Singer and Grammy nominated artist, Elle King

Singer Elle King has been burning up the charts with her catchy single, “Ex’s and Oh’s.” The song is about sleeping with a ton of men and satisfying all of them so much that they keep coming back for more. But! It’s still catchy. Maybe King will switch up the pronouns when she plays to a crowd of queer women at 2016’s Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs. The Dinah is taking place March 30-April 3, 2016. Tickets for the event are on sale now and they are slowly making their musical line-up public. Pop royalty such as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have performed at the lady love fest in the past and the word on the street is that the 2016 line-up is going to be spectacular.

Does King look familiar? She should, her father is comedian Rob Schneider. Also, does anybody else remember the show “Exes and Ohs,” the short lived but much loved sitcom about a bunch of lesbians? I miss that one. “Ex’s and Oh’s” the song is definitely not about lesbians. Anywho, watch the video below!

The post Elle King Headlining at The Dinah first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Yet more than having a big birthday and marking another one for the books, The Dinah 2015 cemented its place in the annals of LGBT history.

The vision that Mariah Hanson imagined a quarter century ago far surpassed her expectations. For little did she know that her Dinah would become her enduring legacy to both the city of Palm Springs and the entire LGBT community.

Today The Dinah stands tall and proud as not just the biggest lesbian event in the planet of its kind, but as well as the world’s single most successful lesbian music and entertainment mega-event.

This is why thousands of women from all over the world gathered in Palm Springs over this Easter weekend to come celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.

And celebrate, they did! The Dinah 2015 was beyond epic and undoubtedly filled with memorable events and magical moments all dedicated to honor the real Dinah … Mariah.

Pop superstar Meghan Trainor who headlined the Black Party on Saturday was certainly not just all about The Dinah but very much all about that Mariah, too.

“She is the reason you are all here having the time of your life,” declared Trainor as she graciously invited Hanson to join her on stage to crown her queen in front of a screaming sold-out crowd. Lips were moving, booties were shaking and fingers were snapping pictures away as the pop sensation took a selfie before shimmying on stage with the newly appointed royal.

The symbolic crowning came on the heels of a series of recognition prizes and awards by city officials and LGBT organizations for her commitment to her craft – including the prestigious Legacy Award bestowed upon her by the NCLR along side Lilly Tomlin a short few hours before Trainor’s homage.

Continuing to cement its reputation as an industry star-maker, this year’s Dinah delivered a mind-blowing slate of performers.

From award-winning Christina Perri to cutting-edge artists Bebe Rexha, Olivia Sommerlyn, Holy Child; to old-school disco icons Crystal Waters and Royce Rose, these series of high-energy concerts were all phenomenally spectacular leaving Dinah audiences in complete awe.

Once again Hanson raised her own bar with a stellar lineup that included a few awesome surprises among which was new “it” girl Ivy Levan.

The latest in a series of big names to perform at The Dinah, Ivy Levan not only drew massive crowds but also enjoyed her Dinah experience so much that, like rap artist Eve last year, she joined the crowd on the dance floor after her electrifying show.

There is indeed something liberating about the Dinah that is extremely infectious and contagious and rises up from the crowd to the performers onstage who just can get enough.

“I’m having so much fun with you guys,” exclaimed Meghan Trainor, “Love who you love and forget the rest.”

Sure, The Dinah is known for its monumental pool parties, stunning women, hottest DJs & Dancers, not to mention celebrity sightings and terrific concerts by international Top 10 Billboard hitmakers. But there’s more to the event than meets the eyes. The real gem to be found at the Dinah are the customers who travel from all over the world to take over Palm Springs and impart a sense of belonging, and complete normalcy.

The Dinah is a freeing and life changing experience for all these lesbians.

It is difficult for some of us to fathom the idea that our lifestyle is not the same for a majority of others, but rather the exception. But once a year The Dinah makes that dream come true.

“It’s a beautiful thing when members of a minority suddenly are not in the minority anymore,” wrote Lane Moore for Cosmo.com after attending this year her first Dinah ever.

What the Dinah truly offers is a glimpse of how perfect the world would be if we could all be free to be who we truly are!

All in all, the 25th Anniversary of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend will be remembered as the most phenomenal Dinah to date.

We all came out of it profoundly moved, deeply touched, completely transformed and empowered

We can hear Christina Perri’s “Burning Gold” lyrics echoing in all of our hearts:

“I’ve had enough, I’m standing up, I need, I need a change.”

Is it Dinah 2016 yet?

“I’ve had enough, I’m standing up, I need, I need a change.”

