By Gene Hetzel

Bis, Bowling Balls, and ‘Retha

Some of us are always looking to go both ways and this Oct. 5-8, the 5th Annual Bi-Men Getaway Weekend is set to offer just such an opportunity locally. Featuring a number of fun social events for bi and gay men, the party is sure to keep ‘em coming back for more. For more information about the event and reservations, visit www.bimen.org, e-mail xgoodbiguy@msn.com or call (760) 322-8672.

If you can’t get enough splashin’ at that pool party, perhaps a SOPP-Hop is in order. SOPP-Hop is short for the Season Opening Pool Party and Fundraiser which will be held at the Desert Moon Resort, 2150 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, on Sept. 17 from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds from the event go to children’s charities SafeHouse of the Desert and Camp Heartland, so come on out and enjoy the food and the fun! Or, if you enjoy an indoor setting for your charitable activities, you might consider joining in with a bunch of pinheads at the 10th Annual Bowling for Bucks campaign at Fantasy Lanes Family Bowling Center, 84-245 Indio Springs Dr., Indio, to benefit the McCallum Theatre’s educational programs. Not to suck any of the blue-collar fun out of it, but did we mention this is a Hollywood dress-up bowling experience? Marilyn Monroe and Madonna can finally duel it out for the title of Best Ball Handler, so strike a pose and then release. Call (760) 346-650, ext. 126 for more information.

There is perhaps no greater soul singer living today than Ms. Aretha Franklin, so it’s fitting that the “Queen” would kick off the new season at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets will set you back a pretty penny, ranging from $75-$125, but isn’t shelling out that kind of money the ultimate way to show “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”? Call (760) 340-2787 or visit www.mccallumtheatre.com for information and ticket reservations.

Some other, less expensive performers certainly are out there ready to be appreciated if you can’t afford the Queen, the Joselyn Players, 73-750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert, are putting on the Broadway favorite The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, a comedy by Charles Busch about a lethargic woman roused by diversion. Call (760) 340-3220 for information and tickets for the Oct. 12-29 run. The Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison St., Coachella, will be playing host to the Chinese Moon Festival Show on Oct. 8, a fascinating cultural performance piece featuring performers straight from Beijing’s greatest concert theaters. Call (800) 585-3737 for tickets and information.

Feeling green? If you are, consider heading over to the Palm Springs Convention Center on 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, from Oct. 6-8 for the first Experience Green Expo. Focusing on incorporating green works and standards into the business and personal endeavors of local and national concerns, the show will offer vendor booths, educational seminars on conservation topics and new green technologies demonstrations. Call (760) 325-6611 for information or visit www.experiencegreen.com.

Do you have news, events, or gossip for Palm Springs Confidential? E-mail them to gillkonam@yahoo.com, or fax to (760) 864-1777.