A funny thing happened on the way to The New York Times article profiling we three amigos of KGAY Palm Springs: I almost didn’t believe the inquiry by staff writer Erik Piepenburg was true!
In late November, we received an inquiry through the website from a Gmail account wanting to profile the station and the “vibe” of Palm Springs. I overlooked it, as we get many spambots looking to do “guest posts” on the site or artists wanting airplay.
But once I researched Erik, he really was a New York Times reporter! And I had to contain my excitement when I first met him during our broadcast from the Living Desert & Zoo just before Christmas. He then spent nearly two hours with John Taylor, Chris Shebel and myself on Dec. 22. Over the ensuing month, he fact-checked the article numerous times, and finally told me it would be published soon. (The Times separately sent LA-based photographer Michelle Groskopf for a those great pics that appear in the article.)
I am proud of the piece not only because it tells our KGAY/GayDesertGuide story, but also because it’s another feather in the proverbial cap of Greater Palm Springs. We all deserve the recognition for this being a world-class LGBTQ+ destination, albeit one with a very “gay” radio station.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Intersect Palm Springs
The Intersect Art & Design Fair runs Thursday–Sunday, February 8–11, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with panel discussions, VIP guided tours, and a Sunday morning reception, Mimosas and Muffins, booth talks and more. Network with fellow art enthusiasts, and discover hidden gems throughout the fair, whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious art lover, or simply seeking a dose of inspiration. Get tickets
The New Century
THE BENT Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick, playing Thursdays through Sundays, now through February 18. Helene Nadler from Long Island, a Jewish mother who has weathered the uniquely varied coming outs of all three of her children; Ellen Diggs, a home-crafts fanatic who will tug on your heart when she talks about her late gay son, and Mr. Charles who was run out of Manhattan for being too stereotypically gay and his very, very sexy assistant, Shane (who we get to see a WHOLE LOT of) are the delightful characters mixed together for this hysterical night of theater. Get tickets
26th Annual Tour de Palm Springs
This year’s Tour de Palm Springs is taking place on Saturday, February 10 from 6 am–3 pm with start/finish on South Palm Canyon at Tahquitz. This is one of the largest cycling charity events of its kind in America, with 6,000 to 10,000 cyclists from 46 different states and 4 countries. Online registration is open right up to the day of the race, and even if you’re not a rider, there’s the opportunity to participate in a festive send-off and finish, and enjoy the vendor expo downtown both Saturday from 12–8 pm and Sunday from 6 am–5 pm. Keep an eye out for street and lane closures and view the routes [here]. More info
The New York Times Profiles KGAY!
The KGAY 106.5 headquarters recently received a visit from none other than The New York Times for a profile piece titled “At This California Radio Station, the Call Letters Say It All,” by Erik Piepenburg. He spoke with owner Brad Fuhr, and on-air personalities John Taylor and Chris Shebel, who is also program director. We’ve posted the article on our site to share with you: Read it here
Spring 2024 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our NEW Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the new edition of our printed version around town soon if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
Divas in the Dust: Ada Vox
The Divas in the Dust series continues with a special one-night-only performance by drag superstar Ada Vox on Saturday, February 10 at 7 pm at Reforma. Dubbed “The VOICE of Drag” Vox has worked nonstop ever since her show-stopping performances on ABC TV’s “American Idol” where Ada became the first Drag Queen to get into the top 10. Ada then went to the UK to film Paramount+’s International TV show called “Queen of the Universe” which was created by RuPaul. Ada rose to the top and became the show’s runner-up. Ada’s new show (with piano player accompaniment) will showcase Ada’s amazing vocals in “A Salute to the Divas of Yesterday & Today.” Get tickets
Witchland
Revolution Stage Company presents Witchland, playing Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun through March 2. The story is based on author Tim Mulligan’s experiences growing up in Richland, a small town in Eastern Washington – deemed ‘the most toxic place in the Western Hemisphere, ’ and combines elements of traditional theatrical storytelling with immersive haunted elements. It tells the story of a family who moves to a town plagued by decades of misfortune. Is the terror they are shrouded in due to the nuclear reactor that the town revolves around – or is it something more sinister? And what about that mysterious elderly woman who lives across the street, alone in her run-down government home, piles of sticks and all – is she actually a witch, or just another victim of … WITCHLAND? Get tickets
Anthony Nunziata at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Anthony Nunziata singing romantic classics on Friday and Saturday, February 9 & 10. He has planned an unforgettable evening of soaring arias, crossover hits and inspired original songs for Valentine’s. This intimate concert includes his signature take on classic love songs from Broadway, jazz, classic pop, Italian arias and his timeless originals. The beloved Italian-American tenor has planned a setlist that includes “Somewhere,” “Can’t Help Following in Love,” “Unchained Melody,” ‘O Sole Mio,” and “The Prayer,” among others. Dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets
Find Your Love Adoption Event
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is hosting Find Your Love, a mid-year clear the shelters event on Saturday & Sunday, February 10 & 11 from 11 am–5 pm. The Shelter again finds itself in an over-capacity situation, with many of their dog kennels (especially big dog kennels) doubled and tripled up. The aim of this event is getting as many animals adopted as possible, and thanks to Boozehounds, all adoptions are fee-waived. Come meet some amazing animals. More info
Mid-Century Moderns
Mid-Century Moderns, the hit jukebox musical comedy, is at Revolution Stage Company with new performances every Friday and Sunday at 7 pm for 12 consecutive weekends through April 7, with extra performances on select Saturdays: February 17, February 24 and March 30. The pop hits of the 1960s come to life as a Wisconsin widow is transformed from frump to fabulous when she finds herself in an exciting new world in 1966 Palm Springs. Get tickets
Something Rotten!
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Something Rotten! opening Friday, February 9 and running Thursdays–Sundays through February 25. In this mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first century Broadway, brothers Nick and Nigel are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of the master playwright known as “The Bard.” When a soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting, the brothers set out to write the world’s first musical. Get tickets
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala
The Palm Springs Air Museum Gala will take place on Saturday, February 10, starting at 5:30 pm. This annual fundraiser honors heroes of aviation and military service. This year, for their 27th Anniversary, The Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Theme is TOP SECRET: Heroes of Modern Tech. Eight F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter Pilots who participated in the first wave of Desert Storm are among the honorees, including their Wing Commander. Prolific warbird pilot Steve Hinton will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Tony and Emmy award-winning actor Joe Mantegna is Celebrity Guest Host. The Elite Show Band provides exciting music throughout, including after dinner dance music. Get tickets
Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite
Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, running Thursdays–Sundays, through February 25 (plus two select Wednesdays). Two actors play three different couples in one famous hotel room and the comedy ensues… Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials—if only they can get her out of the bathroom. A true comedic masterpiece. Get tickets
Cabaret
CVRep presents the final, sold-out weekend of Cabaret, based on a play by John Van Duten and stories by Christopher Isherwood, running through Sunday, February 10. In an immersive, one-of-a-kind production, you will step off the street and into a world you could only imagine. From the minute you enter the Playhouse you will be transported; to a wild nightlife; a dangerous time in an unstable country; and take a journey unlike any you’ve risked before. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says, “Having seen many different productions of CABARET, including the original, this is one of the strongest and most powerful I have seen and should not be missed.” Read his full review and Get more info.
