In the halcyon days of Radio, I held my third class FCC license which I first received in 1972. I was just a young punk who wanted to run the controls of our local radio station. My mom had to drive me to the testing facility. She wasn’t sure would pass, but I did. I was hired at my local radio station the following year in 1973. So this weekend will be my 52nd anniversary working in Radio (and my 67th birthday!)
Back in the 1970s, there were an only AM & FM broadcast stations. ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS. No cable TV, and certainly no Internet.
I came across my FCC third class license this week. Here were the things we weren’t supposed to do on the air — the prohibitions for a licensed broadcast operator:
*Unauthorized disclosure or use of messages
*Use of obscene, indecent or profane language,
*False or deceptive signals or Communications
*Unnecessary, unidentified or superfluous Communications
*Willful or malicious interference with Communications
My how times have changed! Disney/ABC fires Jimmy Kimmel. Trump sues networks and newspapers. The FCC can now be bought and sold. It’s a sad time in our country’s history, and we have no idea where it’s headed.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Cinema Diverse
Cinema Diverse returns to Palm Springs for its eighteenth edition, celebrating LGBTQ+ voices through bold, timely storytelling and cinematic artistry. Running Thursday–Sunday, September 18–21 and Thursday–Sunday, Sept 25–28 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, this acclaimed film festival showcases a dynamic lineup of features, shorts, and documentaries from around the globe—each amplifying queer perspectives and creative resilience. Highlights for this first weekend include Outliers and Outlaws on Friday, uncovering a vibrant lesbian community in Eugene, Oregon, and Fallen Fruit, a poetic drama set in Miami. Saturday features Rank & File, a local oral history project, and Two Moms, a moving look at LGBTQ+ parenting in Japan. Sunday’s offerings range from ancient warrior love in Army of Lovers to political trailblazing in State of Firsts. Get tickets
Positively Aging Project 10th Annual Conference
HIV+ Aging Research Project Palm Springs presents The Art of Balance – A Blueprint for a Healthy Future on Saturday, September 20 from 10 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center. This in-person wellness event explores strategies for physical, emotional, and nutritional balance through expert-led sessions and community dialogue. KGAY’s own John Taylor will be hosting to tie it all together. Doors open at 9 am for a continental breakfast. Whether living with HIV or simply seeking a healthier path forward, attendees will leave with tools to build a more balanced and resilient life. Register today
Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival – Blues at the Woodstock
The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival continues Friday & Saturday, September 19 & 20 at Hotel Zoso with “Blues at the Woodstock,” a dynamic celebration of pioneering women in blues. Featuring performances by Ruthie Foster, Martha Redbone, Bette Smith, Habaka, and Dr. Gail Jhonson with the Blues All-Stars, the festival honors the legacy and power of female artists who shaped the genre. Alongside concerts, attendees can enjoy exhibitions, film screenings, and community events that spotlight resilience, artistry, and cultural impact. Get tickets
Vote KGAY and Local Favorites for Best of Coachella Valley!
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2025–2026 has opened their Final Round Ballot—Thank you for the incredible support and strong showing in this year’s nominations—now’s the time to vote and help spotlight your favorites to win! Our contenders include: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM in Life in the Valley > Best Radio Station, John Taylor, Patrick Evans, and Chris Shebel in Life in the Valley > Best Local Radio Personality, and our dynamic DJ trio—DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and Modgirl—in Arts > Best Local DJ. Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, October 29. Cast your vote today!
Hooch ‘N’ Pooch – Palm Springs Bottle Shop Anniversary Party
Palm Springs Bottle Shop celebrates four spirited years with Hooch ‘N’ Pooch, a lively anniversary bash and fundraiser on Saturday, September 20 from 2–5 pm at Market Market. Guests can sip specialty cocktails, enjoy pop-up bites from Ni Modo and Poppin’ Off Pies, and groove to DJ HiLo Split and a live set by Deven Green and Handsome Ned. Furry friends are welcome—especially those dressed to impress for the pet costume contest. A portion of all sales and donations will support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter’s mission to care for and rehome local pets. More info
Third Eye Blind, Rod Stewart at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa features two powerhouse performances this weekend. On Friday, September 19 at 8 pm, Third Eye Blind takes the stage with their signature alt-rock sound and high-voltage hits. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics and infectious hooks, the band continues to captivate audiences with a setlist that spans fan favorites and fresh material. Then on Saturday, September 20 at 8 pm, Sir Rod Stewart brings his legendary voice and dynamic stage presence to Rancho Mirage for a rare live appearance (tickets for Rod Stewart are extremely limited).
