Berlin is a city still showing vestiges of WWII and the Cold War, and largely bases its tourism upon those dark days in history. But the arts are alive and well in this formerly divided city.
Case in point, Breanna Elyce Sinclairé, opera singer and trans woman whom I met up with Thursday evening in one of Berlin’s ”gay districts”. Breanna and I first met in Palm Springs at an EQCA event. She is living in San Francisco and is an accomplished operatic soprano, having sung with both the DC and San Francisco Gay Men’s Choruses.
Her amazing career has now brought her to the Berlin Opera Academy where she bested 2000 singers for her spot in this year’s production of Hansel und Gretel in her first female lead as a trans woman. It’s great to see the tenets of our LGBTQ+ community reach into so many facets of life. But the road is never easy and she shared struggles both here and at home with her career and having to prove herself in ways our cisgender counterparts do not.
We were joined by her lesbian co-star, Helena Hedman, shown here with Gay Desert Guide’s listings editor Alex McCune and myself. Hedman is an out lesbian opera singer from Sweden and the two have become fast friends. What a treat it was to connect, learn and ponder the many facets of our LGBTQ+ community and our places in the world. Now off to Prague for Pride and the start of our Brandg Vacation.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Splash House August Weekend One
Splash House is back for two consecutive weekends in August at the Saguaro, Renaissance, and Margaritaville Resort Hotels. First up is Friday–Sunday, August 12–14. Each resort is a full takeover hosting a poolside stage, rooms, and balconies that are all part of the fun. Desert days continue into the night for the After Hours series, dancing among the planes and under the stars at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Weekend One artists include Dabin, Dombresky, John Summit, Nora en Pure, Polo & Pan, Elohim and more. Get tickets
Skin Contact 3.0: A New Desert Drag & Performance Art Experience
The Alibi Palm Springs presents Skin Contact 3.0: A New Desert Drag & Performance Art Experience on Sunday, August 14 at 9 pm. This scintillating new varietal features The Haus of Derma, Skynsuit, Berlin, and Scarlet Letters with special guests Serena Infiniti and Candy Pain, with music by DJ Sensi. More info
Oscar’s T-Dance Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest
Oscar’s is the “the scene of downtown Palm Springs” with not only their Bitchiest Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays; you can dance into the evening at their famous Sunday T-Dance, from 5–9 pm. It gets even hotter for the next month, as the T-Dance will include a Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest every week from now until Labor Day weekend. One winner will receive $250 in cash and prizes each Sunday! Then on Sunday September 4, a Grand Prize winner will win $1000 worth of cash and prizes. More info
City of Indio Second Saturday: 50’s Rock n Roll
Second Saturdays Center Stage takes place this Saturday, August 13 from 7–10 pm in downtown Indio. This FREE community concert series is for for all ages in a safe, fenced-in, “outdoor living room,” featuring family activities, local food vendors, craft beer, and this week is a 50’s Rock & Roll theme, with live music from The Dreamboats and Tina Turntables. Come dressed for the weather and the themed occasion. Those who would like to bring their own chairs or blankets are encouraged to do so—although a seating area with picnic and wine barrel tables are provided. More info
FERRO Summer Music Festival
FERRO Italian restaurant in Idyllwild presents the FERRO Summer Music Festival, 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 is 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
Gender-Expansive and Queer Youth Pool Party
The Center Coachella presents a Gender-Expansive & Queer Youth Pool Party on Saturday, August 13 from 2–4:30 pm in La Quinta (address given upon registration). This space will prioritize gender expressions and identities of all types for LGBTQ+ youngsters ten to twenty-one years old. Queer adults also welcome if acting as a caregiver or chaperoning children. Admission is free, but registration is required. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Summer Sundays
The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free admission and activities for families with their Summer Sundays program. This Sunday, August 14 from 1–3 pm, learn how artist Leon Polk Smith uses line, color, and shape to create the illusion of space, and then create your own paper cutouts like the artist. Reservations required. More info