The post The Dinah: 25 years of awesome first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Mariah Hanson

BY HEATHER CASSELL

GirlsThatRoam

Mariah Hanson, promoter of Club Skirt’s The Dinah, the annual all-girl weekend hosted in Palm Springs, Calif. is being honored with the 2013 Athena Leadership Award for her tremendous contributions to the Palm Springs community.

Mariah will be honored with the 27th Annual Athena Award on behalf of the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce at a special event hosted at the Renaissance Palm Springs on Thursday, Dec. 5.

“I’m humbled to have been considered for this award and especially to be in such stellar company of women,” said Mariah about the award. “I could not be more honored.”

The event will be hosted by Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and CBS Local 2’s Brooke Beare.

“Helene Galen, Carol Channing and Mariah Hanson truly exemplify the highest level of achievement when it comes to excellence in community leadership and all three of these amazing ladies serve as tremendous role models for future generations of women leaders,” says Steve. “I want to thank them for their outstanding contributions to Palm Springs and I encourage everyone in the Coachella Valley to join the Palm Springs Chamber on Dec. 5 as we celebrate these three remarkable women.”

Mary Jo Ginther, director of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism agrees.

A sea of women at one of the famed Dinah pool parties. (Photo: Courtesy of the Dinah)

“Mariah has tirelessly promoted Palm Springs for over twenty years through Club Skirts: The Dinah Shore Weekend. She is a true example of an entrepreneur who has built her business with each individual effort and Palm Springs has been lucky to be the recipient of her efforts,” says Mary Jo.

Mariah was selected to receive this honor because of her visionary leadership as the founder of one of the city’s largest tourism boosters, the world famous and hugely successful The Dinah, which is also known as the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.

For 24 years, Mariah has not only continuously promoted Palm Springs as a destination, but she has also created a viable platform for the advancement of the LGBT community, according to The Dinah news release Oct. 15.

“Palm Springs has been home to the Original Dinah Shore Weekend for the past 24 years. I couldn’t have chosen a better host city to produce the largest lesbian event in the world,” says Mariah. “It’s an amazing LGBT supportive city and this recognition shows just how truly hip and inclusive Palm Springs is. I look forward to The Dinah being here for another 24 years!”

As the largest and biggest lesbian event in the world, the Dinah offers a life-changing experience for myriads of women who come from all over the world to enjoy the freedom to be who they truly are without fearing the judgment, discrimination and prejudice of others. With The Dinah, Mariah provides a haven where acceptance and tolerance – in its deepest values – rule.

The Athena Award is a distinguished national honor awarded annually by the chamber of commerce’s around the nation to pay tribute to women who demonstrate excellence and creativity in their business or in the community at large.

Inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment, the Athena Leadership Award is presented to exemplary community leaders who are honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Additionally, the women who are honored with the Athena Award actively assist women in realizing their leadership potential, pointing out Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber.

This year’s group of honorees is “truly spectacular women leaders making a difference in the Coachella Valley,” says Nona.

Other 2013 honorees joining Mariah are Helene Galen who will be awarded the “Community Icon” Award, and Carol Channing recipient of the “Jackie Lee Houston Angel Award.”

Mary Jo points out that all three women have significantly touched Palm Springs art community.

Helene has been intimately involved with the Palm Springs Art Museum for many years. In the same breath, Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation fosters the benefits of arts back into the curriculum of California public schools, and has funded scholarships for students and teachers in the arts, included here in the Coachella Valley.

Helene has also assisted in the medical world and with children’s programs, Mary Jo points out.

“Carol is a frequent guest at many city events, and it is always an honor and a delight to experience her upbeat and infectious personality,” says Mary Jo.

“Palm Springs wouldn’t be where it is today without their love for our city,” says Mary Jo.  “All three ladies are remarkable and truly deserve this recognition. In very different ways – as promoter, actress, and philanthropist, they have each played a role in the quality of the Palm Springs that we all enjoy today.”

To attend the gala honoring Mariah along with Carol and Helene hosted at Renaissance Palm Springs (888 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 800-468-3571, RenaissanceHotelPalmSprings.com‎) and learn more about The Athena Awards, visit www.pschamber.org or call 760-325-1577.

To learn more about Mariah and attend the 23rd annual The Dinah, visit TheDinah.com.

Originally published by GirlsThatRoam.com

The post Promoter of The Dinah to be honored in Palm Springs first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Stepping into Casa de Frida (450 South Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, Calif. 92262, 760-459-1681, info@casadefrida.com,CasadeFrida.com) is Latin elegance at its best. The recently opened upscale Latin restaurant in Palm Springs, Calif. is a dining experience that shouldn’t be missed by travelers venturing to the desert oasis.

