From Poolside Beats to Red Carpet Vibes: Dinah 2024 Was a Hit
Maggie St.Thomas
Music artist Whitney Peyton on the Red Carpet
The Dinah 2024 went off without a hitch. Five days of music and dancing were all well organized and exquisitely hosted. Security was courteous and tight and made sure that no problems arose.
Night one took place at the Chill Bar in the heart of Palm Springs. DJ Alex D started off the event with a set that got people getting to know one another. Drinks were flowing and photo opportunities were abundant.
Reforma nightclub was the setting for night two where we were again regaled with tunes from DJ Alex D. By midnight DJ Tatiana, a new face, set to spinning fresh tunes.
Friday afternoon we all headed to the resort pool for more sun and fun by DJ P Nasty and DJ Alex D. Whitney Peyton joined revelers in the pool while she gave a performance that was loud and proud. Rose Garcia of The Real L Word was a gracious host.
Event sponsor Tito’s Vodka provided the chance to ride a stationary bike to blend your own drinks and Olivia Travel tossed in floaty toys for us all. Jet the 3rd was a strong performance as well inviting pool partiers to join in her top tunes.
A diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and Dinah Virgins and veterans comprised the week’s attendees. Ten-year Dinah veterans, Chris and Tiffany, flew in from Denver and said they never miss a year since they started coming.
MAKING A SPLASH
Saturday we made our way back to the pool for more from DJ Les Ortiz and DJ Christy Lawrence. Poolside tunes and tacos were exactly what we needed to start the day. Some technical difficulties ensued due to the 115-degree heat overwhelming the computers in use by our DJs but they quickly remedied the situation with some recorded sets.
Afternoon dodgeball and cornhole tournaments brought attendees and celebrity guests together in the spirit of competition. Some of the finest mascs competed for swag and bragging rights. The DJ battle was entertaining as well and then we all went our separate ways to grab dinner and find our finest attire for the Hollywood Party.
Donning her pink cowgirl hat and sash, Tonja Alvis, Ms. Golden State Gay Rodeo Association 2024, was in attendance. Returning to the gay rodeo circuit after a 26-year hiatus and a new pair of knees, she found the event to be welcoming and fun. “I hope to continue coming back and sharing my love of rodeo,” Alvis said.
INVITE ONLY
Susan Feniger at the Dinah VIP Invite, Sept. 28, 2024
At an invitation-only reception for VIP attendees, celebrity chef Susan Feniger proudly presented a tuna ceviche and stunning charcuterie. Her newest restaurant, Alice B., is already a force in Palm Springs’ star-studded restaurant community. Featuring fare that can be heartily enjoyed even in the deep desert heat, Feniger named her restaurant after the author of one of the best-selling cookbooks of the 1950s. Alice B. Toklas, lesbian lover to the poet Gertrude Stein provided some tasty tidbits about their relationship along with recipes to satisfy our carnal curiosities.
We were back with more from DJ Les Ortiz and DJ Tatiana as well as live performances by the inimitable Iniko and the fabulous Lauren Sanderson. Strong tunes from all the performers flooded the ballroom and kept spirits moving. Saturday’s red carpet event included an emotional support cat and the cast of a new lez-centric film rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes: Under the Influencer as well as Emerging Artist winner Lucy & LaMer and King Mala.
Iniko. The Dinah Red Carpet. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
The fun kept going on Sunday, day five, with more pool party at the recently rebranded (formerly Margaritaville) resort with two new faces: DJ KG Fresh and DJ Mod both giving fresh vibes and their own style to the final day of pool party. Chloe Star, Sherelle Holmes, and Lucy & La Mer performed live as pool party entertainment. For those who were still standing on Sunday night there was one final farewell as the Reforma nightclub welcomed us back. DJ Tatiana joined KG Fresh and DJ Mod to wrap it all up. Five days of music and dancing were well spent. Friends were made and traditions were upheld.
Sara Culver and Keeana Kee, at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Keeana Kee, at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Keeana Kee at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Mariah Hanson and Lauren Sanderson at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024DJ Les Ortiz. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Iniko performing live at Dinah Shore Sept 2024Pool Party at the Dinah Shore Sept 2024Pool Party at the Dinah Shore Sept 2024Pool Party at the Dinah Shore Sept 2024Pool Party at the Dinah Shore Sept 2024Pool Party at the Dinah Shore Sept 2024Marlene Forte at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Lauren Jauregui at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024DJ PNasty at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024Lauren Sanderson . Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024DJ Tatiana at Red Carpet Event. Dinah Shore Sept 2024
Article: Sara Culver/ Photography: Maggie St.Thomas
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