Nostalgia is a funny thing. Defined as a wistful affection for the past, it is ever-present during the holidays. A successful Christmas song always looks back, not forward. Take for example Dan Fogelberg’s “Same Old Lang Syne” with its lyric:
Just for a moment, I was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as I turned to make my way back home
The snow turned into rain
Thursday night’s Heart concert was another trip down memory lane with a closing anthem of “Stairway to Heaven” reprised from the Kennedy Honors in 2012. Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, along with Jason Bonham, played Stairway to Heaven as a tribute for Led Zeppelin, and that performance still brings tears.
The New Year now has us looking forward with tepid anticipation of an election, as war and unrest continue in the world, and there are affronts to LGBTQ+ rights. We long for simpler times – conveniently forgetting the worries of the past as nostalgia washes over us like a wave. Hopefully the worries of today and fears of tomorrow won’t drowned us, and will instead be like the cold rain Dan Fogelberg sang about.
This Weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings
December 29–31, 2023We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: New Year’s Eve in Greater Palm Springs, Drag Brunches in the Desert, and Celebrate Coachella Valley feat. Lauren Alaina, plus WildLights, Magic of Lights, ‘Christmas with the Crawfords,’ Musical Magic, The Dreamboats performing at The Westin, KC and the Sunshine Band + Zowie Bowie at The Show, Agua Caliente Casinos’ Glitz & Glam in Palm Springs and A-List New Year’s Eve in Cathedral City, New Year’s Eve at 4 Saints, Brothers of the Desert New Year’s Eve Legacy Gala and Fundraiser…and much more!Â
Palm Springs is a glittering oasis not just for snowbirds and vintage enthusiasts, but also for drag aficionados. Our vibrant drag scene pulsates with sass, sequins, and sky-high wigs. There are drag brunches not only on Sunday but Friday and Saturday as well! We have listings for drag by day of the week in the Gay Desert Guide Nightlife Channel. Just look for the “Drag Shows in the Desert” listings! You can also find a general rundown of drag offerings in our Drag Shows with Courage, Ostentatiousness, Charisma, and Kookiness article, featuring shows at Oscar’s, Reforma, Chill Bar, one eleven bar and more!
Celebrate Coachella Valley
The 2nd Annual Celebrate Coachella Valley takes place on Saturday, December 30 from 3:30–9:30 pm at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This free event features live musical performances from top-notch artists, including headliner Lauren Alaina, plus some of SoCal’s favorite food trucks, games, giveaways and much more. Stuft Pizza will offer a premium wine tasting, and you can win gift cards from popular local businesses. More info
We have a featured Hot Deal for savings at Monster Shakes, plus deals at Destination PSP, Grand Central, Thai Smile, Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Rick’s Desert Grill, Lulu California Bistro, PS HomeBoys, Men’s Grooming Spot, Il Giardino, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Zin American Bistro, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds, Trevor Wayne Store, Kitchen 86, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Eight4Nine, and more!
KGAY 106.5 invites you to join the festivities on the Coachella Valley Firebirds Pride Night, on Friday January 19 from 5–9 pm at Acrisure Arena. Join us for Pride Night in a space that welcomes everyone. Come for a cocktail social hour and see your favorite local drag queens take the stage ahead of the Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Calgary Wranglers game, and enjoy pre-game plaza events, special in-game giveaways and more! Special $99 package gets you: Signature Pride Night cocktail, ticket to the pre-game drag show, center ice seats at the game, and private VIP ticket throughout the game.  Get tickets
Welcome New Partner This Week
Sonny’s Bar and Grill Palm Springs in the Arenas District, an LGBTQ+ owned business offering a great place to eat and drink. Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Learn more
New Year’s Eve
Celebrate Coachella Valley
