You may remember my giddiness at meeting Barry Manilow when he visited White Party this Spring. Our KGAY Desert Guide team was in the VIP area having snuck behind the velvet rope when his entourage arrived. Instead of being kicked out, we got to stay and mingle.
Well, John Taylor was almost as giddy when I arranged for a ‘Fanilow’ interview that aired this week on KGAY 106.5. Barry’s Gift of Love VI benefits 25 local charities and happens every other year at the McCallum. Barry’s kindness to our community is a very visible one, but many others do great acts of giving back during the holidays.
One such act is carried out by our DJ Galaxy, who prepares hundreds of meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas to feed those in need. He typically bears most of the cost himself, but has now set up a Go Fund Me page HERE. He’s also taking “requests” for those who would like a meal.
What a gift it is to live in #ILoveGayPalmSprings!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Manilow – A Gift of Love VI
Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love VI concerts continue for three more performances this weekend: December 15, 16, and 17 at the McCallum Theatre. Manilow donates his time and talent to this fundraiser that benefits 25 Coachella Valley charities. His past holiday concerts have surprised audiences with a children’s choir, Santa Claus, and even snow! Get tickets
Christmas Parties + NYE Plans
For A Very Halston Dinner, come to one eleven bar and join Vanity and her family for Christmas dinner (for brunch) on Sunday, December 17 at noon. In this uproarious comedy parody, chaos takes center stage as the eccentric Halston family gathers for their festive feast. Get ready for a side-splitting, laughter-filled Christmas celebration like no other [More info].
Also on Sunday, December 17: Hunters Nightclub in partnership with Streetbar presents their Santa Party at 5 pm. Dress in your holiday best and join the fun; prizes will be given in 3 categories: Traditional Santa, Sexy Santa, and Bad Santa [More info]. Streetbar’s Santa Party starts at 6 pm [More info]. Check out ALL the best Happy Hour and Bar events on the Gay Desert Guide Nightlife Channel. It’s also high time you made your New Year’s Eve plans, and we’ve got a great roundup of NYE Parties with links to all the info you need [here].
WildLights at The Living Desert
Light up your holiday with WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, recognized in the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, on these dates: December 15–24 and 26–30 from 6–9 pm. This magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family. This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. Coming up on Tuesday, December 19 from 5–7 pm: KGAY’s John Taylor will be broadcasting live, with KGAY’s DJ Modgirl spinning tunes! [More info]. Many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, s’mores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Get tickets
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 now through December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets
Ring! Swing! Sing! with Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will perform ‘Ring! Swing! Sing!‘ at the Palm Springs Art Museum Annenberg Theatre from Thursday–Sunday, December 14–17. The concert features music from Broadway and Hollywood, songs for Chanukah and Kwanzaa, and a handbell choir. Hope Diamond will bring her gospel roots and impressive jazz chops to join with the 90+ singers of the chorus. The show will include ‘Ring Those Christmas Bells’, ‘Cool Yule’, ‘Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy’, ‘From a Distance – Christmas Edition’, ‘Ave Maria’, ‘A La Nanita Nana’, ‘Silver Bells’, ‘Shir L’Shalom’, and ‘Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.’ More info
Rick Springfield at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa presents Rick Springfield in concert on Saturday, December 16 at 8 pm. Rick Springfield is a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits. He has starred in films such as Ricki and the Flash and True Detective, and has had roles on TV shows such as Supernatural and American Horror Story. Get tickets
Summer Session with the Bones Brigade
CVRep presents the world premiere of the powerful new play, Summer Session with the Bones Brigade by Kirby Fields, playing now through December 17. As part of the ORIGINS New Works Development Program, Summer Session with The Bones Brigade tells the story of four teenage skateboarders and their two female friends. When one of them mysteriously disappears, the gang fears the worst and directs their guilt and shame about his disappearance against one another. Skate alongside as they explore the often-complicated challenges of friendship, youth, overbearing parents, loss and the coming of age. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh calls it “visually wonderful and extremely well-acted.” Read his full review [here]. Get tickets
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood’s “Golden Age” and features appearances of Tinsel Town divas such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters. Christmas With The Crawfords is a delightful alternative to the usual saccharine fare offered during the holidays and is guaranteed to make anyone who sees it feel much better about their own family this time of year. Get tickets
A Christmas Story
Desert Theatreworks presents A Christmas Story, playing now through December 21. Based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a daydreamer from Indiana who spends his days counting down to the most exciting day in any kid’s life: Christmas. All he wants is an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle, but as his parents and teachers warn him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” A Christmas Story charts Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that his perfect gift ends up under the tree on Christmas morning. The perfect funny holiday treat for all. Get tickets
“Desert Winter” – Safely Finding Your Solitude
In participation with Yucca Valley’s 3rd Saturday Art Walk, Joshua Tree National Park Association presents “Desert Winter”: Safely Finding Your Solitude on Saturday, December 16, from 5–8 pm. This group show features Southern California artist’s interpretation of desert winters at Joshua Tree National Park. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing inside the national park. Hypothermia can be a hazard even at temperatures above freezing. The short days of winter lead some hikers to miscalculate how much time they need to complete a hike. The show will feature photography, ceramics, paintings, textile art and more. Proceeds from the show will directly benefit the protection and preservation efforts of Joshua Tree National Park. More info