Sinatra, Stars & Judy at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club delivers a dazzling weekend of entertainment starting Friday, September 19 with Sinatra & Me, starring Richard Shelton—widely hailed as the world’s leading dramatic interpreter of Frank Sinatra. On Saturday, September 20, Palm Springs Jump! pays tribute to the stars who shaped the city’s glamorous legacy with high-energy performances and vintage flair. Then on Sunday, September 21, The Judy Show! features Michael Holmes’ riotous impersonations of Judy Garland and her iconic guests, blending outrageous comedy, classic standards, and nonstop camp. Get tickets
HRC Palm Springs Garden Party Kickoff
Come to the 24th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party Kick-Off Happy Hour on Saturday, September 20 from 2–4 pm at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City. This lively launch event invites guests to connect, learn about the annual fundraiser, and discover ways to get involved—all to the vibrant soundtrack of DJ Disco Boy, setting the stage for an afternoon of community, advocacy, and festive flair. More info
Pickleball After Dark
Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball comes to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs on Saturday, September 20 from 7–10 pm. In partnership with Let’s Glo Ball, this neon-fueled event transforms six rooftop courts into a dazzling playground of illuminated action, live beats by DJ Sammy Bananaz, and high-energy fun for all skill levels. With vibrant glow gear, prizes, and food and drink available for purchase, it’s the ultimate downtown party where sport meets spectacle. Reservations required: More info
Smart, Sexy, and Seriously Funny—Marvez Live
On Sunday, September 21 at 5 pm, Monique Marvez takes the stage at the McCallum Theatre for an evening of sharp wit, soulful insight, and fearless comedy. Known for her breakout Showtime special Not Skinny, Not Blonde and appearances in Bad Girls of Comedy and Latin Divas of Comedy, Marvez blends Latin fire with American grit in a style that’s smart, sexy, and self-aware. Get tickets
International Day of Peace Observance & Art Exhibition
Cathedral City Peace Initiative invites the community to a meaningful observance of the International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 21 from 2–4 pm at Cathedral City Public Library. The event features two compelling exhibitions: “A Message from 1945 to the Future,” highlighting the global call for nuclear disarmament, and a collaborative display of children’s artwork from Gaza and Cathedral City. Attendees can also take part in creating peace flags to be displayed at City Hall. More info
Market Mornings Head Back Outdoors
The Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center moves back outdoors for the season starting Saturday, September 20 from 8 am–1 pm, with fresh produce, chef demos, artisanal foods, and live music. Visitors can meet local growers and food artisans, enjoy breakfast or lunch from market vendors, and gather cooking inspiration through Market Menu Live demonstrations. The market reflects the Cultural Center’s mission to connect the community through food, creativity, and sustainability.
Sleepy Hollow at Sunnylands
Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens series continues Friday, September 19 from 7:30–9:30 pm with a screening of Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999). Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics for a spooky night beneath the trees. Gates open at 6 pm, and snacks and drinks will be available from the café until 8:30 pm. Presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, this free outdoor event offers a haunting cinematic escape in the gardens. More info
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month continues, delivering a full month of revitalizing wellness offerings at the region’s most iconic resorts and spas. With more than 100 luxurious deals now live, guests can indulge in discounted massages, facials, overnight spa stays, and yoga sessions—all designed to soothe the senses and harness the restorative spirit of the desert. Whether you’re planning a peaceful solo getaway or a rejuvenating retreat with friends, Spa Month invites you to relax and renew. Advance booking is highly encouraged. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, September 19
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
3rd Annual Fire Gala | 6–8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
Saturday, September 20
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun Palm Springs | 12–6 pm
The Dinner Detective | 6–9 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
