It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines of the day, most of which starts with “Trump…” It’s an exhausting exercise in vigilance that those of us in the media who are paying attention and helping to make change must do.
I try to balance writing about our current state of affairs politically with the great things happening in the Coachella Valley. (That is what we used to be able to start this blog with.)
So today, a tribute to Dr. Stan Hill, who after 55 years of leading choral musicians, is taking a final bow on Sunday as artistic director of Modern Men.
Stan’s impact on our community since coming to Palm Springs in 2012 is immeasurable. Modern Men formed the year after and has been growing ever since. And while it was created due to a splintering from Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC), the two now peacefully coexist and even share members!
I chaired the board for Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) for a few years, and well remember the toils and tribulations of members who were disgruntled over one thing or another. I can tell you that the poise shown on stage covers a caldron of sometimes catty gay men, some of whom preferred drama over direction from their leader.
But isn’t that how gay men roll? Always an eye toward the dramatic! Those same men have a dedication to singing to both entertain and to change hearts and minds. Friendships form and a community is born.
Herding those “cats” has been Dr. Stan Hill, a man with a rich history of bringing order to chaos. His time with both the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus spans over 22 years in total. His list of honors and accomplishments are well outlined on the Modern Men website.
We in this valley are blessed with an embarrassment of riches of the creative types that no other community of our size can possibly match. From movie stars, authors, artists and architects to talented individuals who make Greater Palm Springs their soft landing, they help make this one of the best places to live and work.
So when talented men and women use those riches to bring joy and uplift us, it’s appropriate to honor them and hope that the next generation will be inspired to do the same. Here’s to the accomplishments of Dr. Stan Hill!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Modern Men Presents Sing Out!
Modern Men brings a powerful and deeply meaningful evening to the Plaza Theatre on Friday–Sunday, April 17–19 with Sing Out!, the final concert led by Artistic Director Dr. Stan Hill. This visually rich, emotionally resonant program highlights the chorus’s signature sound through breathtaking works ranging from Ennio Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe to rare selections from The Secret Garden, Birds of Paradise, and Ragtime. With stunning new choral pieces, immersive visuals, and a moving male/male pas de deux accompanied by live string quartet, the performance celebrates community, artistry, and the extraordinary legacy Dr. Hill leaves behind. Get tickets
Coachella Weekend 2
Weekend Two of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival runs Friday–Sunday, April 17–19, bringing another wave of music, art, and valley‑wide buzz. The Empire Polo Club welcomes headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, plus standout sets from Foster the People, Teddy Swims, Disclosure, The Strokes, David Byrne, Devo, The XX, Addison Rae, PinkPantheress, Moby, and more than 100 additional artists. And yes, the desert rumor mill is already whispering that Madonna might just pop up during Sabrina Carpenter’s set. Whether you’re heading to Indio or soaking up the energy from afar, the valley will be buzzing all weekend. Road closure and traffic info can be found here, and you can look out for that possible Madonna moment on the Official Coachella Livestream on YouTube. More info
SUN: Firebirds Fan Appreciation Game
The Fan Appreciation Game of Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Abbotsford closes out the regular AHL season on Sunday, April 19 from 3–6 pm at Acrisure Arena, celebrating fans with special in‑game giveaways, season highlights, and heartfelt appreciation moments. The excitement is even greater as the Firebirds have clinched a spot in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, marking their fourth consecutive postseason appearance. Fans arriving early can score a limited‑quantity Mini Fuego Haboob Globe! More info
A Night to Remember Gala
A Night to Remember Gala lights up Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, April 17 from 6–9 pm, bringing together dinner, drinks, and standout entertainment in celebration and support of Cathedral City Senior Center. This year honors two remarkable leaders — Patrick J. Payne, whose generosity has strengthened the Center’s ability to respond in critical moments, and Sue Townsley, whose vision has helped shape CCSC into a thriving cultural hub. With Patrick Evans of Sunny 106.5 and KESQ TV as emcee and a headline performance by The Boy Band Project. Get tickets
LGBTQ Center of the Desert Blue Ribbon Celebration
