As my summer vacation with Brandg draws to a close, this week’s Top 3 has a special meaning from the trip.
As a teen, the song “Vincent” by Don McLean told the story of a tortured artist who took his life at a particularly prolific time in his short career. When the “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” came to Indio in September, 2022, I had to visit. It was incredible.
And during my vacation this week, I’ve had two opportunities to see Van Gogh’s work up close. Though “Starry, Starry Night” was on loan, the other works more than made up for it.
The heavens have always been of great wonder to me. I have a “Moon and Stars” playlist that I love to listen to on each vacation. This year’s trip coincides with the Perseid meteor showers and I hope to catch a glimpse before my return. While Joshua Tree and other dark sky areas will be overrun, I hope you’ll have a chance to look skyward this weekend.
Just a few streaks of cosmic dust and the way in which Van Gogh captured the night sky are reminders of our short time on this Earth, and the beauty that surrounds us.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Splash House Weekend 1
Splash House returns to Palm Springs with two unforgettable weekends of poolside house, disco, and electronic music, August 9–11 and August 16–18. Dance the days away at pool parties across three iconic resorts—the Renaissance, the Saguaro and Margaritaville—then groove under the stars at the legendary After Hours event at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Splash House 2024’s first weekend features Gorgon City b2b Green Velvet, HUGEL, Joshwa, HYPERBEAM, Alesso and many more for a poolside dance party extravaganza. Get tickets
Starry, Starry Nights
The Perseid meteor shower is peaking this weekend, and while you might be tempted to head to Joshua Tree for viewing, you are certain to be frustrated by traffic and Joshua Tree National Park is actively urging people to view from home. Try the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, presenting a Public Exploration Night on Saturday, August 10 from 9–10:30 pm. Glimpse beyond our world through their power telescope with the opportunity to ask questions and learn fun facts from astronomers and volunteer docents [More info]. Meanwhile, the Wildlands Conservancy is having a (sold out) Whitewater Preserve Star Party. Heading in the direction of Borrego Springs for viewing is likely to be less crowded. More info
Beat the Desert Heat with a Tramway Adventure
Escape the summer sun and ascend to cooler heights with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where you can enjoy guided nature walks at 11 am and 1:30 pm every Sunday this month [More info], or choose to explore the mountain’s trails at your own pace. But hurry – the tramway closes for annual maintenance on September 9. Enter our 4-pack ticket giveaway for a chance to experience this breathtaking journey before it’s too late! Visit the contest pages for KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM
80’s Station
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City presents 80’s Station in a FREE concert on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm. 80’s Station is Las Vegas’ finest 1980s tribute band, featuring the two lead singers from long running ’80s band Loveshack; Matt Gucu (Devo) and Tiffany Fredianelli (Kate) have joined forces to do what they do best… the ’80s! The band consists of musicians whose costumes emulate different musical celebrities from the 1980s. On any given night you might see a member representing “Run DMC” on the drums, “Slash” on the guitar, or “Rick James” on the bass. Come enjoy uncanny renditions of tunes from the MTV generation! More info
Lance Burton
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage presents magician Lance Burton on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm. Hailed as the greatest stage magician of the 20th century, Burton captivated audiences for 30 years in Las Vegas before retiring. Now, he tours with a new show featuring illusions, audience participation, and special guests. Get tickets
Cocktails and Culinary Series: Chocolate and Confections
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s Cocktails & Culinary Series presents Chocolate and Confections on Saturday, August 10 from 5–7 pm. The brainchild of the property’s Executive Chef Eric Theiss, the culinary workshop series is at the hotel’s renowned T&T Innovation Kitchen, which has long been known for its creative and locally sourced organic fare. Up next: Japanese Night (August 17), and Noche Espanola (August 24). More info
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
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 10, the series continues with Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Get tickets
Out at the Fair – Orange County
Out at the Fair® returns to the Orange County Fair for their 5th year on Sunday, August 11 from 11 am–5 pm. Get ready for a day of fun, food, and fabulousness and join the LGBTQ+ community for a day of celebration at the Orange County Fair. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious food, and live entertainment. Show your Pride colors at Mom’s Bakeshoppe for a FREE chocolate chip cookie and at Timbo’s Licorice Ropes for a free half of rainbow licorice rope! More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 9
Dive-In Movie Series: The Emperor’s New Groove | 7:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Friday Night Vibes Pool Party | 6–9 pm at Hotel Zoso
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9 pm
Saturday, August 10
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion
I’m “Living Out” for the next year at the 55+ LGBTQ+ community that you’ve been hearing about on KGAY Palm Springs!
See my first Vlog with CEO Loren Ostrow as we introduce you to Living Out HERE!
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, through the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11. Play Lounge is your ultimate sports viewing destination in Palm Springs. They have all major 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
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is now accepting nominations, a fill-in-the-blank round that is open through through Friday, Aug. 30. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Write-in your nominations for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section: KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch Djs: DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy, and DJ Modgirl of the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance! Then, under the “Life in the Valley“
