A little comic relief courtesy of our savior, Randy Rainbow, has come our way. And it couldn’t come at a better time.
“Defying Democracy” is an epic work by Randy, who has graced the stage of the Palm Springs Cultural Center on numerous occasions. (He’s in Los Angeles in June at the Wiltern Theatre and likely to come back to the valley in the next year.)
“Look, I realize the government might be a little bloated — trust me, I know bloated when I see it,” deadpans Rainbow while gesturing at Trump and Elon Musk. “But you two dime-store dictators are tearing down institutions and eroding our rights. It’s starting to feel super constitutional crisis-y.”
This is his first parody since the installation of Trump as dictator in chief, and follows on the post-election “I Think I’m Gonna Hate It Here” from Annie. But this one is a “Stairway to Heaven” seven-plus minute epic that will go down in Rainbow history as a masterpiece.
Rachel Maddow continues to be my guiding light and north star all in one. I’m back to faithfully watching her nightly on MSNBC for both some comic relief as well as warning signs of this apocalypse. I love how she mocks the incompetence that the administration is showing in these opening weeks.
There’s no shortage of bad news, but we’re also seeing continued resistance by fellow citizens that’s resulting in a pullback of the administration’s efforts. Many are supporting us as we fight the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights. And we’re standing with other marginalized communities to make our voices h
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Join the celebration of inclusivity and Pride at the Cathedral City LGBT+ Days from Friday, March 7–Sunday, March 9. This year’s event introduces exclusive VIP Cabanas, giving you front-row access to the excitement of the Bed and Drag Race and placing you steps away from the Main Stage for the Tea Dance on Sunday.
Festivities kick off on Friday, with the Mayor and City Council raising the Pride Flag at City Hall at 5 pm, followed by a free screening of Some Like It Hot at the Cathedral City Amphitheater at 7 pm. Enjoy a dazzling Pride Drone Show at 9 pm.
On Saturday, soak up the sun at the Pride Pool Party with DJ Bobby at CCBC Resort from 12–4 pm, and catch Miss Conception’s show, “Sashay through the Desert – Celebrating 25 Years of Broadway and the Big Screen,” at 7 pm.
The excitement continues on Sunday, starting with a VIP Breakfast at 9 am, live music from the local band Radio Ready at 9:30 am, and DJ music with PS Flaggers at 10:30 am. The Parade of Beds and Bed Race takes off at 11:05 am, followed by the CC Drag Race and other fun activities at 12 pm. Winners will be announced at 12:50 pm, and the festivities culminate with a Tea Dance featuring DJ Aron and Beth Sacks from 1–3 pm. More info
Desert Divas Drag Fest
This weekend, join the Desert Divas Drag Fest at one eleven bar for a vibrant celebration in conjunction with Cathedral City’s LGBT+ Days. Enjoy a packed schedule of spectacular shows and events, including High-Def with Norma Lee High on Thursday at 9 pm, Vanity’s DollHaus on Friday at 9 pm, Sisters’ Bingo on Saturday at 6 pm, Iconic Drag Brunch on Sunday at 12 pm, and the Closing Party on Sunday at 8 pm. Secure your VIP tables now and celebrate the amazing Cathedral City community! More info
Desert X
Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley from March 8–May 11. This outdoor art exhibition delves into the nonlinear narratives of time, with installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. The Desert X 2025 Hub will be hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs. Visitors can greet volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm this weekend, and throughout the exhibition, plus Fridays from 2–5 pm starting March 14. More info
Metropolitan Fashion Week: “Forbidden Tango”
The Metropolitan Fashion Week “Forbidden Tango” is at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Saturday, March 8, from 6 –10 pm. This groundbreaking fashion show features over 10 international designers who transform music, composers, genres, and iconic lyrics into couture. Hosted by KESQ News Anchor and Emmy winner Peter Daut, highlights include Designer Eruvey Tapia’s “Forbidden Tango” collection, The Legace Collection of tuxedos, and timeless couture gowns by Douglas Tapia with hats by Arturo Rios. Yours truly, KGAY Desert Guide Brad Fuhr will be striking a pose in formal wear, modeling one of the tuxedos! Get tickets
An Evening of Dance with Nickerson-Rossi
Experience the artistic excellence of Nickerson-Rossi Dance at An Evening of Dance on Friday, March 7 from 7–8 pm at the Annenberg Theater. This event showcases the four pillars of Nickerson-Rossi Dance: professional, educational, therapeutic, and community. Highlights include the athletic “Vini Vedi Vici,” the intricate quartet “Don’t Let Go,” and the emotive “Our Bodies,” inspired by breast cancer survivors. The evening also features a performance by pre-professional students of the Academy of Nickerson-Rossi Dance. Get tickets
BNP Paribas Open
The 2025 BNP Paribas Open is running from March 2–16 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This prestigious tournament, also known as the Indian Wells Open, is the first combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event of the year. Fans will see top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Belinda Bencic, and Americans like Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens and Taylor Fritz competing on the iconic hard courts. Get tickets
THEATRE
Jesus Christ Superstar
CVRep presents the iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar from March 5–16. This semi-immersive version of the classic 1970s musical tells the story of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, followers, and the Roman Empire, entirely through song. Audiences will experience well-known numbers such as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane” in a new and innovative way. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “super is the perfect adjective for this sensational production.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Tootsie the Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Tootsie the Musical from March 7–30 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. This laugh-out-loud extravaganza, inspired by the Academy Award-winning film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a heartfelt love letter to the stage. Meet Michael Dorsey, a talented actor known for job-hopping. When faced with a career crisis, Michael transforms into the fabulous actress Dorothy Michaels. Suddenly, he embarks on a wild Broadway adventure, winning hearts, stealing scenes, and catching feelings for his leading lady, Julie. Michael discovers that juggling dual identities is no easy feat. Get tickets
Oliver!
Enjoy Lionel Bart’s classic musical, Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, presented by Desert Theatricals at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre this Friday–Sunday, March 7–9. This Tony and Olivier Award-winning show brings the streets of Victorian England to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan, finds acceptance among petty thieves led by Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft he didn’t commit, Mr. Brownlow takes him in, but Fagin and the sinister Bill Sikes kidnap him back. Get tickets
Ain’t Too Proud at the McCallum
This weekend at the McCallum Theatre: from Friday–Sunday, March 7-9, experience the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, with performances on Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, bringing the legendary R&B group’s story to life. Get tickets
Grand Concourse
Join Dezart Performs at the Pearl McManus Theater from February 28–March 9 for the profound and gripping play Grand Concourse, directed by Michael Shaw. This thought-provoking drama centers around Shelley, a dedicated nun running a Bronx soup kitchen with unsentimental efficiency. As Shelley grapples with feelings of futility, her world is upended by Emma, an idealistic yet troubled college dropout who volunteers at the kitchen. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh describes Grand Concourse as a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful play about faith, brought to life by excellent direction and strong performances, particularly from Eliza Newman as Shelley. Read his full review and Get tickets
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
Carole J. Bufford
Carole J. Bufford performs at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club on Friday and Saturday, March 7 & 8. Bufford’s newest show, The Daring Dames of the Silver Screen, will celebrate the iconic women of American Cinema. Enjoy powerhouse vocals and captivating stories as Bufford delivers fresh takes on Hollywood hits made famous by legends like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Barbra Streisand, and more. Dinner starts at 6 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Get tickets
Living Out Palm Springs Episode 6
Your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr is ’embedded’ at Living Out this year. This week he talks with iconic chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger, co-founder of Alice B., the unique dining destination that combines Southern California’s seasonal bounty with Mediterranean flavors on the grounds of Living Out! View Episode 6 HERE. – If you’re touring Living Out, be sure to tell them KGAY sent you!
AMVETS Diversity Day Honoring Transgender Veteran Laura Meeks
Join Frank Moulton American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 in Palm Springs for their annual Diversity Day Program on Saturday, March 8, at 11:30 am. Held at the American Legion hall on 400 North Belardo Road, this free event honors guest speaker, transgender veteran and retired Air Force Major Laura Meeks, a B-52 pilot and Strategic Air Command (SAC) member. The program also celebrates Tom Swan Hernandez’s 67th birthday, recognizing his historic contributions to LGBTQ+ rights and activism. More info
Safety Blows Self-Defense Class
Join Safety Blows for a two-hour self-defense class at Chill Bar (back room) on Saturday, March 8, from 11 am–1 pm. Designed for all fitness levels and ages, this FREE class is limited to 30 participants, so please RSVP. Donations to Safety Blows are gladly accepted to support their efforts in keeping the community safe. Enjoy learning from instructor Tony Kawakami, an army veteran and distinguished martial artist. More info
Rod Stewart Tribute at The Gardens on El Paseo
The Gardens on El Paseo 27th Annual Concert Series wraps up on Saturday, March 8 at 4 pm with Forever Rod (Rod Stewart Tribute) benefiting Variety the Children’s Charity. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evening to support your community. Get tickets
Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival
The 12th Annual Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival is set to take place from Saturday, March 8–Wednesday, March 12 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The festival will showcase films starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Lena Dunham, Anthony Hopkins, and more. Attendees can look forward to a live musical performance, 16 feature films, and several Q&As. Highlights include Eisenberg’s Oscar-nominated A Real Pain, the life-or-death drama The Performance, and Midas Man, the story of the man who discovered The Beatles. Get tickets
4th Annual Don’t MiND Me Gala: Shadows & Light
Shadows & Light – The 4th Annual Don’t MiND Me Gala is on Saturday, March 8, from 4–8 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Dress in your best Black & White Masquerade Ball attire and enjoy live musical performances by the Twin Peaks cast. The evening features a Monte Carlo casino experience, award ceremony, silent and live auctions, dinner and drinks, and a cigar lounge, all supporting Mental Health Recovery of Palm Springs. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, March 7
ARTWALK El Paseo | 4–7 pm in Palm Desert
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
MAD.KAT Gallery Presents Gill Landry, Jon Langford, Russ Tolman | 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 8
10th Annual Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike/5K | 6:30–11 am in Indian Canyons
International Women’s Day Protest and Rally | 10 am–12 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park
Art on Main Street | 10 am–4 pm in Old Town La Quinta
Palm Springs Art Festival | 10 am–4 pm at Frances Stevens Park
Vintage Prep Pop-Up Shop | Noon–9 pm Sat, 11 am–7 pm Sun, The River at Rancho Mirage
Sound & Vision: Visual Art of Recording Artists Opening Reception | 5 pm at MAD.KAT Gallery
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
