Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Nov 8-10, 2024

“The light of America’s promise will always shine bright”. Kamala Harris’ words to us in her concession speech Wednesday help take the sting away just a bit. We are in shock and we are numb at the prospects ahead. I wrote to my staff and shared on social media the following:

“Many of us are hurting after pouring our hearts and souls into electing Kamala Harris and the progressive candidates that fight for our rights.  Our losses will reverberate for many years.
We can only carry on with the messages that we help amplify for our LGBTQ+ communities.  We’ll continue to support our Trans community.  We’ll continue to promote all the letters in our alphabet as human beings that deserve equal rights and equal treatment.
We will also continue to speak out against those who try to silence us.  There may be consequences that affect our business, but we will not be intimidated. Our mission becomes even more important in the coming four years.
We are chartered as a public benefit corporation, putting purpose above profit.  This is an expensive operation to keep afloat.  I’m committed to do all I can to use our public airwaves and our international reach through streaming and GayDesertGuide to be a beacon for us all”.
Message to our staff and social media followers

I’ve been in touch with other leaders in the community, and we are looking at ways to respond. It may be a rally or a vigil, but know that we will gather and share in our grief and then look forward to what is next.

Jill Hingston, director of behavioral health at The Center CV, spoke with John Taylor on our grieving process. I’m linking to the KGAY YouTube video for coping skills and some thoughts on finding community during this difficult time.

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!
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Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival

Get ready for a fusion of music and comedy at the Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival! On Friday, November 8 at 7 pm, kick off the weekend with the Opening Night Resilience Party at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs. Enjoy a pre-concert dinner, live music from Laurie Morvan and Serafia, Jeremie Levi Samson and a DJ set by Jiji Sweet [Get tickets]. Then, on Saturday, November 9 at 7 pm, head to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a night of music and comedy featuring Kandace Springs, Dr. Karen Williams, Jennifer Corday, Emily V, and more. [Get tickets]. On Sunday at 3 pm, acclaimed saxophonist Pamela Williams, “The Saxtress,” takes the stage with Sweet Baby J’ai and the Women in Jazz All-Stars at Revolution Stage Company [Get tickets].

11th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival

Enjoy a day of powerful films and inspiring stories at the 11th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival on Sunday, November 10 with screenings at 9:30 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:15 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Films include Old Lesbians, Esther Newton Made Me Gay, Confessions, Preconceived, and A Match. This special event benefits Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, supporting vital healthcare services. See our event listing for the detailed schedule: Get tickets

Veterans Day Weekend

The Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade is Monday, November 11 at 3:30 pm. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of LGBTQ veterans earning the right to march in this parade. The parade will be followed by a concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band and a dazzling fireworks display. Veterans Day Festivities span the weekend, including a drive-through appreciation lunch Friday, a tribute concert featuring K-Tel All Stars in the downtown park on Saturday night, and a special screening of Stalag 17 and vintage film reels on Monday evening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center [More info]. Also: Cathedral City will hold a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday at 10 am with several presentations, including a Silver Helmet Award for Bill Kibler, founder of GayVeterans.us. [More info].

Jersey Boys

Experience Desert Theatreworks’ electrifying production of Jersey Boys: The Musical from November 8–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

Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival

The 2024 Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival takes place Friday–Sunday, November 8–10 at the Annenberg Theater. This event showcases incredible female jazz and blues artists. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Lalah Hathaway headlines the festival, with Dr. Gail Jhonson and Jazz In Pink opening for her on Saturday. On Sunday, enjoy a tribute to Anita Baker, Roberta Flack, and other legends by the Divas of the Desert, featuring Motown legend Blinky Williams. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the rich history of jazz, blues, and soul music. Get tickets

Palm Desert Choreography Festival

The Palm Springs Choreography Festival takes place Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10 (7 pm on Saturday and 4 pm on Sunday) at the McCallum Theatre. This dynamic event showcases original dance pieces from across the nation and celebrates dance as an art form, featuring diverse styles and talented performers. Enjoy captivating performances and a Lifetime Achievement presentation on Saturday. Get tickets

Next to Normal

CVRep presents Next to Normal, running through November 17. 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

Miss Conception’s 25-Year Silver Anniversary Celebration

The Purple Room Supper Club presents Miss Conception’s 25-Year Silver Anniversary Celebration on Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9. This Female Delusionist Extraordinaire is back in Palm Springs with her glamorous anniversary show featuring stunning costumes, hilarious comedy, and unforgettable musical numbers (dinner at 6, show at 8 pm). On Sunday, November 10, experience the magic of Judy Garland with The Judy Show! (dinner at 5, show at 7 pm) Get tickets.

8th Annual NoirCon

Join the 8th annual NoirCon from Thursday–Sunday, November 7–10, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in the world of noir literature, film, and art with captivating panels, speakers, film screenings, author events, and more. This year’s film lineup includes classics like Chinatown, Vanishing Point, and Brick, as well as modern gems like The Limey and After Dark, My Sweet. Dive into the shadows of noir! More info

Real Talk, Real Health Free Wellness Event

Real Talk, Real Health is a free wellness event presented by Brothers of the Desert, taking place on Saturday, November 9, from 9 am–noon at the Mizell Center. Join Dr. Leo Moore, Chef Betty Berrysmith, and fitness expert String for a morning of insightful discussions and practical tips on health and wellness. Hosted by Anye Elite, this event is a great opportunity to learn about nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being. Register today

“P-22 Pool Party” Art Show

Join the opening reception of “P-22 Pool Party” on Saturday, November 9 from 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery. This art show celebrates the dynamic interplay between nature and human design, inspired by the mountain lion P-22 who called Griffith Park home. Enjoy refreshments, art, and camaraderie while exploring the works of talented artists. The show runs daily from November 9–December 2, from 10 am–6 pm. Meet the artist and discover the captivating world of “P-22 Pool Party.” More info