I made made the trip ‘up the mountain’ over the past two weekends to lovely Idyllwild, which will be the spot for Pride Under the Pines in just two short months. While it was a nice respite from the heat, it’s also home to some great restaurants – from Cafe Aroma to FERRO. The latter is hosting a Summer Music Festival till Labor Day. We have details below.
What I love is that my all-electric Nissan Leaf arrives with the same battery charge as when I left the mountain – meaning that the trip being ‘downhill all the way’ allows the regenerative braking to kick in and give me a free ride.
Electric vehicles are here, (sometimes queer), so get used to it! And help save the planet.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Modernism Week October Tickets on Sale Monday, August 1 at Noon
Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, will offer Modernism Week – October from October 13–16. While smaller in scope than the 11-day festival held annually each February, the October event offers more than 50 events during 4 days, including several free and low-cost programs. A full schedule of events is now available and tickets go on sale Monday, August 1 at 12 noon PST. More info
RuPaul Recap: All Stars Season 7 Finale
Our Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent, Dante Noto, has published his “Finally the finale” recap of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (See all of his RuPaul Recaps here). There is one final runway, “Grand Finale Eleganza,” where the queens bring out their best, and then the Smackdown: multiple match-ups of Lip Sync battles for the Queen of all Queens title (as well as the the Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses crown). Read the full recap of Episode 12: Lip Sync LaLaPaRuZa Smackdown [here].
LGBTQ+ Youth Hangout
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents the LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout via Zoom and in person on Wednesdays at 2 pm. This hybrid hangout is hosted by Roman Lopez-Mojarras. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 14–20 and needs a safe space to connect with other LGBTQ+ youth, zoom by for a minute or longer! More info
Willie’s Broadway Block Party
Join Willie’s Broadway Block Party, happening every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm through Wednesday, August 17. for Musical Theatre University’s talented singers in a fully staged Broadway revue — and then grab a mic and join the show! The most unique open mic on the planet is right here at Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage. Bring your sheet music and arrive by 6 pm to sign-in to sing. There will be a limited number of open mic singers each night. More info
FERRO Summer Music Festival
FERRO Italian restaurant in Idyllwild presents the FERRO Summer Music Festival, starting Tuesday, August 2 and continuing all month through Labor Day Weekend. Musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds will grace the outdoor stage, accompanied by refined Italian cuisine, cocktails, and cool mountain nights. With Jazz Nights, Blues & Soul, and Women in Jazz on Sundays, there will be music on Mondays, Tuesdays, and all three nights of the weekend. Access to the performances, and cocktails on the patio, are available without reservations or cover charge. (For restaurant seating, make a reservation). More info
Life is a Cabaret with Les Michaels
The Palm Springs Cultural Center has added Life is a Cabaret with Les Michaels to its weekly “Come On Up” series in the VIP Lounge on Wednesdays from 5–7:30 pm. Singers interested in participating in this open-mic can sign up beginning at 4:45 pm, please bring your sheet music! No cover. More info
Desert Blues Revival: Southwest Biscuit Company
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, August 3, Southwest Biscuit Company takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing Authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville: Catina DeLuna y Otmaro Ruiz
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five, takes place at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, August 4 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville presents an amazing night of Brazilian jazz featuring vocalist Catina DeLuna and pianist Otmaro Ruiz with Larry Koonse and others. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
Theatre Thursday: Christopher Richardson
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays are back “Live on Stage.” Come see a different cabaret, concert or entertaining event each Thursday at 7 pm, now through September 1. This week: On Thursday, August 4, it’s the debut of 23-year-old Christopher Richardson, presented by the PS International Piano Competition. Richardson’s program includes Chopin, Liszt, Stravinsky, Hirtz’ Fantasy on Arlen’s Wizard of Oz, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and the jazzy Uehara Tom and Jerry Show. See our event listing for the full lineup of performers through August! Order ahead and save with 5 shows for the price of 4. Get tickets
