it was the summer of 1978 and I was a 19-year-old kid whose parents let him go to Europe for the summer. I was traveling with my “fag-hag” friend, Cheryl, whose parents were so strict we couldn’t even ride the same plane.
Once we got to London, we spent much time together, platonically, of course. On BBC Radio One, Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street was the hit of the summer. I bought the 45 and still have it to this day.
We made our way to Amsterdam, connecting with other fellow Michigan college backpackers (one of which I had a huge crush on!). Even though I did not partake in the legal weed of the day, I do remember a trip to the Heineken brewery which ended in all of us passed out in a nearby park. I still have the ill-gotten Heineken glass that I snuck out, as well as a photo of all of us at a local pub.
So I’m back in the Netherlands at this writing for Amsterdam Pride and Brandg Vacations’ Dutch and Belgian Delights tour. No slumming it this time around! Our KGAY Song of the Day winner, David, will be joining me shortly. I’ve spent a lot of time in this city by happenstance over the years. It’s one of my favorite European cities, even though it shows a little grit and a lot of graffiti.
Summers are meant to be nostalgic reminders of our younger, more carefree days. I’m going to take it all in with memories of my first adventure to Europe all those years ago.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DOGust Drag BINGO Birthday Bash
Animal Samaritans presents their 2nd Annual DOGust Drag BINGO Birthday Bash on Saturday, August 3 from 3–5 pm, hosted by Sister Burna Cross at Barracks Bar on this, their final weekend before closing their doors. DOGust is the “Official Birthday Month” for shelter dogs, and the goal is to raise $10,000 for Animal Samaritans’ no kill shelter by the end of “DOGust!” In addition to participating in Bingo, you can also help by bringing pet food and supplies for the shelter. More info
Summer Sundays at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Bring your family and friends to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum for the final installment of the Summer Sundays series for this season on Sunday, August 4 from 11 am–3 pm. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza was recently named one of Time Magazines’ World’s Greatest Places! This Sunday: learn, create, and explore Weaving Patterns: Come discover basket techniques in the classroom and galleries and complete a step-by-step round reed basket project with cultural educator Lorene Sisquoc (Fort Sill Apache/Cahuilla) and view coiled Cahuilla baskets on display. More info
Nickerson-Rossi Dance: “Integrated”
Nickerson-Rossi Dance highlights the Apprenticeship Students & the pre-professional teens of Direct/Link alongside the professional dancers of the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company with a performance titled “Integrated” this Saturday, August 3 from 3–4:45 pm. Get tickets
Meet John Taylor at T-Mobile!
Join us on Friday, August 2 from 3–5 pm for an exclusive Out and About appearance with KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor at your neighborhood T-Mobile store at Ramon and Gene Autry! Get ready for fun, giveaways, and the chance to snap a selfie with your favorite radio host. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the community and explore the latest in wireless technology. More info
Palm Springs Film Festival Passes on Sale
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to illuminate the desert from January 2–13. This prestigious event will showcase a dazzling array of international films, captivating audiences with diverse stories and groundbreaking talent. The highly anticipated and glitzy Film Awards Ceremony is Friday, January 3, where Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather to celebrate the year’s most outstanding cinematic achievements. Secure your spot now for this unforgettable experience, as Festival passes and Film Awards tickets are available as of August 1. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and discover the next big thing! More info
Nikki Glaser – Alive and Unwell
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 8 pm. This no-holds-barred comedian is dishing the dirt on life’s hilariously awkward moments – from dating disasters to the struggles of, well, being alive and unwell! Catch Nikki as she roasts everything in sight with her signature wit and brutal honesty. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the funniest voices in comedy today. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode IV (A New Hope)
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, August 3, the series continues with Star Wars Episode IV (A New Hope). Get tickets
“Summer School” Wine Tasting – Natural Wines
Calling all wine lovers! Sharpen your palate with Summer School Wine Classes at the Palm Springs Bottle Shop. Sommelier Adam Leemon has been hosting these fun, informative Sunday sessions from 2–3:30 pm for the past month. This week’s theme (Sunday, August 4) is “Natural Wines” as the series wraps up. Bonus: Palm Springs Bottle Shop champions BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned wineries! Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 2
PALS Death Cafe | 2–3 pm on Zoom
Country Dance Fridays: Backstreet Attitude Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step
Chase Rice | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Saturday, August 3
Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Sunday, August 4
Summer Concert Film Series: Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Summer Olympics at Play Lounge
Catch all the excitement of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Play Lounge, all day every day for the run of the games. Play Lounge is your ultimate sports viewing destination in Palm Springs. They have the games playing on their screens with all major ceremonies and events blasting through their loudspeakers. Come cheer on your favorite athletes while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Stay all day, hang with friends, and soak up the Olympic spirit! More info
