Rarely do “the ends justify the means”, but in the case of the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial, I may make an exception. Artist Phillip K. Smith III went back to the drawing board after a flurry of negative comments on the first design to create this new version seen here.
To those in the community who provided positive feedback, I say thank you. Unfortunately in today’s social media world, the sniping and griping hit a new low. Decorum went out the window. Thursday’s unveiling of the new design seems to have calmed those comments.
Arguably, the first design hit a raw nerve that was exposed by years of individual experiences during the AIDS crisis that had a profound and lasting effect on us. Those wounds may never heal for some, and the emotion expressed was real, just many times misplaced.
So we now have a design that I hope can be installed by Worlds AIDS Day 2025. But first, there’s an approval process and some more fundraising to make this a reality. I hope both move along quickly. I just made small contribution to show my support, and encourage you to do the same.
The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial is one of three public arts projects on the drawing board to honor and recognize the many contributions and sacrifices made by our LGBTQ+ communities. It’s a trifecta I look forward to seeing completed before the end of the first term of the Harris administration…
P.S. I’m proud to have Bruce Fessier contributing to Gay Desert Guide. Read his article on Liberace’s affect on the AIDS movement on the site and linked below.
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 be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasisJoin the Oasis Insiders Today to get our Weekly Top 3 in your Inbox each Friday!
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with us to receive marketing, updates, and other emails. Use the unsubscribe link to opt out at any time.
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens: Labyrinth
Sunnylands is bringing back its popular Films in the Gardens series this fall! Starting with the 1986 fantasy film classic Labyrinth on Friday, September 13, enjoy free outdoor movie nights on three consecutive Friday evenings at 7:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics to the beautiful gardens of Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars. Upcoming films: Monster House (2006) on 9/20, and ParaNorman (2012) on 9/27. More info
International Day of Democracy
Sunday, September 15 is the International Day of Democracy. In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. Learn more about Democracy Day and the “Fractured” project, an in-depth examination of the state of American democracy, focusing on issues like election denialism, intimidation, and disinformation: More info
Gay Days Anaheim
Gay Days Anaheim takes place this weekend, from September 13–15. This is a “mix in” event where gay and straight people mingle at Disneyland Resort, wearing red shirts to identify each other. The schedule includes the Gay Days Welcome Center, PRIDE Meet Up, performances by Cheyenne Jackson and Jackie Cox, a scavenger hunt, themed lunches, and a group photo at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Highlights also feature The Mis-Match Game, Not so Disney Disney shows, a pool party, and Varla Jean Merman: The Errors Tour! See our event listing for a full detailed schedule of all the fun: Get tickets
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Palm Canyon Theatre presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, opening this Friday, September 13 and running through Sunday, September 22. This satirical musical comedy follows J. Pierpont Finch, an ambitious young man who climbs the corporate ladder by using questionable tactics and manipulating his colleagues. The show satirizes the cutthroat world of business and the lengths people will go to achieve success. Get tickets
The Purple Room: Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine, Jonathan Karrant
It’s another fabulous weekend at the Purple Room in Palm Springs: On Friday, September 13, legendary drag icons Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine will take the stage for their hilarious and outrageous show, “Battle of the Bitches: Ladies of the ’80s.” Known as the “Laurel & Hardy of drag,” these two will entertain you with their twisted song parodies and fierce competition, all set to the unforgettable hits of the 1980s. Then, on Saturday, September 14, the stage will be graced by the smooth and soulful sounds of Jonathan Karrant. Known for his rich voice and captivating performances, Jonathan will serenade you with a mix of jazz standards and contemporary classics. Both shows open for dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets
Maximo with Special Guest Michael Orland
Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs presents the mesmerizing talent of Maximo Marcuso, along with special guest Michael Orland, on Friday, September 13. It’s Pavarotti meets Liberace on Broadway! Maximo’s powerhouse vocals span operatic arias, Broadway show tunes, Latin jazz, and contemporary music. Doors open at 5:30 pm for dinner, with the show starting at 7 pm. Get tickets
Speaking of Liberace, we are honored to present guest writer Bruce Fessier, whose article Four Decades Later, Liberace Gaining Elevated Status as Legendary Palm Springs Entertainer Who Sparked National Dialogue on AIDS, pays tribute to the iconic piano virtuoso with a focus on his Palm Springs connections and also mentions a couple of other upcoming Liberace tribute events in Palm Springs! Read more
MiChavela Fest – Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, September 14 will feature an unforgettable Mexican Independence Day Weekend at the Coachella Valley’s very own MiChavela Festival, now bigger and better at the Cathedral City Amphitheater. Celebrate with an incredible lineup of live entertainment, including performances by Aldo Trujillo, Banda Vallarta Show, Rubyana with her Selena Tribute, Grupo Mando, Mariachi Estrella, and DJ MarkuzArea. Enjoy the excitement of live Lucha Libre wrestling, carnival games for the whole family, and the return of the Classic Lowrider Car Show hosted by Big Red Chula. Indulge in a full bar and beer garden powered by Luchador Brewing Company, along with amazing Miche vendors, Mexican street food, and much more. Get tickets
A Journey to Desert Art Center’s 75th Anniversary
The Desert Art Center presents A Journey to Desert Art Center’s 75th Anniversary, a come & go open house event, on Sunday, September 15 from 10 am–4 pm at the historic former home of Agnes Pelton, the artist and woman who seeded the formation of the original Desert Art Center. View the painting that Pelton used to auction off for the seed money to get it started! This event is FREE and open to the public. More info
Open Rehearsals/Auditions for Modern Men Holiday Concert
Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus is on the lookout for talented voices to join them for their 11th season and holiday concert, “Home for the Holidays” with auditions to be held on Saturday, September 14 from 11 am–noon at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs. While tenors are especially needed, all vocal parts are welcome. If you have a passion for singing and want to be part of an amazing musical journey, come share your voice! More info
🏓 Pickleball Fall 2024 Registration
Get ready for some pickleball fun with Pride Sports Palm Springs! Fall registration is open from September 10-15 at DeMuth Park. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, join this vibrant community for friendly competition. Don’t miss out on this exciting season! For more details and to register, see the link in our event listing: More info
Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo
The Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo is taking place September 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art, open daily from 2–6 pm. The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions in a technologically advanced space, making world-class art accessible to all. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, September 13
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Free Film Screening | 10 am at PS Public Library
All Valley Mayors and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon | 10:30 am–1:30 pm at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Mean Girls (2024 Musical) Free Film Screening | 2 pm at PS Public Library
Country Dance Fridays: Ooh Aah Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, September 14
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm indoors at the Palm Springs Pavilion
Cat Fanciers Association Cat Show | 10 am–4 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center
Sunday, September 15
Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance feat. DJ Galaxy | 3 pm
