Brad Fuhr

Accolades and admonishment. I’ve gotten both for dipping my toes in the political waters that we are now navigating two weeks into the new administration.

We take seriously our charge to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ communities that we serve both here in the pages of Gay Desert Guide and on our public airwaves. While KGAY makes listeners feel good with dance hits, it would be akin to Nero fiddling as Rome burned if we didn’t acknowledge and push back against the s**t show that we’re witnessing.

Silence = Death was a slogan I remember seeing throughout the AIDS crisis as a closeted kid in the Midwest. It was created in 1985; ACT-UP adopted the slogan and the poster in 1987. It resonates today:

*The pink triangle on the poster was a reference to the Nazi persecution of LGBTQ people. 

*The poster was a call to action, as the group believed that silence and self-reliance would not stop AIDS deaths. 

*The poster’s tagline referenced the deafening silence of the public and government, and the need for discussion, education, and action. 

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde spoke words of truth to power in a modern-day ACT-UP moment and was severely criticized by the President. But our community will not be silent 40 years on from the AIDS crisis. While we lost a generation of activists, there are many who remember and carry on. They teach a new generation of that dark time in our history, and draw parallels to modern day whitewashing of DEI, our transgender community and marriage equality.

So if you’re only interested in our weekly guide to events and the good times contained in my weekly blog or newsletter, you can simply skip this intro and scroll down. But we won’t be silenced at the injustices that are coming our way on a daily basis.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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Info-A-Go-Go

Info-a-go-go

Join us at Info-A-Go-Go on Saturday, February 1 from 11 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion. This one-stop-shop event is your opportunity to explore all things LGBTQ+ in the Coachella Valley. Now in its 8th year, the Info-A-Go-Go features diverse groups, clubs, organizations, and activities, all in one place. Hosted by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, this year’s focus is on building community, connection, and a sense of belonging. KGAY will be there and John Taylor will be broadcasting from 11 am–1 pm! Come and be part of this amazing gathering that is truly ‘for us and by us!’ More info

Info A Go Go Participants 2025
Info A Go Go Participants 2025

Black History Month Kicks Off

In celebration of Black History Month, Palm Springs is hosting a series of exciting events. See below for more details for this weekend’s events and save the date for the Black History Parade and Town Fair on Saturday, February 22!

Our Voices, Our Stories

Black History Month

Our Voices, Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors takes place on Saturday, February 1 from 10 am–4 pm. This special Black History Month event, hosted at both the Palm Springs Public Library and Mizell Center, celebrates the rich literary contributions of Black authors. Enjoy a day filled with engaging conversations with keynote speakers like Jenifer Lewis, authors Rasheed Newsom, Trisha R. Thomas, and Christian Cooper, and a hosted lunch provided by Q’s Creole and Soul Food. More info

Soul Springs Festival

Soul Springs Festival

Celebrate the vibrant sounds of soul and jazz at the Soul Springs Festival on Saturday, February 1 from 1–6 pm at Downtown Park in Palm Springs. This lively event features captivating live performances by top artists and an interactive Soul Music Sing-Along where attendees can join in on classic hits. This free festival fosters a sense of community and connection, inviting everyone to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a memorable day with family and friends. More info

Palm Springs Black History Committee Awards Gala

Black History Committee Gala

The Palm Springs Black History Committee’s 15th Annual Awards Gala (Note: SOLD OUT) takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Hilton. Desert X will be honored with the Community Partnership Award for their collaboration with the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center since 2021. More info


The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

Catch The Book of Mormon at the McCallum Theatre through Saturday, February 1, with performances at 2 pm and 8 pm on both Friday and Saturday. This nine-time Tony Award® winning musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries. Praised as “the best musical of this century” by The New York Times and “the funniest musical of all time” by Entertainment Weekly, this international sensation has captivated audiences worldwide. A limited number of $25 tickets will be available via a lottery at the box office, with entries accepted starting two and a half hours before each performance. Get tickets


Sharon McNight: NO HOLDS BARRED!

Sharon McNight

The Purple Room Supper Club presents Sharon McNight: NO HOLDS BARRED! on Friday and Saturday, January 31 & February 2. Sharon is known for her “no holds barred” approach to performing which has earned the entertainer multiple honors and two Lifetime Achievement awards. She can make audiences laugh and cry at the same show with her eclectic bag of musical choices, ranging from blues to country to good old fashioned entertainment. Get tickets


Taste of Jalisco Festival

Taste of Jalisco 2025 crop

The Taste of Jalisco Festival in Cathedral City runs from Friday–Sunday, January 31–February 2 from 5–10 pm. This vibrant three-day celebration features live entertainment, a fair & carnival, an artisan market, tequila tastings, and mouthwatering Mexican cuisine like tacos and guacamole. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic sounds of live performers, explore handcrafted artisanal products, and enjoy the scenic desert backdrop. VIP packages offer exclusive access, premium tastings, and special amenities for an elevated festival experience. Get tickets


The Light in the Piazza

Light In The Piazza graphic 800x800

CVRep presents The Light in the Piazza from January 22–February 2. Winner of six Tony Awards & five Drama Desk Awards, The Light in the Piazza takes us to the Tuscan countryside where, a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by the hand of the Sistine Chapel, the hat lands at the feet of a handsome young Florentine man. But as events unfold and secrets are revealed, we follow a love story unlike any other. Filled with a beautiful blend of classical and Broadway melodies, our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “This is a beautiful production of a not-often-produced musical and deserves a date on your calendar.” Read his full review and Get tickets


Chuck Yates as Tru

Tru

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Tru from January 24–February 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Celebrating Truman Capote’s centennial year, actor Chuck Yates recreates his critically acclaimed performance that he created for Coyote StageWorks in 2013 (“Performer of the Decade,” Broadway World/Palm Springs). Capote remains a literary icon, but today is perhaps more known for his infamous betrayal of his society “Swans” in the pages of Esquire. Adapted from the writer’s own words and works, Tru is a one-person tour-de-force. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says of Yates: “A performance as nuanced and layered as this one is, is truly a joy to watch and should not be missed.” Read his full review and Get tickets


Legally Blonde The Musical

Legally Blonde

Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets


Honky Tonk Angels

Honky Tonk Angels

Desert Theatreworks presents Honky Tonk Angels, a musical extravaganza, from February 1–March 30 at the Black Box Theatre. This lively show features three fearless women from diverse backgrounds chasing their dreams to Nashville. With 30 timeless country hits like “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” and “Harper Valley PTA,” this toe-tapping journey celebrates sisterhood, resilience, and the power of music. Get tickets


Billy Joel Tribute at The Gardens

Billy Nation Logo

The Gardens on El Paseo 27th Annual Concert Series continues on Saturday, February 1 at 4 pm with Billy Nation (Billy Joel Tribute), benefiting Voices for Children. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming benefit shows include: Journey Tribute (2/8), Rolling Stones Tribute (2/15), John Stanley King Band (2/22), Jimmy Buffett Tribute (3/1), and Rod Stewart Tribute (3/8). Get tickets


ALSO THIS WEEK

Friday, January 31
Food Truck Fridays in Downtown Indio
| 5–10 pm

Saturday, February 1
Overview of Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Nat’l Monument | 9:30–10:30 am at the Visitor Center
Palm Springs Art Festival
| Sat. & Sun. from 10 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park
Country Dance Saturdays: Roll Back The Rug Line Dance Lesson with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Clint Black: 35th Anniversary of Killin’ Time | 8 pm at The Show

Sunday, February 2
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am– 2 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
San Diego Symphony
| 5 pm at the McCallum Theatre

For all events go to Gaydesertguide.com

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