The restaurant is Latin chic with an ode to the late and much beloved Mexican-feminist artist Frida Kahlo. Artfully placed throughout the lounge and restaurant are day of the dead sculptures and Latin colors traveling through time echoing the heritage that inspired this restaurant.

The Barbacoa at Casa de Frida (Photo: Girls That Roam)

Banking on his heritage and that of the Latin world, Victoriano Rodriguez, who is better known as Chef Victor, created dishes where he fused together Latin American, Cuba and the Caribbean and Spanish flavors with his family’s recipes handed down from generations. The result is savory dishes that are unlike anything south of the boarder or from Spain has ever tasted before, but the real magic is his specialty desert that is flan-like, a creamy and thick but un-flan texture baked together on top of a rich chocolate cake base that is a magical miracle and delightful to taste.

Chef Victor is co-owner of Casa de Frida with Matt Naylor and couple Michelle McMckee and Laura O’Kane.

But I’m getting ahead of myself, first guests should stop in at the lounge – that is all at once trendy and modern with its bright Latin colors and warm and welcoming – for a before dinner drink around the vintage mahogany bar as friends gather. The bright Latin colors and designs inspire creativity and a fun atmosphere, while the dark wood furniture and classic upholstery feel like home.

During the summers the dining room opens up onto the patio and the sidewalk with a simple opening of the glass windows.

The drinks are delightful tequila and fruit inspired cocktails and the wine list is small, but exceptional.

Stay for dinner and move into the dining room to enjoy what Chef Victor has dreamed up to serve guests.

Ceviche Costeno at Casa de Frida (Photo: Girls That Roam)

On the night that my group dined at Casa de Frida, we started with the Ceviche Costeno. It was a spicy and light delightful cocktail of raw shrimp cooked in the glass by the lime and other citrus juices and Serrano chiles. The concoction was rounded out by the blend of red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro. The tortilla chips that came with the dish helped take the heat off of the tongue when it got too hot.

Next, up was Barbacoa, a Mexican version of France’s beef bourguignon. The meat fell off the bone it was so tender and juicy and so flavorful and savory. We also sampled the Enchalada Suizas, which was once again a delicious delight. I’m not sure if there is any bad dish on the menu.

Desert lovers, like myself, will appreciate the unique desert menu and Chef Victor’s masterpiece creation, which I don’t even know the name of, but have fond memories of delighting in its flavors and marveling at how it mysteriously all was baked together as it’s very unusual.

Casa de Frida is distinctive and very memorable. I can’t wait to bring Super G back to the restaurant during another trip to the desert and watch her taste Chef Victor’s creations.

The amazing desert at Casa de Frida (Photo: Girls That Roam)

THE DIRTY DISH

Casa de Frida, 450 South Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, Calif. 92262, 760-459-1681, info@casadefrida.com, CasadeFrida.com

TYPE OF RESTAURANT: LGBT-owned, artisan Latino cuisine

RATING: 5 = midnight blue
(0 inedible – 5 a tasty delight)

AMBIANCE: Fun, Latin chic with touches of home.

SCENE: Desert casual chic and hip. A happening place for parties of any size.

SERVICE: Friendly and attentive service that is right on spot.

NOISE LEVEL: In spite of being full, the noise level didn’t get to the point where we couldn’t hear our own conversation at our table.

RECOMMENDED DISHES: The Barbacoa, Chef Victor’s signature dish and the mysterious magical desert (mentioned above).

SIP: Creative tequila and fruit inspired cocktails and a well appointed wine list.

CHECK, PLEASE: $$$$ = Over $30
(price of average dinner/lunch/breakfast/brunch bill for an individual dinner)

THE EAT: I loved the unique fusion of Latin flavors and the ode to Frida throughout the décor to the hospitality.

WORTH THE NIGHT OUT?: This was delicious! = 

Article originally published by GirlsThatRoam.com

The post Chow: Latin fusion at Casa de Frida first appeared on Lesbian.com.

After 23 years of blissful marriage, the City of Palm Springs and the famed Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend — the largest all girl event in the world — are officially renewing their wedding vows.

Celebrating the 2013 milestone “Silver Plate” Anniversary, the victorious pair is symbolically solidifying the lifelong relationship and commitment that run deep between both brides, and reaffirming the sacred union as two of the most popular gay Meccas in the country.

Read more at TheSeattleLesbian.com

The Seattle Lesbian online magazine reaches more than 188,000 readers per week globally.

The post Palm Springs, Dinah renew vows for 2013 event first appeared on Lesbian.com.