Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Nov 15-17, 2024

Gay Men of Palm Springs is an influential voice through their social media page on Facebook. It boasts over 15,000 members and is curated with love by Raymond Lafleur.

I have a new-found respect for the group and its members after speaking at their monthly mixer on Thursday evening. I must admit I was a bit nervous – like being called to the principal’s office. But it was a positive experience.

You see, post-election it’s more important than ever to support our LGBTQ+ owned (and friendly) businesses. Our Gay Desert Guide Directory had taken some heat this week for listing certain businesses. I addressed their concerns, but more importantly I listened to members of the group who spoke to me privately about our connudrum.

It’s not easy to maintain the thousands of listings that have accumulated over our nearly 12 years in existence. Now we have ethical, editorial and business decisions to make about how (and whether) to list certain businesses and companies on Gay Desert Guide. It carries over to the advertisers you hear on KGAY and to a certain extent on KMEE MeTV FM.

Is a business ‘guilty by association’ for supporting team Trump? The Republican party? Judges? Policies? It’s a conundrum that we’re weighing internally and with your thoughts and opinions. So we’re welcoming your comments at WeListen@KGAYPalmSprings.com or if you are reading this on a social media platform in the comments section.

I don’t have the right answer – yet. I do know that businesses that stand with us SHOULD be listed on the Gay Desert Guide directory. There’s a link on the home page to get listed for free. Just know that we’ll be vetting any new business through the lens of a new-found dictate to be much more discerning. We’ll also do so with an appreciation for the wishes of our community and our Facebook friends at Gay Men of Palm Springs.

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 reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

La Quinta Art Celebration

The La Quinta Art Celebration takes place Thursday–Sunday, November 14–17 from 10 am–4 pm daily at the La Quinta Civic Center. This four-day event showcases the work of talented artists from around the globe, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic styles and purchase unique pieces. From paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry, there’s something for everyone from best-in-class artists and an event staff committed to providing a VIP experience. Get tickets

Palm Springs Pickleball Tournament

Get ready for a day of fun and competition at the Palm Springs Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, November 16 from 8 am–4 pm at Demuth Park. This event benefits the Palm Springs Hospitality Association Scholarship Fund and the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. Watch as Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills takes on Kim Jagd, a star player in the National Pickleball League, in a celebrity match. More info

In Conversation: When the Band Played On

Join author Michael Lee in conversation with journalist Hank Plante about his book, When the Band Played On, covering the life of Randy Shilts, this Saturday, November 16 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. For more than 20 years, Lee has had a passion for storytelling that has fueled a dynamic career of LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizing, human services, research, writing, and teaching. His interest in Randy Shilts came about while he was researching the origins of 1970s-era gay and lesbian community services and their influence on AIDS organizations of the 1980s. Get tickets

Morongo Basin-Wide Pride

Basin-Wide Pride is a two-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community in the Morongo Basin on Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17 featuring a variety of activities, including a Spaghetti Western Drag Brunch, a Queen of the Desert Adventure Bus Tour, a Queer Comedy Show, and a Silent Disco Under the Stars. Pop-up events in 29 Palms will offer Pride breakfast, family-friendly art gallery exhibits, craft fair, and book readings. With a focus on caring for the community, Basin-Wide Pride promises to be a fun-filled and unforgettable weekend celebrating Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. More info

Big Bear Comedy Festival

The Big Bear Comedy Festival takes place this Friday & Saturday, November 15 & 16 featuring Adam Carolla, Kevin Nealon, Todd Glass and Larry Elder. Additionally, attendees will catch a hysterical supporting cast that includes producer Jason Love, Jill Kimmel, Carlos Oscar, Kira Soltanovich, Ron Pearson, Tom Mabe, James Connolly, and Vargus Mason – plus an ensemble of Hollywood’s brightest up-and-comers. Don’t miss a comedians panel Saturday, November 16 at 4 pm hosted by Larry Elder to get an inside look at the current realities faced by comedians in an era of cancel culture and censorship. Get tickets

