Memorial Day weekend is early this year, so making summer plans takes on a little more urgency. From all of my years in school, it’s ingrained in me to think of the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day as “vacation”. And while that’s not practical when you own two businesses, it does allow for time away and a recharging of the proverbial batteries.
Moving to Palm Springs was the perfect place to put summertime into practice as we do slow down as the thermometer goes up. Not to fear: There’s so many events on the calendar for the next 108 days (count ‘em!), you won’t have any problem with being bored if you’re staying put.
My summer vacation starts a bit early with a trip to IML (International Mr. Leather) competition in Chicago next weekend. I’m cheering on Oscar Uvillus, Mr. Palm Springs Leather. He’s the husband of KGAY Program Director Chris Shebel. We both lived in Chicago around the turn of the century (this one!). So I’ll have my first official weekend of summer in the city I loved so much.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes
The inaugural season of Q+ Art continues as the Palm Springs Art Museum presents a special screening of Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes on Friday, May 17, beginning with a cocktail hour at 4:30 pm and program at 5:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater. The film showcases the legacy of George Platt Lynes who—while best remembered for his career photographing celebrities and extravagant fashion—is recently being fully discovered and appreciated for work with the male nude. This work—which was sensuous and radically explicit for its time—showcases a man capturing his fantasies as a gift, a window to a future his camera saw coming before anyone else. Get tickets
DJ Galaxy’s 1st Annual Car Wash
KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy is heading up a Car Wash and BBQ in the Arenas District this Saturday, May 18 from 11 am–4 pm in the parking lot between Dick’s and Chill Bar. Enjoy music by DJ Galaxy with hot go-go boys, hot dogs, hamburgers, and pop-up drag performances! Proceeds will benefit DJ Galaxy’s ride with the AIDS LifeCycle, DAP Health, and AAP-Food Samaritans. More info
HARNESS: IML Send-Off Party
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents HARNESS, the official IML (International Mr. Leather) send-off party for Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Oscar Uvillus, on Saturday, May 18 from 7:30–11 pm at Tool Shed. There will be BDSM demonstrations, a raffle and silent auction and more. Oscar will go on to represent Palm Springs at IML in Chicago, May 23–27. More info
The Psychedelic Furs
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents The Psychedelic Furs on Friday, May 17 at 8 pm. Born out of the UK post-punk scene and led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and his bass-wielding brother Tim, the Furs quickly developed as one of the premier bands at college and alternative radio, scoring a flurry of major hits with “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” “The Ghost In You,” and “Heartbreak Beat,” in all releasing eight studio albums, spawning several compilations, a boxed set, a live concert DVD and inspiring one of the most iconic motion picture soundtracks of all time. Get tickets
Firebirds in Round 3 Playoffs
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are in the midst of Round 3 of the Calder Cup Playoffs, taking on the Ontario Reign. After kicking off the round with a win in Game 1 this past Wednesday, they face off again for Game 2 of the series on Friday, May 17 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena, and then Game 3 on Sunday, May 19 at 7 pm in Ontario. Game 4 (if needed) would be played in Ontario and Game 5 (if needed) would be back at Acrisure on Sunday, May 26. Get tickets
Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase
The Palm Springs Dance Project and the Palm Springs Cultural Center present Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on Saturday, May 18 at 5:30 pm. This vibrant and diverse community dance showcase is filled with fascinating cultural, contemporary, and street styles of dancing, featuring more than 10 groups and 70 dancers from the Coachella Valley and surrounding regions. It’s a Local Explosion of Global Dance! Get tickets
Long Beach Pride
The Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival is this weekend, Saturday & Sunday May 18 & 19 at Marina Green Park. Headliners include Ivy Queen, Saucy Santana, and Valentina, with three stages featuring local favorites, plus food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows, games, giveaways and more, celebrating this year’s theme: Rhythm of the Rainbow. The parade, along the scenic stretches of Ocean Boulevard, is on Sunday morning at 10 am. Get tickets
“Music Ocean Odyssey” Immersive Big Screen Concert Experience
Embark on a musical undersea journey with Leanna and The Free Agents on Friday, May 17 at 6 pm for a Musical Ocean Odyssey at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Vegas Sphere, this is a similar concert experience, with the band set directly in front of the largest screen in the entire Coachella Valley. The visuals are stunning, the sounds of the live band and vocals of Leanna will take you to another place. A truly immersive experience not to be missed! Get tickets
Sunnylands Films in the Garden: Chicago
The popular outdoor movie series Films in the Gardens graces Sunnylands Center & Gardens in May, highlighting films with unique and imaginative set designs. On Friday, May 17, at 7:30 pm, the film will be Chicago (2002), the big-screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Admission is free, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. More info
Tag Team: A Western Xposure Special Event
CCBC Resort presents Tag Team: A Western Xposure Special Event this Friday–Sunday, May 17–19. This special event is aimed at attracting content creators, in partnership with BearUnion and CumUnion, to use the resort to film freely in specific areas for content destined for Twitter, OnlyFans, JustForFans, etc. Filming spaces will be available all weekend around the resort. Meet other creators and film together. Get tickets
Ask a Gay Doc: Doxy-PrEP vs. Doxy-PEP
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 5, Dr. Corzano and John discuss Doxy-PrEP vs. Doxy-PEP and how to treat the runny nose cough and congestion caused by pollen and dust here in the valley this spring. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, May 17
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at RM Community Park (through May)
Saturday, May 18
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Meditation Workshop with Sarah Vie | 10 am–12 pm at Kimpton Rowan
Sunday, May 19
Meditation Workshop with Sarah Vie | 10 am–12 pm at Kimpton Rowan
Salon at the Salon with Michael Hinkle | 10 am–12 pm at Brien O’Brien
