desert rage
by sasha scarlett Along with the Festival’s arts program- The saying goes, “Spring has sprung...”And it’s true, especially in
Palm Springs, because we are heading into the best of Coachella Valley’s weather and coming events. In March and April, Palm Springs becomes a “gay mecca,” with events like Club Skirts Dinah Shore and Jeffrey Sanker’s infamous White Party! As your official “Desert Diva,” it is my pleasure to bring you up-to-date on the best March has to offer.
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PALM SPRINGS THIS MONTH: For all my lesbian friends, start planning now for your Dinah Shore
Weekend, which runs Wednesday, March 30 through Sunday, April 3. Girl, the headliners are amazing: Orange is the New Black’s Taryn Manning and Lea Delaria, rapper Angel Haze, Dj Samantha Ronson, L Word iconic star, Kate Moennig, UH HUH HER’s lead singer Camila Grey and top model Madison Paige making her singing debut. Be sure not to miss Elle King, the two-time Grammy nominee who’s hit single, “X’s and O’s,” was the song that had me dancing like no other song in 2015. Club Skirts celebrates 26 years as the larg- est lesbian event in the world, with primary events at the Hilton Hotel, Palm Springs Convention Center and Zeldaz Nightclub. “We have put together the most exciting Dinah line up ever,” says Mariah Hanson, founder of The Dinah. “ If I could only pick one Dinah to attend, it would be this year. I’m really happy how things came together.” If you are a woman who loves women, Dinah Weekend is for you. For tickets and more information, go to
thedinah.com. For those of you who can’t get enough of those lovely lady parts, Girl Bar
Dinah Shore Las Vegas, now in its fourth year with Caesars Entertainment, runs Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1. For all the latest updates, full Dinah Vegas 2016 schedules and appearances, tickets, hotels and weekend package options, go to
dinahshoreweekend.com. The Palm Springs Life Festival runs Sunday, March 20 through Sunday,
April 24 with Sunday’s opening gala featuring Plácido Domingo conducting Renee Fleming at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, in Rancho Mirage. Maestro Domingo, who will sing along with Ms. Fleming, said of the event, “I am very much looking forward to coming to Palm Springs with the L.A. Opera Orchestra. The surroundings are spectacular and I can’t wait to perform for the audience there.” A stellar line up of talent and fashion also includes violinists Midori and Sarah Chang, cellist Nina Kotova, pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Nina Kotova, as well as guitarist Angel Romero.
36 RAGE monthly | MARCH 2016
ming, 2016 brings together two other desert standouts: The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, with chefs Cat Cora, Gail Gand, and Chicago’s Hearty Boys, as well as the Palm Springs Fashion Week El Paseo, featuring fashion designers Zandra Rhodes, Marc Bouwer, Michael Costello and your favorite Project Runway designers, events that will give Coachella Valley an unprecedented array of talent across multiple disciplines. For more information on the full four-week’s schedule of events and to purchase tickets, go to palmspring-
slifefestival.com. Locals voted the Aids Assistance
Program the number one LGBTQ charity in Greater Palm Springs for 2015. They did so, because this program is small in staff and mighty in terms of delivering services, providing food and other support services for those living with HIV and AIDS. This isn’t grand stuff, primarily we’re talking food, money for rent, utilities and the many things most of us (gratefully) take for granted. Their biggest fundraiser is Evening Under the Stars and for 2016, the 23rd annual event takes place Saturday, April 30 and includes an extended cocktail hour, a delicious dinner, awards, fireworks and features the world-famous Village People. Formed in 1977, the Village People have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and recently received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Considered the “Kings of Disco,” they are known for their high-energy shows and mega-hits like “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” “Go West” and “In the Navy.” This event sells out every year, so get your tickets early at
aidsassistance.org/ evening-under-the-stars. I am so delighted to be able to showcase
events for all the diversity represented in the letters in the LGBT moniker. Now, it’s time for a Mai Tai poolside, with my favorite, sexy cabana boys. It’s a tough life... But someone has to live it.
Kisses... And make sure to wear your sunscreen!
XOXO Sasha Scarlett
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