5th Annual Turkey Drive

Join Platinum Star Properties for their 5th Annual Turkey Drive on Saturday, November 16, from 11 am–2 pm, at their new Rimrock location. Bring a frozen turkey, ham, or other non-perishable items to support the Cathedral City Senior Center, DJ Galaxy’s Five Hundred Turkey Meal Prep, and the Community Center Food Bank. Let’s come together to make a difference in our community! More info

Hillary and Clinton

Dezart Performs presents Hillary and Clinton from November 15–24. Set in an alternate universe during the 2008 presidential primaries, the play imagines a series of conversations between Hillary Clinton, who is struggling with her campaign, and her husband, Bill Clinton, as she seeks his political guidance while also dealing with their complex personal relationship. The play explores themes of ambition, power, and the dynamics of their marriage in a high-stakes political environment. Get tickets

Loot

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Loot from November 15–24. This groundbreaking and subversive dark comedy revolves around Hal and Dennis, who rob a bank and hide the money in a coffin meant for Hal’s recently deceased mother. The plot thickens with the arrival of a corrupt detective, and the characters’ absurd and hypocritical behavior makes for a sharp critique of morality and authority. Get tickets

Thorgy Does Christmas

Thorgy Thor brings her holiday magic to Palm Springs! Join the iconic drag queen for two nights of festive fun and musical performances at Hotel Zoso on Friday & Saturday, November 15 &16 at 7 pm. Get ready to be dazzled by Thorgy’s unique blend of humor, glamour, and musical talent, with special guest Ethylina Canne. Get tickets

Seth Rudetsky’s Big Fat Broadway Show

On Saturday, November 16, The Purple Room Supper Club presents Seth Rudetsky’s Big Fat Broadway Show, a tour-de-force featuring Rudetsky’s trademark “deconstructions,” in which he uses his amazing audio collection to break down brilliant performances from beloved Broadway divas (Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley) as well as showcasing mind-boggling videos like The Osmonds singing a medley from Fiddler On The Roof. Seriously. (Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm). On Sunday, November 17, it’s Elvis: The Early Years the 1950s-era Elvis tribute by Scot Bruce (dinner at 5, show at 7 pm). Get tickets

Rick Springfield and Richard Marx

Rick Springfield and Richard Marx are teaming up for an unforgettable acoustic tour, coming to the McCallum Theatre on Saturday, November 16 at 8 pm. These legendary musicians will perform their greatest hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Hold on to the Nights,” and “Right Here Waiting.” Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear these timeless songs in an intimate setting. Get tickets

Jersey Boys

Experience Desert Theatreworks’ electrifying production of Jersey Boys: The Musical running through December 1. With innovative staging and dynamic performances, this fresh take on the classic tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons promises an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll and nostalgia. Get ready to sing along to hits like “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” in a show you won’t want to miss. Get tickets

Little Shop of Horrors

Revolution Stage Company presents Little Shop of Horrors from November 7–23. This darkly comedic musical tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek florist who discovers a bloodthirsty plant. As his life takes a bizarre turn, Seymour faces moral dilemmas and outrageous predicaments. With catchy doo-wop tunes and memorable characters, Little Shop of Horrors is your chance to witness the plant that took Broadway by storm. Get tickets

Next to Normal

CVRep presents Next to Normal, running through November 24. This heartbreaking and moving musical follows a family’s struggle with depression and mental health through powerful songs, comedic and chaotic settings, and prevailing characters. Over the course of the show, the family ultimately learns how to see each other for who they truly are and finds a sense of ‘normal.’ Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “CVRep has raised the already-high bar they have set even higher with a brilliant and thoroughly engrossing production…” Read his review and Get tickets

La Cage Aux Folles

Palm Canyon Theatre will whisk you away to Paris and a night of glamorous drag and storytelling as you enjoy the incomparable La Cage Aux Folles, running through November 17 (Selling fast and already extended a week beyond their original run!). Based on the 1973 French play, this glitzy musical is set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub, following the hilarious antics of Albin, the star drag queen, and Georges, the club’s manager, as they navigate family drama and societal expectations. Get tickets

ALSO THIS WEEKEND

Friday, November 15
Yappy Hour benefiting Animal Samaritans | 4–6 pm at Boozehounds
The Kingdo m Choir | 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Country Dance Fridays: Barn Dance with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Mid-Century Moderns | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Rob Thomas | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage