Palm Springs Pride marks the end of one season and the beginning of another.

By Joseph S. Amster

After a busy summer of Pride celebration revelry, the laid-back atmosphere of Palm Springs is a great way to not only finish off the Pride season, but to kick-off Palm Springs’ tourist season. As the weather cools off in Los Angeles and the mercury dramatically drops across in the nation, people flock to the desert for some sun and fun now that the temperature has lowered from the oppressive summer sizzle of over 100 degrees to a more temperate high-70s to low-80s.

With the Coachella Valley’s constantly growing LGBT population, Palm Springs Pride is a fitting start for the season—in the last 20 years, the annual event has become one of the largest local events. Whether you’re staying for the weekend, a week, a month, or the whole season, there’s plenty to see and do in the Coachella Valley, but especially at the Nov. 3-4 celebration.

The weekend’s official festivities begin at 10 a.m. at the festival grounds at Angel Stadium in Sunrise Park, located at the corner of East Ramon Road and South Sunrise Way. There’s plenty of parking at the site, and admission is $10.

As with any Pride festival, there is an abundance of booths with offerings ranging from T-shirts, jewelry, leather accoutrements, as well as various national and local companies vying for community businesses, and community nonprofit organizations of every ilk. Be sure to stop by the IN Los Angeles magazine booth to say hi—we’ll be giving away lots of goodies. Palm Springs Pride takes a whimsical approach to dividing up the grounds, with aisles becoming streets named after various LGBT-identified streets like “Castro,” “Santa Monica,” “Christopher” and “Hillcrest.” While strolling the grounds, it’s not uncommon to overhear cell phone conversations like “Meet me at the corner of Polk and Castro.”

While other Pride festivals now have authors’ appearances, Palm Springs was the first, and their Authors’ Village is still the best. Every year, numerous LGBT writers flock to the event to talk about and autograph their books, and this year’s list includes local photographer Tom Bianchi with his new book Deep Sex, as well as his 2007 On the Couch Calendar. Other locals included are writers David Stukas and Michael Kraft, who write about the local arts scene. Also on the roster is Palm Springs Confidential author Howard Johns, who is promoting his latest tome, Hollywood’s Celebrity Playground, and a festival favorite, Christopher Rice. Other authors in attendance and a complete schedule will be announced at the event.

One does not survive at a Pride festival on booths, books, drinks and food alone—one must be entertained. This year’s main stage has a diverse lineup, emceed by Julie Wheeler, Ronn Vigh, Strutt Hurley and Chantel. On Saturday, the entertainers extraordinaire include Mona Caywood kicking off by singing the “Star Spangled Banner,” Culture Shock, the ever-popular San Diego Drag Kings, Jet Black, Strangetown and more. Saturday’s Dance Tent starts at noon with DJ Baby Bear, Mixtress Victoria, DJ Felicia, and DJ Donny spinning. Saturday’s Country Dance Tent features Kickers Cloggers, the L.A. Wranglers, DJ Brett Coffey and more.

Sunday’s the big day, with the Pride Parade stepping off at 10 a.m. from South Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road. The parade transverses down Palm Spring’s main street—Palm Canyon Drive—before reaching its terminus at Ramon Road. The parade is always impressive, with dozens of entries from all over Southern California. Be sure to cheer for this year’s honorees, including Grand Marshals Fabulous Palm Springs Follies Producer Riff Markowitz and Palm Springs True Value Hardware owners Meredith Miller and Carol Dunlap; Man of the Year, Mega-Scene Publisher Bob Hoven, who recently passed away—he accepted the award just prior to his death; and Woman of the Year Dr. Natalie Shermonsky.

Once the Parade is finished, head on over to the Festival for a full day of entertainment, shopping and munchies before the festivities end at 6 p.m. Sunday’s entertainment lineup includes Abigail’s Attic, Miss Fern, Chandalier, Run Honey and more. Today’s Dance Tent includes Platinum III, DJ Sonny and DJ Sol spinning, and country fans can kick up their heels to DJ Renee Weber, DJ Rick Dominges, and catch the L.A. Wranglers and Kickers Cloggers perform.

On the Town

There’s a lot going on in Palm Springs outside of Angel Stadium the weekend of Pride, and plenty of reasons to stay over for the week. Pride weekend activities include the Palm Springs Frontrunners 10th annual 5K Pride Walk and Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event begins at the Palm Springs High School track at the corner of Farrell and Barristo Roads. The Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Rd., offers their production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, continuing through Nov. 12. Other than the fact that Riff Markowitz is one of the Pride Parade’s grand marshals this year, you should catch his Palm Springs Follies because it’s one of the best shows in town. Check it out at www.psfollies.com. IN columnist Jackie Beat will be in town on Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Ignition Coffee Lounge, 123 N. Palm Canyon Dr., at 8 p.m. Disco fans can shake their collective booties with KC and the Sunshine Band at the Spa Casino and Resort, 32-3250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, on Friday, Nov. 3. The McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, offers an evening with Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. For more information, go to www.mccallumtheatre.com. Get it up for Viagra Falls, a world premier pre Broadway exclusive, running at the Indian Wells Theatre, 37500 Cool Street, Palm Desert. For more information, call (760) 341-2883, or go to www.viagrafalls-theplay.com. A theater reading of Tyler Hansen’s play Ballad will be offered by the Desert Pride Center, 611 N. Palm Canyon Dr., on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. For more information, go to www.desertpridecenter.org. The Gay and Lesbian International Bridge tournament runs from Oct. 31-Nov. 5 at the Zoso Hotel, 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr. For more information, go to www.gaybridge.org. The Desert Rainbow Foundation has their annual Gala on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Zoso Hotel featuring Sharon McKnight. For more information, go to www.desertrainbowfoundation.net. The big event everyone’s sticking around for is Palm Springs Leather Weekend 2006: Turning Up the Heat, running Nov. 9-12, with a weekend chock-full of activities. A full run-down can be found at www.pslod.com. For those into cigars, be sure to check www.n2maximus.com for their events planned for the weekend. In case you like to laugh, drop by Dale’s Lost Highway, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, for The Stand-Up every Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m. For more information, go to www.thestandup.net. Returning for its second season, the amazing Cirque Dreams will perform at the Palm Springs Pavilion Theatre on N. Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way from Nov. 8-April 7. You’ll be dazzled by their flights of fantasy.

Wine and Dine

I suppose a diet of egg rolls, gyros and bratwurst is OK if you’re going to be at the Pride festival the whole weekend, but the cuisine in Palm Springs puts the fine in fine dining. With a wide variety of cuisines to please everyone from the timid palate to the seasoned gourmand, Palm Springs’ culinary scene is eclectic, sometimes eccentric and eminently digestive.

Starting at the north end of town, the Uptown Grill, 150 E. Vista Chino Dr., is a great spot for anyone desiring an evening of continental and American classics in an elegant, yet cozy setting. The best burger in town can be had at Hamburger Marys, 415 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Mega-big doesn’t even begin to describe these juicy monsters. If you’ve never had tapas, it’s a good way to have a variety of dishes for a meal. Azul, 369 N. Palm Canyon Dr., comes up with some unique combinations for these small-plate specialties. For those seeking something different on the Italian side, stop in to Boscoso, 707 N. Palm Canyon Dr., for their modern Italian cuisine. Speaking of different, Mariposa, 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr., has some of most original and flavorful South American/Caribbean fusion cuisine I’ve ever tasted. With a wide variety of choices offered on a lovely patio, check out Look, 139 E. Andreas Rd. For a pre-parade breakfast or post-parade brunch, check out the very popular More than a Mouthful Café, 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, if you can get a table. Plum Restaurant, 241 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, features fresh and original cuisine with a California bent. Be sure to have one (or three) of their signature martinis. Lotza Mozza, 119 S. Indian Canyon Dr., specializes in classic Italian cuisine. I highly recommend their homemade meatballs and Italian sausage. Rainbow Restaurant and Bar, 212 S. Indian Canyon Dr., is a long-time community favorite with a fresh new look. They feature American home cooking classics. Located next to Streetbar, Bongo Johnny’s, 214 E. Arenas Rd., is the newcomer, but they’re becoming very popular for their classic American diner-style cuisine. Wangs in the Desert, 424 S. Indian Canyon Dr., is where you’ll find unique pan-Asian cuisine. This place is very popular, so reservations are recommended—it’s no wonder, because the food is great. For a great pre-Pride breakfast, one of by favorite spots for great flapjacks is Elmers, 1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Make this your stop for your pre-festival brunch—the Benedicts are fabulous. Fans of “Q” can find some of the best bones at Tootie’s Texas Barbecue, 68-703 Perez Rd., Suite A1, Cathedral City. If you have any room left after their succulent meats, the cobbler is a must.

Making the Scene

With its abundance of gay nightclubs and resorts, there’s something to suit every taste—from vanilla to licorice. A one-man show by performance artist Garyk Lee takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at SpurLine Video Bar, 202 S. Indian Canyon Dr. For more information, go to www.gayassociatedyouth.org. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr., is a festive location with different themed nights and the best drag shows in town. Hunters Video Bar, 302 E. Arenas Rd., is sure to be packed during the weekend, especially with adult entertainment superstar Caesar appearing on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and the Bare Chest Calendar guys appearing all day. They say it’s “The SeXXXiest event with the HOTtest guys at Pride!!!,” and who are we to argue? La Posada Resort, 280 E. Mel Ave., will have their second annual Men of HERO Models Pride Weekend Erotic Pool Party on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. Admission is $20, with a portion of proceeds going to Pride. Check out the hot details at www.palmspringsstrippers.com. The Villa Resort, 67-670 Carey Rd., Cathedral City, is the place to go if you want to catch a show. In addition, their Butterfields Adobe restaurant is a great spot for dinner before or after the show—they do a fine brunch too. Be sure to catch the one-man show Quentin and I while you’re there for Pride weekend. The Tool Shed, 68-369 Sunair Rd., is popular with the leather/Levi’s set, and they’ll be packed from Pride through Leather Weekend. You must attend their back lot party and vendor fair on Friday, Nov. 10, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., and the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2007 victory party on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 p.m. Another popular leather bar is The Barracks Bar, 67-625 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City, and you can bet your boots it’ll be stuffed all week long. The resort with perhaps the hottest sexual temperature in the Coachella Valley is the Cathedral City Boys Club, or CCBC, 68-369 Sunair Rd. Be sure to be there on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. for their Mr. Gay Palm Springs contest at 3 p.m. and then get a locker for an evening’s play. The entertainment at Rainbow Restaurant and Bar, 212 S. Indian Canyon Dr., always packs them in. In addition to their nightly favorites, be sure to get there in time for their Pride brunch, running from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Check out the newly remodeled Oasis, 611 S. Palm Canyon Rd., which is the place to be to dance the weekend away as Jeffrey Sanker presents a three-night dance party, Nov. 3-5, with DJ Josh Peace on Friday, DJ Joe Gauthreaux on Saturday and DJ Phil B on Sunday. For more info, go to www.jeff

reysanker.com

Please Don’t Leave

After such a fun-filled and jam-packed weekend (you’re going to do everything listed here, aren’t you?), why not stay over for a few days, recover around the pool, and work on your tan? After all, the season’s just starting, and there’ll be plenty to do until the desert gets hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. In the meantime, enjoy the weather, the scene, the eats and all this desert oasis has to offer.

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Dykes in the Desert

What do lesbians do in Palm Springs? They live, stay, play and organize.

Each spring, the desert playground Palm Springs plays host to the world's largest gathering of lesbians: Dinah Shore Weekend. Well over 10,000 women hit the pools, hike the trails, play the links and party all weekend-long. However, lesbians in the know find their way to the desert more often than just Dinah Weekend.

Palm Springs, known for its diversity and friendliness, is also known for its very active lesbian community. Whether it’s politics, physical or social activities, there’s always something for lesbians to do in the desert.

If it is politics that interest you, the desert has several community groups that support and care about lesbians, including Desert Woman for Equality, National Association for Women and Women for Political Action Network. These organizations all have regular meetings and seek new members, so if you’re interested in creating a positive image for lesbians, join one of these groups and get organized.

If you say it's a party you want, there are two groups that offer a variety of activities. Desert Dyners (www.desertdyners.com) is a lesbian social club that meets monthly for mixers, dancing, dinners, golf and much more. If you wish to become a member, go to their Web site and click on membership form. L Spot Palm Springs (www.lspotpalmsprings.com) is an online directory, magazine and event guide for living, laughing and loving Palm Springs lesbians. It provides an easy way to connect, allowing women to get together for functions, teams, politics and parties.

Looking for a bar? Make Delilah’s, 67555 Highway 111 in Cathedral City, your place. Delilah's caters to women and their friends. Friday nights you’ll find a live band for your dancing pleasure. They also have a pool table where you can rack 'em up. Another hot spot for the ladies is Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, located at 2100 North Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. It features a great dance floor, DJ and tropical drinks. Thursday nights you will find the girls at Blame it on Midnight, 777 East Tahquitz, Palm Springs. Local favorite Geninne Jackson sings her heart out and the girls appreciate it.

Is it culture and entertainment you want? Dezart One Gallery, 2688 Cherokee, Palm Springs, offers weekly art events from poetry readings to performance art. Country singer k.d. Lang hits the stage at the Annenberg Theater on Sunday, Nov. 5. Last, but certainly not least, welcome lesbians to the Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival , November 4-5.

Need a place to stay while you play? Palm Springs features two affordable and beautiful resorts that cater to lesbians. Casitas Laquitas, 450 E. Palm Canyon Dr., www.casitaslaquita.com, has 15 Spanish-style casitas surrounding a sparkling pool. All casitas have full kitchens and some feature fireplaces. The inn is known for its gathering room, The Cellar, which provides live entertainment, dancing and offers its guest the opportunity to perform karaoke style. As the season starts, The Cellar also hosts a Sunday night party and screening of The L Word for its guests. Queen of Hearts and Desert Hearts Inn, 435 Avenida Olancha, www.queenofheartsps.com, has 12 rooms with striking mountain views, fruit trees and flowers. You can enjoy the heated pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor fireplace and all of its classic Palm Springs charm. The proprietors at both resorts are happy to assist you in finding additional events and places where lesbians hang. – Denise Roberson

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Curl Up with a Good Book

The Colt Men get bound

by Russell Poncik

For 40 years, the name Colt has stood for masculine, erotic men in the world of photography and film. The success of this vision has not changed since Jim French began taking photographs of beautiful men four decades ago, and Colt Studios continues to bring us vibrant and sexually charged images of models today. The celebration of this rich history will be represented in a retrospective book simply titled Colt 40 to be released this month.

Familiar names such as John Pruitt, Pete Kuzak, Carl Hardwick and Steve Kelso are just part of the story. Superstar Colt Men like Luke Garrett, Gage Weston and Adam Champ are carrying on the tradition today. The book brings these men to life in 160 pages of photographs as each has become an icon in the gay community. All of the photography included was taken between 1967 and 2007 and each model is presented alphabetically—this is truly a celebration of the male nude.

Superstar Carlo Masi is featured on the cover of this collectible and fans will have the opportunity to meet the Colt Man at a book signing in West Hollywood and at several appearances in Palm Springs. He will be appearing at Circus of Books on Santa Monica Boulevard on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2-4 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to meet and get an autograph from one of the biggest names in the adult entertainment industry today.

Carlo will be touring in Palm Springs as well. He’ll be in attendance at a special barbecue pool party at Ozz Resort on Friday, Nov. 17, from 1-5 p.m. Later that evening he will be performing at Club Rio beginning with a special V.I.P. meet and greet at 8 p.m. with shows at 10 p.m. and around midnight. On Sunday, Nov. 19, he will be joined by fans at a dance pool party at the Canyon Club Hotel from 1-5 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Corey D of PNN Radio. All of these events will feature an array of special giveaways and other surprises.

Additionally, Colt Man Chris Wide will be in Palm Springs during Pride weekend. An evening pool party is planned for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Canyon Club Hotel. Chris will be riding in the parade with IN magazine and OutBound Tours on Sunday, Nov. 5, and will also be greeting fans at the IN magazine booth at the festival during the afternoon.

The Colt Studio Web site is a 2005 Cybersocket Web Award winner for best video company site and contains a wealth of information about their models and extensive line of leather goods and other movies. Orders are now being taken for Colt 40, which carries a retail price of $49.95. To learn more, visit www.ColtStudios.com, or better yet, just be there to meet one of the superstars in person as they tour Southern California.