Carpenter’s voice. Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute is a nostalgic evening of iconic hits like “Close to You,” “Yesterday Once More,” and more, taking place on Thursday, November 14 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, November 12
GVCC Mixer in Cathedral City | 5:30–7:30 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre
Bar Rooms to Museums – LGBTQ+ Fine Art Illustrated Lecture | 6–7:30 pm at The Center
Coachella Valley Barbershop Chorus Open House | 7–8:30 pm at Ivy Ranch Club House
Wednesday, November 13
Eisenhower Lecture: Pain-free and Optimized Sex | 4–5 pm on Zoom
Preservation Mirage Scholarship Fundraiser | 5–7:30 pm at Tamarisk Country Club
Thursday, November 14
Wine & Design | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Desert Design Center
Friday, November 15
Yappy Hour benefiting Animal Samaritans | 4–6 pm at Boozehounds
The Kingdom Choir | 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Country Dance Fridays: Barn Dance with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Mid-Century Moderns | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Saturday, November 16
Kewet: Native American Learning Day & Market | 9 am–2 pm
11 Artists on 111 – Opening reception presented by Kee Gallery | 5–7 pm
Free Screening + Q&A: Studio One Forever | 6:30 pm at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert
Sunday, November 17
The Australian Bee Gees Show | 3 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Mid-Century Moderns | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
DUI Checkpoint Friday
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, November 15 from 7 pm–2 am at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
For all events go to the GayDesertGuide.com