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert Blue Ribbon Celebration invites the community to gather on Saturday, April 18 from 11 am–4 pm at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Presented in partnership with Blue Zones Project, the afternoon offers music by DJ Galaxy, a lively dance party, healthy bites, refreshments, and a food bank drive encouraging guests to bring non‑perishable items. The event highlights Blue Zones Project’s mission to support healthier, more connected communities while creating a festive space for friends, supporters, and neighbors to enjoy time together. More info
PSCC 2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser Concert
The Palm Springs Cultural Center raises the curtain on a spectacular evening with its 2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser Concert on Saturday, April 18 from 7–9 pm, featuring Broadway star Sierra Boggess in a dazzling headline performance. Guests are invited to arrive at 6 pm for cocktails before the celebration begins, including a special tribute to Dr. Tom Truhe, honoring his two decades of bringing world‑class Broadway talent to the desert. Get tickets
The Eagle Presents Wet + Wild
Get ready for a splashy preview! The Eagle is scheduled to open its doors in summer 2026 at the location formerly occupied by the Barracks Bar in Cathedral City. In the meantime, experience two distinct vibes in one day at The Eagle Presents Wet + Wild on Saturday, April 18 from 12 pm–2 am at The Sonoran. Kick things off with Part I: Wet from 12–5 pm featuring poolside beats by DJ Peter Barona and DJ Bear Mittens. As the sun sets, the energy shifts inside for Part II: Wild from 9 pm–2 am with DJ Honey Davenport. Watch the Eagle Go-Gos perform as you dance the night away! More info
Sunset Jazz Soiree
Experience the magic of the Sunset Jazz Soiree, a spring afternoon where soulful music meets meaningful purpose at Vicky’s of Santa Fe on Sunday, April 19 from 2–4:30 pm. Richard “88 Keys” Turner’s Crew joins John Stanley King, Wayne Cobham, and Rick Taylor for an inspired blend of sound, alongside standout performances from the Divas of the Desert — Yve Evans, Rose Mallett, Leanna Rogers, and Laurie Morvan. Supports the SMARTS Initiative. More info
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Palm Canyon Theatre brings the dark allure and emotional power of Kiss of the Spider Woman to the stage beginning Friday, April 17 at 7:30 pm. Running through April 26, this daring and deeply moving musical follows two prisoners whose unlikely bond is shaped by fantasy, fear, and the haunting presence of a mysterious diva who blurs the line between reality and illusion. Get tickets
Cabaret
Life is a Cabaret at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre as this classic musical takes the stage for a limited engagement. The show runs Friday–Sunday, April 17–19. Set in 1920s Berlin, the story follows a young American writer and the singer Sally Bowles as they navigate life in a tumultuous era. A garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience to a world of bawdy songs and dark commentary. Enjoy iconic musical numbers like “Willkommen” and “Two Ladies” in this heady theatrical experience under the stars. More info
Love! Valour! Compassion!
Love! Valour! Compassion! takes the stage at the Dezart Playhouse Thursday–Sunday from April 9–19, inviting audiences into Terrence McNally’s moving and sharply funny story of eight friends who gather over three summer weekends to confront love, fear, loyalty, and loss, set in the 1990s against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Every member of the cast gives a performance that is honest and rings true.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Knife to the Heart
Knife to the Heart arrives at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a sharp run Friday–Sunday from April 10–19 presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre, offering a witty and incisive look at family tension from writers Stan Zimmerman and Christian McLaughlin. Directed by Zimmerman, the production blends humor and emotional bite in a story that examines the bruises we carry and the bonds that hold us together. Get tickets
The Crucible
Desert TheatreWorks brings new intensity to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible with a bold, visually striking production opening Friday, April 17 at 7:30 pm. Running through May 3, this reimagined American classic plunges audiences into the paranoia of Salem, where fear and accusation spiral into chaos. Tess Phillips stars as Abigail Williams, whose manipulations ignite the infamous witch trials. With lyrical movement, immersive staging, and a fresh artistic lens, this DTW production transforms a timeless story into a gripping theatrical experience. Get tickets
Julie Benko’s Palm Springs Debut
Julie Benko brings Broadway brilliance and New Orleans flair to The Purple Room with her highly anticipated Palm Springs debut on Friday–Saturday, April 17–18. Joined by jazz‑pianist husband Jason Yeager, Benko lights up the room with songs from their new album Euphonic Gumbo — a spirited blend of jazz classics, haunting folk ballads, and soulful favorites. Get tickets
